The key to defensive success: dominate the screens

Protection is an important offensive weapon in today’s game. Teams that are able to stretch defenses with good screens and set up shooters have an advantage in any game. Reggie Miller is an example of an NBA great who made a living off spotting action on his Pacer teammates.

From a coaching point of view, I feel like defending screens is one of the most overlooked parts of the game. Since screens are used as an offensive tool, it makes sense that we teach our players how to beat screens. Most of my teams have ground movement attack and it has helped keep our defense sharp. Running the move offense every day in practice helps your players deal with detection situations constantly.

Defending and beating screens requires a learned mindset. A player must develop the attitude that he will not be banned under any circumstances. In practice, all possible screen types are used along with specific details on how to defeat that screen. Players need to believe they can beat screens, not just defend them. This tough mentality can be established by the coach who preaches and teaches it every day. A common mistake by defenders is to forgo initial contact and stand up straight. Excuses can quickly follow as well when players fail to get past the screen.

A good game plan can prepare a player for most of the detection situations that they will face during the game. Preparation also improves the chances for proper communication, so both defensive teammates realize when a screen is being set up and how to handle each one. This can help your team go into games feeling good about the game plan and confident to win.

Keys to beat screens

• Move like the offensive player moves–If you react to his movement, you will always be behind and you will be susceptible to all kinds of screens. Essentially, players must beat the offensive player on the spot. Get to that point on the ground before him.
• Get through tight screens and eliminate body contact–Since the offensive player is trying to “put a body on you,” being tight and throwing the hips and front foot aggressively are key. By boosting your lead foot, you will create momentum to slide across the screen.
• be a fighter–Instead of dying on initial contact, players ricochet and fight to stay close to the cutter. As long as you can avoid a crowd, use all the weapons you have. Players must adopt an aggressive attitude, never giving up on detection.
• Close the gap between you and the cutter.–When you feel that your man prepares you for a screen, approach him or climb on him. You will have less ground to cover and you will be with him practically step by step. Coaches often use the term “stepping,” which means that the defender literally follows the movement of the cutter inch by inch. This is particularly effective against ball-side-down blocks and “baseline runner” blocks.
• Communicate–Being an alert defender, you can see screens unfold before they reach you. The specific communication may be “screen to the right, screen to the right.” This alert is called by the blocker’s defender as soon as they see the block coming. The screens need to be called out loud and with great urgency! The communicator advocate must do three things.
• Indicate to your partner that a screen is coming up.
• Indicate which side or direction the screen is coming from.
• Indicate which decision needs to be made on the screen, ie pass, switch or catch.

Here are the general team rules to follow regarding screens.

• We never intend to turn on the displays unless the situation becomes an emergency. It is more effective to switch player “likes”, like switching between two guards. Big and small screens should never be changed. Changing sometimes leads to laziness and making excuses. Players must commit to clearing all screens.
• The rear screen is a difficult screen to maneuver. Our rule simply states that if a player takes a hit and can’t get through a back screen, they are automatically switched.
• We will handle various screens differently, depending on the opponent. This is where game preparation comes into play and usually defines the difference between winning and losing. For example, when a specific player receives a ball block, we will jump and double the dribbler forcing him to pass. If this player is not an offensive threat, we will outplay him normally. These decisions are made mainly due to the opponent’s ability to shoot, especially three.

Any coach can drastically strengthen their defense by focusing on the art of beating screens. He decides not just to defend the screens, but to beat them. The time and effort it takes to add this to your defensive arsenal will pay off on game night and result in more wins.