Executing Off-Ball Screens
What to Discover or Recall:
To be a really successful team, all players must have an unselfish attitude and work hard to create open shots opportunities for their teammates. This translates into setting and using proper screens.
It is the sole responsibility of the receiver, not the screener, to run their defender into the screen.
In most cases, when a good screen is set, the screener will become the primary pass receiver.
However, most players, all the way to and including the professional level, are ill prepared when it comes to executing off ball screening.
Fundamental Player Skills Required
If you analyze off ball screens, you will see that they are complex tactics requiring the proper execution and coordination on the part of three different players carrying out three different, but critical, roles: The Passer, The Screener and the Receiver. Players can expect to be required to carry out each of the three roles successfully during a game. This means practice and a having a solid, working knowledge of off ball screening fundamentals.
THE SCREENER - A good screen usually results in an open shot.
THE RECEIVER - Responsible for setting up and using the screen.
THE PASSER - A good shot starts with a good pass.
TYPES of OFF BALL SCREENS - Reads & Counters.Official Basketball Rules
Basically, there are two rules to adhere to when it comes to setting legal screens.
1. The screener cannot be moving and must have both feet on the ground. The screener cannot lean or extend any body part (arm, leg, shoulder, hip, knee, etc.) to impede a defender.
2. In setting a back or blind screen, the defender must be given room to turn completely around. This normally is a distance of one full step or an arm's length from the defender.
Violation of these screening rules will result in a personal foul. However, once a legal screen has been set, it is up to the defender to avoid contact.
Screener's Actions
Setting Solid Screens
Setting a good screen starts with a step in the opposite direction. If the defense does not react, make a basket "Give & Go" cut. When defender does react go opposite and set the screen.
When setting a screen, execute a bent knee jump stop keeping arms tucked in close to body.
Maintain vision on the ball at all times by looking back over a shoulder. At the same time, the screener must read the defensive deployment (How the defense is defending against the screen). Normally, teams will defend Off-Ball screens only one way with the majority being "Show & Recover."
Assume a solid, wide base. Do not allow defender to push through screen.
Be stationary and do not lean or step out at last moment. It is the responsibility of the receiver to run their defender into the screen. Being set and holding the screen not only makes the screen more effective; but it also reduces the chances of getting called for a moving or illegal screen.
After setting a solid Off-Ball screen, be alert to roll to basket for shot or rebound, or to pop out for ball reversal and a spot up shot or to replace the primary receiver any time they cut to the basket.
Screener's Reads & Counters
In basketball, it is the defense that dictates offensive options, not the offense. Therefore, the ability to read and counter defensive actions is paramount to any offensive success. In addition, on screens, it is just as important for the screener to read and counter defensive deployment as the receiver.
Defensive Reads: What if the defense . . . .
Click on desired defensive read below to view illustrated counter option.
The receiver's defender CHEATS OVER the screen early?
The defender TRAILS the receiver over the screen?
The defenders SWITCH on the screen?
The screener's defender "SHOWS & RECOVERS"?
The receiver's defender GOES UNDER the screen?
Read: Defender ANTICIPATES the screen and cheats over the screen early.
Counter: Screen & Replace
The receiver should back cut to the basket for shot, and the screener must then step out to the ball replacing the receiver.
Read: Defender TRAILS the receiver over the screen and the receiver CURLS to the basket.
Counter: Screen & Replace
When the receiver curls and cuts to the basket, the screener must then step out to the ball replacing the receiver.
Read: Receiver BACK CUTS to basket against the defender's strong overplay.
Counter: Screen & Replace
When the receiver back cuts to the basket, the screener must step then out to the ball replacing the receiver to keep the court balanced.
Read: After setting a solid screen, the defense SWITCHES.
Counter: Screen & Roll
Screener seals off the receiver's defender and rolls to basket for shot or post up.
Read: The defenders SWITCH on screen.
Counter: Screen & Pop
On a switch, the screener also has the option of popping out for a spot up shot rather than rolling to the basket.
Read: The screener's defender "SHOWS & RECOVERS on screen."
Counter: Slip the Screen
When the screener's defenders "Shows" on the screen, the screener immediately breaks off the screen and cuts away to the basket for shot.
Read: The receiver's defender GOES UNDER the screen.
Counter: Roll & Rebound
When the receiver's defender goes under the screen, the receiver pops out for open shot and the screener rolls to basket for shot or rebound.
Receiver's Actions
Utilizing the Screen
The most common error in using a screen is moving BEFORE the screener can get set. Have patience and wait until screener is in position prior to initiating action.
It is the receiver's responsibility to rub defender off screener. Receiver sets up the screen by walking defender down in opposite direction.
Change direction and accelerate off the screen.
"Center" the screen and drive the defender into the screen by taking a step with inside foot directly into the screener.
Come off the screener tight (shoulder to shoulder) with explosiveness.
Have both hands up coming off the screen. Want and call for the ball.
Receive the pass in the air and land with a two-footed jump stop facing the passer.
