An illegal screen in basketball is when the screener moves in order to make contact, and obtains an advantage; the result is an offensive foul in basketball. 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.
The NBA video rulebook gives this as one example:
…with the screen being set from directly behind a defensive player. When setting a back screen, the screener must give the defensive player one step to avoid contact. The offensive player setting the back screen here positions himself directly behind the back of the defensive player, without giving that defender the required one step of space. Since the required step is not given by the offensive screener, this is an offensive foul for an illegal screen.
The video below shows NBA players can’t avoid illegal an illegal screen in basketball.
The Definition of a Screen
When an offensive player legally blocks the path of a defender to open up another offensive player for a shot or to receive a pass. Â A screen is a legal way to interfere and impede the defender’s path. Â This provides the ball handler more space to pass, shoot, or get to the basket.
Why Are Screens Used
A screen also referred to as a “pick”, is frequently used to create open shots or driving lanes. They a large part of many offenses or sub-parts of an offense such as a “pick and roll” or a “pick and pop”. It is a common but effective way to get the offensive player free by an offensive player moving to a position that will slow the movement of another offensive player’s defender.
In basketball, the offensive player setting the screen must remain still when the defender comes in contact and allow the defensive player a “reasonable opportunity” to avoid the screen.
Types Of Illegal Screens
Here are some common basketball game situations that may lead to a whistle blown because of an illegal screen:
- Illegal use of hands while screening; such as holding, pushing, or hitting the defender.
- Pick and Roll, screener moves into the defender
- Pick and Roll, Roll, screener re-positions
- Pick and Roll, Hip extension
- Pick and Roll, screener extends arms
- Pick and Roll, Leg extension
- Off the ball, screener moves into trailing defender
- Off the ball, screener extends the elbow
- Handoff Screen, screener moves into trailing defender
- Back Screen, screener does not give the opponent one step
What Makes an Illegal Screen in Basketball
An illegal screen can be a subjective call by the official. It can be obvious if one player just blindsides another while still moving. In general, the screener must provide space and give the defender a reasonable opportunity to avoid the screen. That is where it can become more subjective. What is reasonable space to one official may not be to another. Below are some common situations that will likely be considered an illegal screen.
Not Giving Reasonable Space
As mentioned above, the screener must give the defender enough space and opportunity to avoid the screen. A good rule of thumb is to give the defender one step if they are stationary and two steps if they are moving. Again, this is going to be a judgment call by the official. If you show the referee you are consistent in how you execute your picks it may help you get the benefit of the doubt. If you get this piece right and avoid the 4 situations outlined below, you should be in good shape.
Moving
This is another basic of the screen. You, as the screener, simply can’t be moving. It is the most common illegal screen violation and the easiest to avoid. The offensive player must be stationary and not move into the defensive player’s path. You are allowed to move once contact is made in order to absorb the contact. But the movement must not be intended to impede the defensive player.
This can become more tricky when you are using a pick and roll or pick and pop where the purpose of the screen is to then use the screener as an offensive weapon. The screener needs to wait for a count or two to make his move after the contact has been made. The ball handler may try to drive around the screener while they are still moving. It will still result in a violation, but that one is typically caused by the dribbler rather than the screener.
Leaning In
Leaning your body or shoulder into the defender will get you an illegal screen call almost every time. Even if you have given them plenty of space, the “lean in” doesn’t look good to the official. Be sure you set your pick in the right place and you shouldn’t have to revert to this tactic. If you miss your spot, just reset your pick. Don’t pick up the foul.
Extending Your Lower Body
Sticking your foot, knee, or hip out to make it more difficult for the defender to get around is also illegal. Just like leaning in, you are going to get nabbed by the official. Also, this is more likely to cause injury and get you labeled as a dirty player.
Extending Arms
You.often see the screener with one arm up in the air signaling their teammate to use them as a screener. Then they normally cross their arms extended in front of them. This is to keep them from extending their arms accidentally. You want to remove any excuse the official may have of calling you for an illegal screen based on extending your arms in any way to impede the defender. If you do it it will be a very easy call by the officials.
Joe Borgia, the NBA VP of Referee and Replay Operations, explained it this way when asked about Marc Gasol’s illegal screening during a game with the Golden State Warriors.
When you go and set a screen to a moving opponent you have to get directly in his path and you have to be at that spot and give him an opportunity to stop or avoid contact. You also can not have your legs extended outside your shoulders or your forearms extended.
What is the penalty for an illegal screen?
If a referee calls a player for an illegal screen, that player is given an offensive foul. It also counts as a turnover and the other team will get the ball. The other team may also be awarded free throws if they are in the bonus.
Types of Basketball Screens
- Ball Screen
- Back Screen
- Pick and Roll
- Double Screen
Why Do We Need An Illegal Screen in Basketball
A pick can be very physical by its nature. You know what guys on your court you don’t want to run into at full speed when they set a pick. You see big-time collisions or players hitting the deck after a hard screen. Basketball must have rules around it to ensure that the defensive team has an opportunity to defend against it.
In our pick up games, we older guys have an unwritten rule to call out a screen to the defensive player plenty early. The advantage of a surprise pick and opportunity to score doesn’t outweigh the pain caused by a grown man hitting you at full speed.
Summary
What would a basketball game be without rules around screening? Football. Illegal screen violations are an important rule in the game of basketball. Otherwise, the biggest and strongest players would be able to dominate defensive players and push them out of the way allowing their teammates to score.
The illegal screen in basketball call evens the playing field. It allows screening to be an artful and beautiful part of the game. Almost like choreographed dance steps when executed properly. And something that defenses have to spend a lot of time practicing to defend.
Speaking of guys that use the screen well. Be sure to check out our post on Steph Curry’s ankle brace.
Check out our posts on traveling in basketball for all the rules, tips and tricks.
Share your best story using a screen. Were you on the receiving end of a big one? Lose a tooth? Did you deliver the hammer? How do you call it on your court? Do you think the illegal screen rules are too strict? lease leave your comments , we’d love to hear them!
Troy Wright
I am a lifetime basketball enthusiast and loved playing basketball competitively through high school. I still try and play at least 3 times a week and explore all kinds of equipment and training to keep myself on the court and continually getting better. I am a college basketball fanatic and move onto the NBA when March Madness ends.
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