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A screen is a blocking move by an offensive player, by standing beside or behind a defender, to free a teammate to shoot, receive a pass, or drive in to score. In basketball, it is also known as a pick. Screens can be on-ball (when set for the ball-handler), or off-ball (when set for a teammate moving without the ball to get open for a pass). The two offensive players involved in setting the screen are known as the screener (who blocks the defender) and the cutter (who gets free from the defender).

Successfully "setting a screen" in team sports such as basketball and water polo requires attention to position and timing. An offensive player will first establish position so that his teammate can move toward him. The teammate changes pace and direction, and cuts (moves or dribbles quickly) very close to the screening player. The defender who is covering the cutter will have to push into the screening player, or divert around, losing a few steps. In basketball, the offensive player setting the pick must remain stationary at the moment of contact with the defender; a screen is illegal if the screener moves in order to make contact, and obtains an advantage; the result is an offensive foul. There must be illegal contact for a moving screen to be a foul; no illegal contact, no foul, no matter how much moving the screener does. If the screener holds, leans or moves into the defender to cause contact, this will result in a foul on the screener. After setting the screen, the screener is often open to pivot and receive a pass. This tactic is called pick and roll in basketball.

Defensive moves to defeat a screen include sliding by the pick if the screening player leaves space, fighting over the screen (pushing the screener away - can't do that in basketball) if the defender is strong enough, or switching defensive assignments with another defender, who can pick up the cutter on the other side of the screen.

See also

• Basketball techniques
• Glossary of basketball terms
• Glossary of Water Polo

External links

• Guide to Coaching Basketball
• Coach's Clipboard: Setting Screens
• NBA Video Rulebook: Illegal Screen: Pick & Roll

• Basketball terminology