BASIC BASKETBALL SCREENS

Fundamentals of the Screener (Person setting the screen):
Feet should be a little wider than shoulder-width apart. It’s very important to have a wide, strong base.

Hands should be crossed across your chest (girls) or protecting your groin area (boys)

The screener needs to be stationary as the screen is set. Otherwise, the screener will be called for a offensive foul.
Body should be vertical (should not be leaning forward or backwards).

Square to the defender. The middle of the screener’s chest should be in line with the defender’s shoulder and hips.

After the offensive player has ran off the screen, it is very important to open up to the basketball. Normally, you will pivot 180 degrees to the basketball. Sometimes, a cut to the basket or away from the basket may be open. Many times, the screener is the person who is open.

Fundamentals of the Person Receiving the Screen

Set up the defender – It’s very important for the offensive player to set up the screen. First of all, (s)he needs to wait until the screener is completely set. If (s)he leaves too early while the screener is moving, the screener will get called for an offensive foul.

Second, it’s very good to set up the screen by faking the opposite direction even if it’s only a slight head fake. This will get the defender leaning in the wrong direction and when he explodes the other direction to catch up with you, he’ll run hard into the screen.

Shoulder to Shoulder – When running off the screen, you will need to run shoulder to shoulder. This will not give the defender any room to get around the screen. It will force him to either trail behind you or plow through the screener for a defensive foul.

EXPLODE! It’s very important for the offensive player to blast off of the screen. This will leave the defender in the dust and give you much more time to set up for a shot.