What is the on-ball screen in basketball
The on-ball screen, also referred to as a pick or simply ball screen, consists of action that occurs when at least one particular offensive player cuts to an area of the court to set a screen on a certain defender who is directly guarding another offensive player in possession of the basketball.
During on-ball screen action, the offensive player who sets the screen is also known as a screener while the defender guarding that same offensive player could be called the screener’s defender.
Simultaneously, the defender who is the target of the on-ball screen while guarding the offensive player in possession of the ball is generally referred to as the on-ball defender.
In addition to that, the on-ball screen is a type of basketball screen that is typically implemented against man to man defense but it could also be utilized in certain situations against zone defense as well.
Moreover, as a side note, in a 5-on-5 setting, if the on-ball screen action occurs between two offensive players on the strong side of the court while the other three offensive players are on the weak side, then the screening action could be referred to as two-man action or two-man game.
However, it should be stated as well that two-man action is not only limited to the on-ball screen.
For example, two offensive players, particularly on the strong side, could execute offensive actions such as a dribble handoff or backdoor cut or two offensive players, notably on the weak side could execute off-ball actions such as a flare screen to occupy the defense.
Where is the on-ball screen typically set on the basketball court
The on-ball screen is typically set near the perimeter areas of the court, which generally include the top, the slots, the wing areas, as well as the corner areas.
However, the on-ball screen could also occur via an offensive tactic known as elbow get action that begins with an offensive player in possession of the basketball near one of the high post elbows and the screener located near the opposite high post elbow.
Following that, the screener sets the ball screen on the defender that is directly guarding the offensive player with possession of the basketball.
Afterwards, the player with the ball uses the screen, primarily via dribble action, while the screener rolls to the basket.
From there, the screener could receive the ball and score near the rim, especially by way of a lob pass and/or alley-oop action.
Alternatively, the player with the ball could keep it and score near the basket, mainly due to dribble penetration, or that same player could attempt to score by way of a mid-range jump shot.
Which offensive players would generally set or use the on-ball screen
Generally speaking, perimeter-oriented players in possession of the basketball would typically use the on-ball screen while post-oriented players would typically set the on-ball screen.
In terms of traditional basketball positions, the on-ball screen would be utilized by perimeter-oriented players such as a point guard, shooting guard, or small forward.
Additionally, the on-ball screen would commonly be set by post-oriented players such as power forward or center.
However, it should be noted that this dynamic is not absolutely set in stone. Therefore, depending on coaching philosophy and/or player personnel, it is possible to have various ball screening combinations.
For example, a perimeter player could set an on-ball screen for another perimeter player or a post player could set an on-ball screen for another post player.
Furthermore, the coaching staff could invert the usual on-ball screening action by having a perimeter player set an on-ball screen for a post player if doing so could lead to a potential scoring or playmaking opportunity.
It should also be noted that to avoid an illegal screen violation, the screener should keep their body stationary with both feet locked in place and the receiver of the on-ball screen should not try to use it before the screener is stationary, particularly with both feet locked in place.
In addition to that, in most cases, the screener should try to set the on-ball screen at an angle that influences the on-ball defender to fight over the top of the screen instead of going under it.
The reason that the screener and by extension, the offensive team in general, would want the on-ball defender to fight over the top of the screen, at least most of the time, is simply because the screen would be generally pointless if the on-ball defender could easily avoid the screen just by going under it.
The main situation when the offensive team might want the on-ball defender to go under the screen is if the player in possession of the ball has an above average jump shot, especially from three-point range.
Basically, in the instance when the on-ball defender goes under the screen, that automatically creates a moment of time and separation for the offensive player with the ball to take an uncontested (or semi-contested) jump shot.
Why is the on-ball screen important to consider
In terms of basketball offense, the on-ball screen is important to consider because it could potentially generate scoring opportunities near the basket or near the perimeter, mainly due to defensive breakdowns between the on-ball defender and/or one or more off-ball defenders.
Basically, when the on-ball screen is set, the offensive player in possession of the basketball could use that screen to impede the defensive sliding movement of the on-ball defender.
Additionally, if the on-ball defender’s movement is totally prevented by the on-ball screen as opposed to fighting over the top or going under the screen, then that could result in ineffective or non-existent on-ball pressure, which would be beneficial for the player with the ball and the offensive team as a whole.
Afterwards, the player in possession of the ball could dribble into the gaps of the defense, via dribble penetration, which could then lead to help defense rotations by one or more off-ball defenders.
