Screen (sports)

From Encyclopedia Jr, free information reference for Kids

Setting a screen. Defender (#21 in white jersey) cannot follow his man around the stationary screener (player in purple jersey in foreground).

A screen is a blocking move by an offensive player, by standing beside or behind a defender, to free a teammate to shoot, receive a pass or drive in to score. In basketball, it is also known as a pick. Screens can be on-ball (when set for the ball-handler), or off-ball (when set for a teammate moving without the ball to get open for a pass). The two offensive players involved in setting the screen are known as the screener (who blocks the defender) and the cutter (who gets free from the defender).

Successfully "setting a screen" in team sports such as basketball and water polo requires attention to position and timing. The screener must establish position so that his teammate can move towards the screen. In basketball, the player setting the pick must remain stationary; a moving screen is illegal and may result in an offensive foul. His teammate changes pace and direction, and cuts (moves or dribbles quickly) very close to the screening player. The defender who is covering the cutter will have to push into the screening player, or divert around, losing a few steps. If the screener holds, leans or moves into the defender to cause contact, this will also result in a foul. After setting the screen, the screener is often open to pivot and receive a pass. This tactic is called pick and roll in basketball.

Defensive moves to defeat a screen include sliding by the pick if the screening player leaves space, fighting over the screen (pushing the screener away) if the defender is strong enough, or switching defensive assignments with another defender, who can pick up the cutter on the other side of the screen.

[edit] See also

[edit] External links

Categories: Articles to be merged since September 2006 | Basketball terminology