What is Illegal Screen in Basketball (Types, Why we Use)
Like every other game, basketball has some set of rules so that the players do not exceed their boundaries and make a foul. But when it comes to making a screen there are even offensive fouls one can make unintentionally which can turn over the game forever, one of these offensive fouls is making the screen illegally.
So today in this article I am going to cover the types of legal and illegal screens in basketball. But before I start with the rules of the screen I would like to take my readers from scratch that what is a screen, what are consequences of an illegal screen, why screens are used, and much more. So let’s begin then.
What is a Screen?
A screen is built when an offensive player runs with a ball and another offensive player comes between him and a defender. In this way, the ball holder gets time and opportunity to run or to pass the ball towards another team member. Here, I would also like to quote that the offensive player is from the offensive team which has the ball and the defender team is the one that is struggling to get the ball.
Why Are Screens Used?
A screen is built by the offensive player in order to separate the ball holder ( another offensive player) from the defensive player for a time being. The ball holder gets a few seconds to save the ball and run away with it safely towards the basket or in that time gap he can figure out what else he should do with the ball. If the screen is used properly it can benefit the offensive team a lot.
Types of Illegal Screens
There are various types of illegal screening and some of them are as follows:
- Illegal use of hands while screening.
- Pick and roll with hip extension.
- Pick and roll with leg extension.
- Pick and roll with extended arms.
- Extending the elbow.
- Back screen in which the defender does not get even one step to move.
- Changing positions.
- The screener moves into the defender.
All the above-mentioned types are the most common ones, there are some more. Furthermore, the screener should always keep in mind that he is not allowed to block the whole way for the defender. Moreover, it is also not allowed for the screener to come in contact with the defender in any terms as this will be considered foul, like pushing him with hands, pulling him back, etc.
What Makes an Illegal Screen in Basketball
As mentioned above, the screen, by the offensive player, is created in the basketball in order to make the time gap between the defender and the ball keeper so that he can provide enough space. But at the same time, it is the requirement of basketball that the defender should also be given enough space and the defender and screener shouldn’t come in contact with one another. As soon as the space is not enough for the defender, or if the screener makes physical contact with the defender, an illegal screen is formed.
Penalty for Illegal Screen
Most of you don’t know the sanction for illegal basketball screens and thus today I decided to write this into my article. Although an illegal screen doesn’t seem like an offensive foul, yes it is. If a team member is caught with it, the penalty would be that the ball will be given to the opposite team. Another penalty might be that the opposite team would get extra/free throws.
Types of Basketball Screens
Following are the basic 4 types of basketball screens:
1. Ball Screen
For a ball screen, make sure that your teammate/screener is all set and you take the ball from shoulder to hip. It means that you bend down in a way that when you cross the screener, your shoulder height matches his hip height. This screen type is not much used but if you are considering it then do it properly.
2. Back Screen
One of the best kinds of picks or screens is the back screen. In this, you are at the blind spot of the defender and bend down a little on your knees. When the ball holder runs, he suddenly passes the ball towards the screener who suddenly pops up to catch the ball and run towards the basket.
3. Pick and Roll Screen
This third kind of screen is pick and roll. It is a bit difficult in a way that as soon as the screen is built you have to see the best option towards which you can throw back the ball. The best option while considering the pick and roll screen is you throw the ball back to the screener because as soon as the screen is removed he will be the last person on focus.
4. Double Screen
I personally just love the double screen, it is undoubtedly difficult to make when the opposite players are all around the ball keeper but believe me that once it is built you can do wonders with your team’s help. For this technique, both the screeners stand on either side, and the ball keeper roll in on any of the side he finds suitable. If the ball keeper finds any hurdle then he can throw the ball to the screener from which he ran away in the first place. He then passes the ball to the primary screener and the screener returns the ball to him again. Thus, in this way, the ball ultimately returns to you.
FAQs
Is it illegal for screening to not give enough space to the defender?
Yes, it is definitely the illegal screener. It is the right of the defender to get enough space to run after the ball. If he doesn’t find enough space due to your wrong posture it will be counted as illegal screening. Apart from this, if you keep moving, lean in towards the defender, or extend your hands and legs in order to stop the defender it will also be counted as illegal screening.
Can you stop the defender with your hand?
No way! It is a foul. If you stop the defender with hands there will be chances that the opposite team gets a chance of free throws which can turn the game in their favor. So it’s better to avoid every kind of foul as much as possible and follow the rules strictly.
Does communication with your teammates during basketball play works?
There are plenty of ways through which you can talk to your teammates while playing, and it is necessary to do so as if the communication remains strong the game can change in your favor.
Is using a double-screen technique a good idea?
Yes, this is one of the most used techniques. It is mostly used at the start of the game or at the end of the basketball game, it depends on your playing method. Keep in mind one thing, using this technique is not necessary and if you use it every time then the opponent team will get to know your playing methods and techniques which will not be good for you in the longer run. Go smoothly and select techniques according to the situation of the basketball game.
Conclusion
Basketball is a game full of excitement and in this play, the illegal screens and the legal screens play a vital role to make it more enthusiastic. Being an offensive player having a ball in your hands, you should always know what your next step should be. While you bounce the ball over the floor, try to decide your next move. A screener always has to focus on giving the ball keeper and the defender enough space to run, so select your type of screen according to the demand of the situation, not on your personal choice.