How to Spot an Illegal NBA Screen

Setting a screen in an NBA basketball game is a perfectly legal play if done correctly. A player sets a screen to block an opposing player from getting to a desired location. Learn to spot an illegal screen and identify a foul the referee should call.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Look for contact. Check to see if the player setting the screen makes bodily contact with the opposing player. If the player setting the screen is in front or to the side of a player who is not moving, the screen can be set as close as possible to the opposing player. However, if the player setting the screen makes contact, the screen is illegal. An NBA referee should call a foul.
2. Watch the position. If the player setting the screen sets the screen behind a non-moving player, the screen must allow that player to take a full step back without making contact. The opposing player is not expected to be able to see the screener behind him, and therefore is allowed room for movement. If that opponent is not given the space to change direction or go around the screener, the screen is illegal and considered a foul.
3. Check for movement of the screened player. If the opponent is moving, the screener must stop in enough time to give the opponent the opportunity to stop or change directions. The legal distance between the screener and the opponent is determined by the rate that both NBA players are traveling. If the screener does not permit the opponent enough time to stop or change directions, the screen is illegal.
4. Notice the direction or path of both NBA players. If they are traveling in the same direction contact is made, the player that is slightly behind the other is responsible for the contact. It is legal for the player in front to stop completely to set a screen or moderate his pace. However, it is illegal to move backward or sideways to screen an opponent.