When that occurs, at least one of those helping defenders would be momentarily out of proper alignment, which could then lead to breakdowns for the defensive team and potential scoring or playmaking opportunities for the offensive team.
What actions or tactics could defenders use to hinder the on-ball screen
Fight over the top
The on-ball defender could fight over the top of the screen in an attempt to keep some level of defensive pressure on the player in possession of the ball.
This could be a viable action particularly if the on-ball defender is quick and nimble enough to slither over the top of the screener, especially if the on-ball defender could anticipate the on-ball screen or the screener does not establish a solid base when setting the screen.
In addition to that, the on-ball defender might also consider fighting over the top of the screen particularly when the player in possession of the ball is an above average perimeter shooter.
Go under the ball screen
The on-ball defender could go underneath the ball screen in an attempt to avoid it altogether.
This can be very useful if the screener does not set the screen at such an angle that essentially forces the on-ball defender to fight over the top of the screen.
Also, the on-ball defender could consider going under the screen if the player in possession of the ball is a below average perimeter shooter.
Essentially, the on-ball defender would momentarily release defensive pressure from the player with the ball while going under the screen.
However, if the player with the ball is not a good shooter, then the on-ball defender does not necessarily have to worry about giving up the potential wide open jump shot.
Instead, by going under the ball screen, the on-ball defender would essentially be able to contain the ball and limit dribble penetration as well.
Cheat the screen
The on-ball defender could anticipate the ball screen and attempt to cheat over the top of it before it is fully set by the screener and then utilized by the player in possession of the ball.
In other words, the on-ball defender could try to cut off the potential dribbling route for the player with the ball before that same offensive player is able to use the screen.
This particular action might be effective in limited cases but it most likely will not have a desirable outcome for the on-ball defender if the player in possession of the ball counters by rejecting the screen.
Implement defensive hedge
The on-ball defender and the screener’s defender could implement a defensive hedge against the ball screen action.
Basically, the on-ball defender could fight over the top of the screen while the screener’s defender could get parallel with the screener or possibly cut above the on-ball screen to limit or totally prevent dribble penetration.
This tactic could be utilized if the player in possession of the ball has above average dribbling and shooting skills. Furthermore, the hedge could be considerable if the screener’s defender has quick feet to temporarily contain the ball before recovering to the screener.
Implement drop coverage
The on-ball defender and the screener’s defender could implement drop coverage against the ball screen action to hinder its effectiveness.
Essentially, the on-ball defender could fight over the top of the on-ball screen while the screener’s defender stays below the screener, particularly slightly above or underneath the free throw line.
The drop coverage is generally recommended if the player in possession of the ball has an above average slashing ability but a below average shooting skill set.
Also, the drop coverage could be regarded if the screener is also a non-shooter and the screener also prefers rolling to the basket after setting the on-ball screen.
Implement ice defense
The on-ball defender and the screener’s defender could implement ice defense, particularly against an on-ball side screen near the wing area.
Basically, if a player has possession of the ball near the wing and would like to dribble towards the lane via a side ball screen, then the on-ball defender could jump above that screen to force the on-ball defender towards the baseline.
As that occurs, the screener’s defender could temporarily contain the player with the ball until the on-ball defender is able to recover.
The ice defense could be potentially useful if the player with the ball is a below average shooter and the screener’s defender prefers rolling to the basket after setting the ball screen.
Implement switch defense
The on-ball defender and the screener’s defender could implement switch defense during the moment of the on-ball screen action.
Basically, the on-ball defender and the screener’s defender could simply exchange the players that they are covering to nullify the effectiveness of the ball screen.
This tactic could be viable if both of the defenders are capable of guarding multiple positions, particularly perimeter-oriented positions.
Also, switching could be viable if the on-ball defender and the screener’s defender are about equal size and/or speed when compared to the player with the ball and the screener.
Otherwise, switching could lead to potential defensive mismatches if the defenders are not able to guard multiple positions and/or if the defenders switch unto offensive players who would have a size or speed advantage over them.
Blitz the ball screen
The on-ball defender and the screener’s defender could blitz the ball screen, primarily at the top in the middle of the basketball court.
Basically, the on-ball defender and the screener’s defender could execute blitz action by extending defensive pressure, notably with high hands, against the player in possession of the ball immediately after that same player utilizes the screen.
When that occurs, the player in possession of the ball would be influenced to use an escape dribble and/or pass the ball quickly to another teammate as a way to alleviate the defensive pressure.
As a result, the defenders that implemented the blitz action could possibly eliminate effective dribble penetration and/or disrupt general offensive flow.
