How to Execute an Off Ball Screen in Basketball

In order to free up a player without the ball for a shot, a team may utilize an off-ball screen. A good off-ball screen can create a great scoring opportunity. In order to set an effective off-ball screen, it takes proper planning and execution by the screener, the screen beneficiary and the passer. This article focuses on an introduction level to the off-ball screen. To keep consistency in the article, we will assume the passer is at the top of the key, the screener is at the high post and the wing (screen beneficiary) is in the corner.

Things You'll Need

  • Screener
  • Wing (Screen Beneficiary)
  • Passer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Screener reads the wing's defender to determine where the screen will be set. If the defender is in the lane, then the screen is set on the lane line. Otherwise, the screen is set about 6 feet outside the lane with the screener facing the corner.

    • 2

      The wing reads his/her defender's position relative to the screen.

    • 3

      If the defender is playing above the screen (towards half court), the wing should jab step towards the defender to drive him/her higher up the court. Once the defender moves higher, the wing should proceed to cut sharply off the baseline shoulder of the screener for a backdoor opportunity. If done effectively, the defender should be trailing the wing.

    • 4

      If the defender is playing below the screen (towards the baseline), the wing should jab step towards the defender to drive him/her more towards the baseline. Once the defender moves lower, the wing should proceed to cut sharply off the half-court shoulder of the screener and wrap around the screen towards the basket. If done effectively, the defender should be trailing the wing cutting towards the lane.

    • 5

      If the defender is playing off the screen (closer to the basket), the wing should jab towards the basket, push back off the screen and fade back for a pass. If done properly, the defender should be on the other side of the screener from the wing.

    • 6

      Once the wing has freed himself/herself from the defender, the passer has to read the screener's defender. If the screener's defender does not jump out to stop the wing, the passer should quickly deliver a pass to the wing for the open shot. If the screener's defender does jump out to stop the wing, this leaves the screener open for a pass.