Ettore Messina – Teaching Basketball – Defending Off Ball Screens

Teaching basketball is a passion for Ettore Messina. You can tell that in these Euroleague Basketball Clinic Notes. Coach Messina believes that you must break up the timing of the offense when they are trying to set screens. The defender must know where the ball is at all times.

When you are defending all these types of down screens, the offensive player will make things tough on you. The key is to force the offensive player to a reduced area to make them take a contested shot or penetrate to a restricted area.

Coach Messina talks about when the screen is close to the ball that you must have the screener’s defender make contact with the offensive player. You must get them take the longer path to get open.

If the screen is far from the ball, then you want to make sure that the defender isn’t hugging the offensive player. The screener’s defender must give the defensive player space to get through the screen.

It’s important to remember that ball pressure is essential when they are screening. It’s all three defensive players that have a job to do.

Coach Messina talks about how to deal with stagger screens and what is effective in stopping that action.

Do you know much about Coach Ettore Messina:

Coach Ettore Messina is a current Assistant Coach with the San Antonio Spurs. Coach Messina is probably the most decorated basketball coach that you have never heard about unless you read our website.

He has spent the last three decades coaching some of Europe’s best teams. He has coached in Italy, Russia, and Spain. He has won four Euroleague titles and numerous domestic championships.

Click on the pdf link to download the Ettore Messina – Teaching Basketball – Defending Off Ball Screens:

Ettore Messina – Teaching Basketball – Defending Off Ball Screens