Screen : The basketix lexicon

“Right! Switch! Double Double!” If you’ve ever attended a basketball game, whether pro or amateur, you’ve surely heard these shouts. These help direct the defender when a screen is being set. But what is the point of it during a game? We explain it all.

What is a screen in basketball?

A “screen” is an offensive and/or defensive move where the objective is to use one’s body to block the opposing player’s path. On offense, the screen is often set at the top of the key so that the point guard can use it as he pleases to start a dribble drive, take an open shot, or force the defense to switch onto him to free up a teammate for an easy basket. On defense, the screen is often used during rebounds. We call this the “box out” (or écran de retard in French). The goal is simple: use your body to put your opponent behind you and secure the rebound. Finally, a screen can be used to draw a charge. The player stops and waits to take the opponent’s impact head-on, without moving their feet. If this screen is well-positioned, the defender forces an offensive foul. A sneaky tactic, sure, but one that works when executed well.

So, how do you use a screen properly?

There are two ways to perfectly use a screen in an offensive phase. These two methods come from systems well-known to ballers:

• The Pick & Roll: This “system” is fairly simple to understand. The ball handler, often the point guard, calls for a screen at the top of the key. When the center gets in position, the point guard takes the screen, while at the same time, the big man “rolls” into the paint to receive the ball in the best conditions to score an easy basket. (Diagram 1)
• The Pick & Pop: This system is almost similar to the Pick & Roll. The only difference is the movement of the center or the forward. The moment the point guard uses the screen, the big man or the shooter will position themselves behind the arc (or simply not move) to receive the ball facing the basket and attempt a shot from their sweet spot. (Diagram 2)

There is also the possibility of setting off-ball screens to free a teammate from heavy marking and allow them to receive the ball in good conditions, or to break a zone press. A practice often seen at the high level, but harder for the general public to spot during a game.

Chris Paul, King of the Pick & Roll

New Orleans Hornets, Los Angeles Clippers, Phoenix Suns, San Antonio Spurs… Wherever CP3 has gone, the pick & roll has become his trademark. So for your viewing pleasure, we’ll let you admire his mixtape—it’s worth the detour.

At Paris Basketball too, we have our master of the craft. TJ Shorts, with his exceptional ability to find open teammates, loves to take advantage of Kevarrius Hayes’ or Léo Cavalière’s size to get “easy” assists. A walking livewire who never ceases to impress the Euroleague, which could well allow him to snag the Regular Season MVP title next May.