The pick and the screen are the same movements but are different; the pick is used by the player known as the ballhandler, and the screen is used away from the ball handler to initiate movement and a chance for a teammate to get open without the basketball in hand. Both moves can be used as passes.
The pick is used to move the ball laterally with one hand while keeping possession of it in another. This allows the player using it to look for an open man or create space for himself if necessary. Because there is no release of the ball with this motion it is usually followed by another action: either a shot or a pass.
The screener's role is to draw attention away from other players or the ball handler. They use a variety of moves including spinning, jumping, and dunking chairs to get their teammates free throws or open shots. Since they don't handle the ball, they cannot score themselves but they can still put up points if you count those amazing dunks!
In general, picks and screens are useful tools for creating opportunities for yourself or others. It's important to understand how each move is used so that you can maximize its effectiveness on your team.
A screen, also known as a "pick," is a legal block erected by an offensive player on the side of or behind a defender to allow a teammate to shoot or receive a pass. Screens are usually but not always used by teams when attacking close-out zones on defense to prevent opponents from getting clean shots at a rebound or the foul line. Close-outs are important because they give defenders an opportunity to stop opponents before they can take multiple uncontested shots.
The NBA has several rules designed to promote scoring and reduce downtime while still allowing for defensive resistance. One such rule is the illegal defense penalty. If a team commits three consecutive illegal defenses (a screen on each occasion) during their own shot clock, that team will be given three free throws during their next possession. These free throws cannot be waived off by the coach. The only way out of this situation is if the defending team breaks the screen and allows their player to return to the floor.
An illegal defense occurs when a player screens himself or herself while being guarded by one or more opponents. This gives the screener time to move without being charged with a violation by the officials. It is important to remember that you can't legally screen yourself. Therefore, if a player believes they have been screened, they need to communicate this to their teammates so that they can adjust their defense accordingly.
Pick A screen, also known as a "pick," is a legal block erected by an offensive player on the side of or behind a defender to allow a teammate to shoot or receive a pass.
There are two types of screens: horizontal and vertical. With a horizontal screen, the front legs go out from the body and the back legs cross over each other at the knee while standing up straight. With a vertical screen, the front legs stay close to the body and the back legs cross over each other at the hip. The goal is to prevent the defender from getting past the screen for a breakaway dunk or layup.
A screen can be created by either player or by a team member acting as a screener. If a player uses his arms or body to block shots they are considered illegal defensive screens. If a player uses his feet to create a screen they are called legal defensive screens. A legal defensive screen cannot be used to block shots, only to defend against them.
An illegal defensive screen can be used to block shots but it can also lead to free throws if the blocked shot goes out of bounds. An example of an illegal defensive screen is when a player uses his arm to block a shot while standing in front of the rim.
A screen is an offensive maneuver in which a player blocks the defensive player who is protecting one of their teammates with their body. The player who sets the pick (the screener) must first establish their position near the defender of a teammate or in the route of the defender. Once this is done, they can use their arm or hand to slide it across the front of the body, effectively "screening" that player. This opens up driving lanes for teammates or creates space for jumpers.
Screens are commonly used by players looking to get open shots at the basket or to free themselves for drive-by's. A player using a screen can also intend to force a switch, where the defender will be forced to leave their partner unprotected. In general, screens are effective because defenders want to help their team, so if a player who is defended by a certain type of defender (i.e., a big man who can't shoot or score, or a slower defender) gets open, that player will usually be able to find an open shot or create a passing lane for an assist.
Some teams use different names for these maneuvers. These terms may vary a bit based on what context they are used in.
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