However, the downside with the blitz is that the screener (or another offensive player in certain instances) could counter it by executing a short roll towards the gap of the overall defense, typically in the middle of the court.
Next, the player in possession of the ball could pass it to that open teammate and when that occurs, the player that received the ball could take a jump shot if open, drive to the basket themselves, or possibly execute a kick pass to another teammate who could then shoot or drive.
Furthermore, the blitz action will usually require multiple defenders to rotate, which could lead to breakdowns, especially if the player with the ball is able to pass out of the blitz.
Implement trap defense
The on-ball defender and the screener’s defender could set up a trap during the ball screen action, notably near the wings or corners.
In a nutshell, the on-ball defender and the screener’s defender could trap by executing a double team, particularly with high hands while keeping the player in possession of the ball near the sideline areas as much as possible.
Afterwards, if the player with the ball picks it up, which causes a dead dribble, then the nearest off-ball defenders that are one pass away could possibly execute denial defense against the adjacent off-ball offensive players.
By doing that, the player in possession of the ball could have a difficult time passing out of the trap to a nearby teammate.
What actions could the screener execute after setting the on-ball screen
Roll to the basket
The screener could roll to the basket and receive the ball from the offensive player that used the on-ball screen. Afterwards, the screener could potentially score near the basket with a layup, dunk, or low post move.
Pop to a perimeter spot
The screener could pop to a empty spot near one of the perimeter areas of the court. This action could be highly effective if the screener is a post player with shooting ability, particularly from three-point range, such as a stretch four.
Set a secondary on-ball screen
The screener could re-screen or twist the initial screen, by setting a secondary on-ball screen on the opposite side of the first screen.
This will usually occur as a response or counter to defensive actions or tactics of the on-ball defender and/or the screener’s defender.
For example, if the on-ball defender goes under the first screen to meet the player in possession of the ball on the other side of the screen, then the screener could simply re-screen on the opposite side of that first screen.
When that occurs, it is generally much more difficult for the on-ball defender to effectively avoid the secondary screen.
Receive an off-ball screen
The screener could receive a screen from another offensive player after setting the initial on-ball screen, which is also a form of screen the screener action.
Set an off-ball screen
The screener could set an off-ball screen for another teammate that is away from the on-ball action. For example, the screener could initially set the on-ball screen and immediately after that, the screener could set a wide pin down screen for another teammate on the weak side of the ball.
What actions could the player in possession of the ball execute after the on-ball screen
Drive to the basket and score
The player in possession of the ball could use the on-ball screen and immediately drive to the basket. Afterwards, the player with the ball could score by way of a layup/dunk or floater/runner.
Drive to the basket and pass
The player in possession of the ball could drive to the basket but pass to another teammate as opposed to attempting to score themselves. This could occur as a counter/response to rotations by the help defenders.
Basically, let’s say that the player with the ball is able to use the on-ball screen to get near the basket but a certain off-ball defender is able to protect the basket, especially because of a possible height advantage.
When that occurs, the player in possession of the ball could potentially execute a kick pass or drift pass to a teammate near one of the perimeter areas of the court.
From there, that same teammate could then take a jump shot if open or possibly dribble drive towards the basket as well.
Dribble between the on-ball defender and the screener’s defender
The player in possession of the ball could possibly use a quick dribble to split in between the on-ball defender and the screener’s defender.
This particular action would generally occur as a counter if the screener’s defender tries to hedge but jumps above the screen (usually too early) without properly sealing the gap between themselves and the on-ball defender.
Afterwards, the overall defense would be at a significant disadvantage as two defenders (i.e. the on-ball defender and the screener’s defender) would be behind the player with the ball.
Take a mid-range jump shot
The player in possession of the ball could take a mid-range jump shot in certain instances such as when the on-ball defender fights over the top of the on-ball screen and the screener’s defender is in drop coverage.
Take a three-point jump shot
The player in possession of the ball could take a three-point shot in certain situations such as when the on-ball defender goes under the screen and/or the screener’s defender is in drop coverage or executing a soft/lateral hedge.
Reject the screen
The player in possession of the ball could reject or refuse the on-ball screen instead of using it and then dribble in the opposite direction of the screen.
This could potentially occur as a counter if an on-ball defender attempts to cheat over the top of the on-ball screen.
Furthermore, in some situations, if the player in possession of the ball already knows that the on-ball defender will attempt to fight over the top of the screen, then the player with the ball could bait that same on-ball defender towards the on-ball screen.
For example, let’s say that the player with the ball received it from another teammate but has not initially dribbled it while being guarded by a particular on-ball defender.
