Screen (Pick)

A screen, also called a pick, is an offensive technique where a player uses their body to block or impede the path of a defender, creating space for a teammate to get open.

Legal Screening Rules

For a screen to be legal, the screener must be stationary when contact occurs, have both feet on the floor, and give the defender enough time and space to avoid the screen if they can see it coming. A moving screen is a foul.

Types of Screens

• Ball screen: Set for the player with the ball (used in pick and roll)
• Off-ball screen: Set away from the ball to free a cutter or shooter
• Back screen: Set behind a defender, usually to free a player for a cut to the basket
• Down screen: Set moving toward the baseline to free a player coming up to the perimeter
• Cross screen: Set horizontally across the lane

Coaching Screening Technique

Emphasize a wide, solid base with feet shoulder-width apart. The screener should have their hands in front of their body (not pushing) and absorb contact without leaning into the defender. Angle the screen to direct the defender where you want them to go.

Tracking Screen Effectiveness

By tagging screen actions in game footage, coaches can evaluate which types of screens lead to the most scoring opportunities and which players are the most effective screeners.