"Centering" the Screen
With head up and eyes on passer, "Center" the screen by stepping toward the screener. Then step over the screen with outside foot extending a target hand. This will force the defender into either going over or under the screen.
The receiver should receive the ball facing the passer in a knees flexed, triple threat position. This will allow the receiver to execute either a front or reverse pivot.
Front Turn
Receiver squares up to the basket by executing a front pivot. This will provide for a quick jump shot when the defender is slow closing out or has their hands down. If the defender should cheat over the screen, the receiver should fade to the baseline for an open shot.
Reverse Turn
Receiver pivots on inside foot and while executing a low, knees flexed, drop step with outside foot. If the defender overplays the passing lane, the reverse turn will allow for a quick drive to the basket. If the defense switches the receiver can make a bounce or wrap around pass into the post who also executes a reverse turn against the smaller defender.
Receiver's Reads & Counters
The basic reads and counters include: If the receiver's defender cheats over the screen early, the receiver back cuts to the basket. When the defender chases over the screen, the receiver should curl to the basket. If the defenders switch, look for the screener rolling to the basket. Anytime the screener's defender "Shows & Recovers," the screener should slip the screen and cut away to the basket. And, lastly, if the defender goes under the screen, the receiver should "Pop Out" for open jumper.
Defensive Reads: What if the defense . . . .
Click on desired defensive read below to view illustrated counter option.
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The receiver's defender DOES NOT REACT to screener's initial basket step?
The defender TRAILS THE RECEIVER over the screen?
The receiver's defender GOES UNDER the screen?
The receiver's defender CHEATS OVER the screen early?
The receiver's defender FIGHTS OVER the screen and denies the passing lane?
The defenders SWITCH on the screen?
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The screener's defender "SHOWS & RECOVERS" on the screen?
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The receiver's defender GETS THROUGH the screen?
Read: The defender anticipates the screen and DOES NOT REACT to the receiver's initial basket step.
Counter: Back Cut
When the defender does not react to the initial basket step, the receiver should back cut to the basket for an easy shot.
Read: The defender TRAILS the receiver over the screen.
Counter: Curl
When the defender trails, the receiver curls to the basket.
Read: The defender GOES UNDER the screen.
Counter: Pull Up
When the defender goes under the screen, the receiver should anticipate pulling up for an open jumper or spot up shot.
Read: When the defender anticipates and CHEATS OVER SCREEN EARLY.
Counter: Basket Back Cut
If the defender cheats over the screen early, the receiver back cuts to basket for shot.
Read: When the defender FIGHTS OVER the screen and strongly denies the passing lane.
Counter: Basket Back Cut
The receiver can also back cut to the basket for shot, anytime the defender over plays and denies the passing lane.
Read: When the defense SWITCHES on screen.
Counter: Screen & Roll (or Pop)
When the defense switches, imitate screen and rolls action with the receiver continues cut to the ball taking full advantage of any isolation mismatches.
Read: When the defense "SHOWS & RECOVERS."
Counter: Slip the Screen
When the screener's defender "Shows", the screener immediately breaks off the screen and cuts away to the basket for shot and the receiver continues their cut to the ball.
Read: When the defender RECOVERS on the screen.
Counter: Triple Threat
Upon receiving a pass the receiver assumes a triple threat attack position ready to Shoot, Drive or Pass.
Shot Selection
Know your shooting range. Strive to create and take shots that you work on in practice.
Do not hesitate to take and make open shots. Not taking a good shot can often times be worse than taking a bad shot.
On drives and basket cuts, take the ball strong to the basket and finish!
When an open shot is not readily available, move the ball. Have patience and make the defense work.
Ten Sure Ways to Improve Your Shooting
The Passer
The ability to move the ball separates the good players from the mediocre ones and the good ball clubs from the poor ones.
Passing Fundamentals
Good passing technique starts with a basic, strong heads up, triple threat attack position.
Develop pride in your passes. Work hard to perfect all types of passes. Be clever, not fancy.
Never pass to a receiver that does not call for or want the ball.
Use sharp, crisp passes at all times. The longer the ball is in the air, the greater the chance that the defense will intercept or deflect the ball. Also, soft passes are harder to handle especially at high speeds.
Do not telegraph passes. Look off receivers and fake in the opposite direction. Passer may, occasionally, have to drive opposite to prevent the On-Ball defender from playing the passing lane.
Must recognize how the opponents are defending Off-Ball screens, and be alert for the counter option.
Maintain proper spacing
Create a lead and get open before you receive the ball.
Most passes should be made within a 12' to 15' distance. This spacing spreads the defense and allows for quick, accurate passing.
Recognize how the defender is playing the receiver and pass to the opposite side. The receiver should extend a target hand.
Never throw directly at a receiver moving away from you. Always lead the receiver to the basket.
Move with a purpose after making a pass. Make a "Give & Go" cut to the basket for a shot or screen for a teammate.
Types of Off-Ball Screens
Click on the specific screen below to view their basic reads & counters.
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