From there, the player with the ball could jab step towards the screen to get the on-ball defender to jump towards that direction and immediately afterwards, that same player with the ball could dribble in the opposite direction.
As another example, let’s say that the player with the ball is already dribbling it prior to the on-ball screen but that player already knows or at least suspects that the on-ball defender will try to cheat over the top of the screen.
From that point, the player in possession of the ball could bait the on-ball defender into moving over the top of the screen by executing action such as the in and out dribble move.
Following that, the player with the ball could reject the on-ball screen and dribble on the opposite side towards the basket.
What is an example of the basic on-ball screen
This is an example of the basic on-ball screen that is commonly utilized in simple pick and roll situations at all levels of the sport from youth basketball to the pros.
Also, the basic on-ball screen usually occurs at the top in the middle of the court.
On the diagram above, 1 uses the on-ball screen set by 5 and dribbles towards the right side wing. Following that, 5 rolls to the basket, receives the ball from 1, and scores at the rim.
What are the different types of on-ball screens
Drag
The drag screen typically occurs during transition offense and it is usually set by the trailing post player.
Essentially, the trailing post player would gather the defensive rebound on a missed shot or execute an inbound pass on a made basket by the opposing team prior to the transition offense.
The example diagram demonstrates the drag screen action during full court transition offense. To begin, 1 receives the ball from 4 by way of a defensive rebound. Afterwards, 5 runs to the rim and then towards the right side low post block while 2 and 3 sprint to the corners.
Following that, 1 dribbles toward the left slot area via the drag screen set by 4 who also pops to the right slot area. Next, 4 receives the ball from 1 and could take the jump shot if open.
Flat
The flat screen is a type of on-ball screen that is similar to a standard back screen and it is typically set by a low post player for a perimeter player such as the point guard.
The flat screen is also generally set beyond the three-point arc in the middle of the court and its primary advantage is that because it gives the player in possession of the ball an option to go towards either side of the screen.
Furthermore, due to its screening position, the flat screen is much more difficult for the on-ball defender to cheat or avoid by going under it.
On the basic diagram example, 1 utilizes the flat screen set by 5 to attack the basket and score at the rim.
Double
The double ball screen occurs when the player in possession of the ball receives two consecutive on-ball screens.
The double ball screen also typically occurs when the player is near a slot or wing. Additionally, the double ball screen could occur during transition offense as a double drag screen as well.
On the diagram example, 1 dribbles toward the left side of the court via the double ball screen set by 4 and 5. Following that, 5 rolls to the basket while 4 pops to the left slot area.
From that point, 5 could receive the ball from 1 and score near the basket. Conversely, 4 could receive the ball from 1 and take the open jump shot. Alternatively, 1 could keep the ball and take the mid-range jump shot.
Side
The side screen occurs when the player in possession of the ball is near a wing area and the screener faces toward the sideline.
The side screen could present a great opportunity to not only release defensive pressure but to also help get the ball into the middle of the lane.
On the basic diagram example, 1 dribbles towards the lane from the wing area via the on-ball side screen set by 5.
Afterwards, 5 could roll to the basket and possibly receive the ball from 1. Alternatively, 1 could take the possible mid-range jump shot as well.
Step-up
The step-up screen occurs when the player in possession of the ball is near a wing and the screener has their back towards the baseline.
The step-up screen could be utilized when the offensive team wants to drive the ball towards the baseline area to create a potential scoring opportunity near the perimeter or near the basket.
On the simple diagram example, 1 dribbles towards the baseline via the step-up screen set by 5.
Following that, 5 pops near the right side high post elbow and could receive the ball from 1 to take a mid-range jump shot.
Alternatively, 1 could keep the ball and take the mid-range themselves or drive all the way to the rim for a layup, floater, or dunk.
Corner
The corner ball screen occurs when the player in possession of the ball is near a corner area of the court.
Afterwards, the screener can set the on-ball screen at an angle that influences the on-ball defender to fight over the top of the screen.
The corner ball screen could also be thought of as a on-ball variation of the off-ball wide pin down screen that is common in various types of basketball offense strategies.
It should also be stated that a notable drawback of the corner ball screen is that it gives the on-ball defender and the screener’s defender a chance to trap the player with the ball.
Basically, the player in possession of the ball has limited space to utilize an escape dribble or possibly pass out of the trap to teammates, with the exception of maybe the screener.
Therefore, the corner ball screen should probably only be implemented at specific instances within the flow of the offense. On the basic diagram example, 1 dribbles toward the basket and scores at the rim by way of the corner ball screen set by 5.