How to Run a Basketball Offense: Screen
Whether called a screen or a pick, this move is so fundamental and essential, you won't survive a game without it. It blocks a defender to free either the ball handler (the pick) or another player (the screen).
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Things You'll Need
- Athletic Socks
- Basketball Uniforms
- Basketball Hoops
- Basketball Shoes
- Basketballs
Instructions
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Note that in this example, the point guard has the ball; your job is to strip the defender off him.
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Run to the defender's side and stand slightly behind him.
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Raise your elbows to the sides, hands pulled into the chest.
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Spread your feet into a strong stance.
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Brace for impact.
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Understand that when the point guard dribbles around you, the defender will bump into you rather than pursue. You've picked off his man.
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Tips & Warnings
Time your move correctly. If you attempt to pick too late, you may be in motion when the defender bumps into you. The official may call a foul.
Don't raise your arms to the side for a wider screen; the official is more likely to call a foul.
Remain motionless while screening. Otherwise you'll be called for a moving screen violation.
If you have any condition that would impair or limit your ability to engage in physical activity, please consult a physician before attempting this activity.
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Comments
View all 6 Comments-
Feb 06, 2006
If you are playing co-ed basketball, and the person on your team needs a screen and you are a girl and a boy is guarding the point guard (or the person who has the ball), if you come up and set a screen; be careful. Boys usually have more hitting impact so girls, make sure you brace extra tight. -
Feb 06, 2006
If you are playing co-ed basketball, and the person on your team needs a screen and you are a girl and a boy is guarding the point guard (or the person who has the ball), if you come up and set a screen; be careful. Boys usually have more hitting impact so girls, make sure you brace extra tight.
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Nov 22, 2005
When screening, stay stationary. If you are moving before your team mate comes towards you, you will get a moving foul.
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Nov 22, 2005
In most pickup games, players are only concerned with on-the-ball screens--that is, setting a screen on the ball handler's defender. Equally effective are away-from-the-ball screens. You can screen a teammate's defender who is on the post (screen down), screen high, or you can screen a teammate's defender moving away from the ball (screen away). These often open up the cutting lanes and lead to easy baskets.
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Nov 22, 2005
The author mentions not raising your arms to the side, but it's also important to not use them to impede the defenders motion by putting them out in front of you. Your body should absorb the entire impact and your arms should only be used to protect yourself.
