Ball Screen Defense

With the frequency of ball screen usage going up at the higher levels of basketball, it is becoming more and more important to implement ball screen defense (pick and roll) into practices or drills. Offenses may use-and defenses may defend- ball screens as much as twenty percent through the course of a game. Defending ball screens require loud and clear communication from the defenders and active, live bodies.

• Loud and clear communication is important, as the on-ball defender will need to know which direction the screen is coming from and this also allows the on-ball defender the chance to prepare themselves to defend against the screen.

• Active/live bodies are important in ball screen defense because of the frequency and locations they may take place. It is important that the defenders involved in the ball screen itself and the helpside defenders are all alert and provide energy in the event of a possible rotation situation to provide and breakdowns.

Defending Side Ball Screens
The most common ball screens occur on the side of the court. They may take place free throw line to the top of the key extended and typically provide the ball handler the ability to drive towards the paint if used correctly. Most teams teach their teams to defend side ball screens first as the foundation for ball screen defense. Diagram 1 shows a 2 vs 2 side ball screen situation.

On side ball screens, coverages may vary depending on defensive scheme and personnel and offense personnel.

In Diagram 2, we show the “Hedge and Get Over” coverage.
• Before the screen takes place, player “X2” MUST communicate the ball screen EARLY and LOUD enough for his teammate, player “X1”, prepare for to defend the screen. Most players yell out that the screen is coming and from which direction.

• Once the screen is communicated, the on-ball defender, “X1”, is responsible for getting over the TOP of the screener. For this to work, he must close the gap between himself and the ball handler which allows him to avoid the screen and stay with the ball handler. If this is successful, the ball handler will not be able to turn the corner and get downhill towards the middle of the floor.

• Player “X2” is defending the ball screener, which may typically be a post player. He’s responsible for “hedging” the screen. He’s the secondary defender in the ball screen. He must get in position early and be loud in his communication. When hedging a ball screen Player X2 must position himself on the outside shoulder of the screener. By being in this position, the ball handler sees another defender and this won’t allow him to turn the corner. This also allows Player X2 to recover to his man should he roll to the basket. Player X2’s main responsibility is to slow the ball handler down by getting him to change direction, reverse direction, or force his dribble away from the basket(towards halfcourt). This will help his teammate, who’s guarding the ball, a chance to recover in the event he gets caught in the ball screen.

When “Blitzing” (or trapping) a ball screen, the object is to get the ball handler to pick up his dribble, possibly create a turnover, or force him to get rid of the ball. Teams don’t typically Blitz multiple ball screens because of the number of ball screens throughout the possession. You will see this type of coverage maybe after a timeout, in a certain spot on the floor, or against a particular ball handler. Diagram 3 shows a Blitzed ball screen.

• Player X1 has the same responsibility as if the screen were being “Hedged”. Influence the ball handler towards the screen. Close the gap/space between him and the ball handler so he can avoid contact with the screen. Fight

• Player X2 will still be loud in his communication and shoulder to shoulder with the ball screener, but this time he won’t hedge the screen. When he “Blitzes” the ball screen his main responsibility is the ball handler. He’s no longer concerned with recovering back to his man should he roll towards the basket. Both he and Player X1 are double teaming the ball handler. The object is to force the ball handler away from the basket towards half court. If done properly, the ball handler will stop his dribble, allowing a trap, or mishandle the ball, creating a turnover. Most coaches teach that if the ball handler is able to beat the trap or the blitz, then the post player (Player X2) must rotate back to his man.
The 3rd and final coverage is to “Jam and Go Under”. This method is used when guarding a ball handler who isn’t a consistent threat to shoot or when the ball screener is a threat to pick and pop.

Diagram 4 shows this.
• The coverage when guarding the ball handler when jamming the ball screen is different than the previous coverages. If the ball handler isn’t a legit threat to shoot, there’s no reason to fight over the top of a ball screen. Player X1’s main responsibility in this coverage is to meet the ball handler on the other side of the ball screen to prevent him from getting into the paint. Instead of going over the top of the ball screen, player X1 goes under the ball screen using the space provided by his teammate player X2.

• Player X2’s responsibilities also change. In this coverage, he’s asked to “Jam” the ball screen. When Jamming a ball screen, the defender will chest up or “Jam” the ball screener allowing the player guarding the ball handler room to go under the ball screen. This coverage works best if the ball screener is a scoring threat, whether screening and popping for a jumpshot or rolling to the basket. Jamming the screen allows a defender to maintain constant contact and limits separation from the ball screener normally caused by hedging or blitzing screens.

Defending Flat Ball Screens
Defending “flat” ball screens pose a different challenge. These ball screens are typically set high and in the middle of the floor, usually above the top of the key. Guards who use these screens are real good at getting downhill and if used correctly, can be difficult to stop. Since the screen isn’t set to a specific side, teams may not use the above mentioned coverages. Covering “flat” ball screen, most teams may corral the ball handler.

• When corralling the ball handler, the on-ball defender (player X1) will attempt to sit on the ball handler’s dominant hand and force him the other way. This slows the ball handler down and won’t allow him to get full speed going towards the basket with the ball in his strong hand.

• Player X2 will “show” early, communicate LOUD that the screen is coming, and his position will be shoulder to shoulder with the screener. This helps the on-ball defender

Click on the pdf link to download the Ball Screen Defense Diagrams:

Ball Screen Defense by Mike Cyprien, Jr.