Types of Screens
Back Screen
The back screen involves an off-ball player setting a screen behind a teammate’s defender. This will often catch the defender unaware and allows the offensive player to cut towards the basket where they can receive the pass and finish with an open layup.
Example of a Back Screen:
- 4 steps out of the low post and sets a screen on 2's defender.
- 2 cuts backdoor towards the hoop.
- 1 passes to 2 for the open layup.
Ball Screen
A ball screen is a broad term for any basketball screen set for the player who is currently in possession of the basketball. This is one of the best ways in basketball to create an offensive advantage.
Example of a Ball Screen:
- 4 comes out of the low posts to set an on-balls screen on 1's defender.
- 1 uses the screen and attacks the hoop.
Cross Screen
A cross screen occurs when a player cuts to the opposite side of the floor to set a screen for a teammate. This most commonly happens in the paint and can be a great way to get a player who was on the weak side of the floor open for a quick shot or layup.
Example of a Cross Screen:
- 2 cuts across the paint to screen 4's defender.
- 4 cuts towards the strong side of the court.
- 1 passes inside to 4 for an open layup.
Down Screen
A down screen (also known as a pin down) is any screen set that involves the screener facing their chest towards the baseline. This results in the players receiving the screen cutting away from the hoop which is why they’re mostly used to get shooters open on the perimeter.
Example of a Down Screen:
- 4 steps off the high post and sets a down screen for 2.
- 2 walks their defender towards the hoop and the explodes out to the perimeter.
- 1 passes to 2 for the open three-point shot.
Drag Screen
A drag screen is an on-ball screen set by a trailing offensive player in transition. This screen is effective because the screener’s defender won’t usually be in good position and will be unable to provide help on the ball-handler.
Example of a Drag Screen:
- 4 sprints down the court in transition and then screens 1's defender.
- 1 uses the screen and attacks the hoop.
Flare Screen
A flare screen is an off-ball screen that allows a player to cut away from the basketball to a spot somewhere around the perimeter. If an on-target skip pass is made, this is a great basketball screen for getting the team’s best shooters open for outside shots.
Example of a Flare Screen:
- 4 steps out of the low post to set a screen behind 2's defender.
- 2 cuts from the wing towards the baseline.
- 1 skip passes over the top to 2 who should be open for a three-point shot.
Flat Screen
A flat screen involves a player setting a screen for the player with the basketball while their back is facing towards the basket. This can be a very difficult screen for the on-ball defender to avoid, especially if the ball-handler is moving quickly and looking to attack the rim.
Example of a Flat Screen:
- 4 steps off the block and sets a screen directly behind 1's defender.
- 1 fakes left and dribbles back towards the middle of the court.
Hammer Screen
The hammer screen is a variation of the back screen and involves a player setting a screen on the weak side of the court which allows their teammate to cut to the corner for an open shot. This is a great basketball screen to get shooters open as it often catches the defense unaware.
Example of a Hammer Screen:
- 1 drives past their defender and towards the baseline.
- As this happens, 2 steps up and sets a back screen on 2's defender.
- 2 cuts to the corner.
- 1 passes along the baseline to 2 in the corner for the three-point shot.
Horns Screen
A horns screen occurs when two off-ball players set an on-ball screen on either side of the ball-handler’s defender. This usually happens at the top of the key and gives the dribbler the option to attack going left or right depending on what the defense is giving them.
Example of a Horns Screen:
- 4 and 5 step up and set screens on either side of 1's defender.
- 1 reads their defender and then picks a side to attack.
Ram Screen
A ram screen involves and off-ball screen that leads immediately into an on-ball screen.
This is an effective action because it’s difficult for the defender getting screen in the first action to recover quickly enough to provide good help on the ball-handler in the on-ball screen.
Example of a Ram Screen:
- 4 sets a screen on 5's defender.
- 5 cuts to the top of the key and screens 1's defender.
- With 5's defender being slow to help, 1 quickly attacks.
Step Up Screen
A step up screen involves a player stepping out of the low post to screen for the player with the basketball to attack the baseline. The screener should make sure to have their back towards the baseline.
Example of a Step Up Screen:
- 4 steps off the block to set a screen on 1's defender with their back to the baseline.
- 1 drives towards the baseline.
UCLA Screen
The UCLA screen is a variation of a back screen. It’s set at the high post elbow and allows a perimeter player to cut towards the strong side block. This screen was made popular by John Wooden's UCLA offense during the 50’s and 60’s.
Example of a UCLA Screen:
- 4 sets a screen on 2's defender on the high post.
- 2 cuts from the slot position towards the strong side block.
- 1 passes to 2 for a post up or layup.