How to teach beginning players set good screens in basketball.

On all levels of play one must not only know the different types of screens, but also the correct manner to set the screen. Many coaches on the higher levels have to reteach this fundamental. There is no where enough time being spent on teaching the use of screens and how to set the screens properly.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. The first step in the teaching of setting a good screen is to show the player how his/her body should be positioned to set a solid screen. Too many players set the screen with no force behind the screen. One should have their feet alittle wider than shoulder width, with hands together protecting the groin area or the over the chest for the girls. The hands must stay next to the body in both cases. One must be still and give the opposing team at least one step.
2. When looking to set the screen, find your opponents shoulder and align your chest with this shoulder, or give this step and your opponent will turn into you trying to stay with their man. In performing a back screen try to set the screen on a 45 degree, as this will let your teammate peel off of you for the back cut. There really is not alot of difference whether you are screening for the ball of off of the ball.
3. In setting the screen we also give a signal and call out the teammates name to help in the communication of the screen being set. The signal that we use is a closed fist, and we hold it above our head. This easy fundamental should not be overlooked when teaching beginning players. For any more questions feel free to contact me here.