Protection is an important offensive weapon in today’s game. Teams that are able to stretch defenses with good screens and set up shooters have an advantage in any game. Reggie Miller is an example of an NBA great who made a living off the spotting action of his Pacer teammates.

From a trainer point of view, I feel like defending screens is one of the most overlooked parts of the game. Since screens are used as an offensive tool, it makes sense that we teach our players how to beat screens. Most of my teams have run offense and it has helped keep our defense sharp. Running the move offense every day in practice helps your players deal with detection situations consistently.

Defending and beating screens requires a learned mindset. A player must develop the attitude that he will not be blocked under any circumstances. In practice, every possible type of screen is used along with specific details on how to beat that screen. Players need to believe they can beat the screens, not just defend them. This tough mentality can be set by the coach who preaches and teaches it every day. A common mistake made by defenders is to give up initial contact and stand up straight. Excuses can follow quickly too when players fail to get past the screen.

A good game plan can prepare a player for most of the detection situations that they will face during the game. Preparation also improves the chances of proper communication, so that both defensive teammates realize when a screen is being set up and how to handle each one. This can help your team go into games feeling good about the game plan and confident to win.

Keys to beat screens

• Move like the offensive player moves–If you react to his movement, you will always be behind and susceptible to all kinds of screens. Essentially, the players must beat the offensive player on the spot. Get to that spot on the ground before he does.
• Get through tight screens and eliminate body contact–Since the offensive player is trying to “put a body on you,” being tight and throwing the hips and front foot aggressively are key. By pushing your lead foot, you will create momentum to slide across the screen.
• be a fighter–Instead of dying on initial contact, players bounce and fight to stay close to the cutter. Whenever you can avoid a crowd, use all the weapons you have. Players must adopt an aggressive attitude, never giving in to detection.
• Close the gap between you and the cutter.–When you feel like your man is preparing you for a screen, move closer to him or climb on top of him. You will have less ground to cover and you will be with him practically step by step. Trainers often use the terminology “steps”, which means that the defender literally follows the movement of the cutter inch by inch. This is particularly effective against ball-side-down screens and “baseline runner” screens.
• Communicate–As an alert defender, you can see screens unfold before they reach you. The specific communication can be “screen on the right, screen on the right”. This alert is called by the screener’s defender as soon as they see the screen coming. Screens must be called loudly and with great urgency! The communicating defender must do three things.
• Indicate to your partner that a screen is approaching.
• Indicate which side or direction the screen is coming from.
• Indicate what decision needs to be made on the screen, i.e. pass, switch or catch.

These are the general team rules to follow regarding screens.

• We never intend to turn on the screens unless the situation becomes an emergency. It’s more effective to switch “like” players, like switching between two guards. The big and small screens should never be changed. Change sometimes leads to laziness and making excuses. Players must commit to passing all screens.
• The rear screen is a difficult screen to maneuver. Our rule simply states that if a player gets hit and can’t get through a back screen, they automatically switch.
• We will handle various screens differently, depending on the opponent. This is where game preparation comes into play and usually defines the difference between winning and losing. For example, when a specific player receives a ball block, we will jump and lap the dribbler forcing them to pass. If this player is not an offensive threat, we will get past him normally. These decisions are made primarily due to the opponent’s ability to shoot, especially from threes.

Any trainer can drastically strengthen their defense by focusing on the art of beating screens. He decides not only to defend the screens, but to defeat them. The time and effort it takes to add this to your defensive arsenal will pay off on game night and result in more wins.