Disrupting back Screens
Automatic Switch Technique
Back screens are misdirection plays, normally, set for a weakside back cut lob pass. For any team unprepared to defend them, back screens can have a real psychological effect on the outcome of the game.
Since the defender being screened has their back to the screen and cannot see it coming, the defender guarding the screener must alert their teammates of an ensuing back screen. If/when a back screen does take place, an automatic contact switch must take place. The defender guarding the screener, must disrupt the screen by jumping out into the path of the receiver cutting to the basket. The player being screened must step around the screener into a strong pass denial position preventing the screener from rolling to the basket. The player guarding the ball must also pressure the ball handler into dribbling.
Defender X3 must warn X5 and disrupt O3's back screen. As O5 comes off the back screen, defender X3 steps out and blocks O5's path to the basket. X5 then assumes a pass denial position of X3. X1 pressures passer into dribbling. Whenever possible, anticipate and recognize the back screen and "Invert" prior to screen to keep big players inside.
High Post Back Screen
Defender X3 must disrupt O3's back screen and warn defender X5 of the impending back screen. As O5 comes off the back screen, defender X3 steps out and blocks O5's path to the basket. X5 then assumes a pass denial position on screener X3 preventing any roll to the basket. X2 helps out by pressuring passer O2 into dribbling.
Back Screens - Don'ts
Problem of chasing UNDER the screen
When the defender CHASES under the back screen, it opens up the lob or an easy lay up or dunk.
Problem of Showing & Recovering
When the defenders show and recover, the screener can fake or slip the screen and cut away to the basket for an easy lay up.
Problem of cheating OVER the screen early
When the defender cheats over the back screen early, it allows the shooter to pop back out for open shot.
After cheating over the back screen early, if defender X5 tries to recover, O5 can simply back cut to the basket for a lay up.
