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The Art of Teaching Basketball Disrupting "On Ball" Screens| Switch | Trap | Trap Early | Show & Recover | Shadow | Jam | The number of teams that are using ON Ball screens (screen & roll) as an integral part of their offensive is increasing. Since ON Ball screens can produce a variety of quick hitting options, they pose a real threat to any team that is not prepared to defend them. On Ball screens require a total team effort to stop. The ball handler should be influenced and forced to dribble in a direction away from the screen. The screener's attempt to set a screen should be disrupted, and the helpside defenders must rotate over to prevent or disrupt the roll option. Therefore, communication, teamwork, and aggressiveness are key components in defending against the ON Ball screen. Basically, in combating the On Ball screen the defender should simply influence and force the ballhandler in a direction away from the screen.
However, in reality, this is not always possible and, in addition, teams are now deploying double high screens. Therefore, it is critical that players master the various techniques needed to attack and disrupt On Ball screens. The following defensive tactics can be used in disrupting On Ball screens no matter where they occur on the court:
Players must be able to recognize and aggressively attack all ON Ball screens. Fortunately, they will not be expected to execute all the different ways to disrupt On Ball screens for every game. In fact, normally one or two methods will be deployed according to the coach's decision based on the opponents' strengths and weakesses (which can change during the course of a game). Therefore, to be successfull in attacking and disrupting On Ball screens, they must be constantly analyzed as to why and how they are being set. Once analyzed, the defense can take the initiative, and readily attack it. When a turnover does occurs or when a bad shot is forced during an ON BALL screen situation, it usually triggers a fast break and results in an easy transition basket. However, do not leave this up to chance. To be successful, coaches should assume that all players are not skilled in how to properly defend against ON BALL screens and spend the time and effort teaching these various techniques. Defending against ON BALL screens requires teamwork and should be practiced on a regular basis.
1. Jump Switch OptionBasic Read: Ballhandler is shaky or screener is offensive threat Aggressively jump switching is an effective weapon in combating the "On Ball" screen (Screen & Roll) especially against weak or shaky ball handlers. The jump switch option should also be considered against a screener who is a post up threat. To execute the Jump Switch, the defender guarding the screener must jump out low directly into the dribbler's path. This sudden attack commonly results in a turnover (steal or traveling violation) or in an offensive foul. At the very least it will disrupt the execution of a side screen or dribble hand off. 2. Trap OptionBasic Read: Ball handler is a big offensive threat
Disruption of the "On Ball" screen can be achieved by trapping or
double teaming the ball handler. This is an important option to consider when faced with
defending a ball handler, like the 76er's Allen Iverson, who is so hard to guard. The trap is the
primary technique used in "SOS" all out disruption.
Basic Read: Both ballhandler & screener are offensive threats
Total disruption can be achieved by trapping the ball handler before an On Ball
screen can be set. The Early Trap can be an effective weapon to use against great
"Pick & Roll" combinations such as Stockton and Malone.
Basic Read: Screener not an offensive threat
"Show & Recover" is the method of choice for most NBA teams in defending against the
On Ball screen (Screen & Roll). The Show & Recover technique involves the player
defending the screener to step out ("Show") into the ball handler's path forcing the ball
handler wide and allowing time for ball handler's defender to catch up after fighting over the
screen. Once the ball handler's defender is in a position to reassume a guarding position,
the player that "Shows" releases (Recovers) back to the screener rolling to basket or
popping out.
Basic Read: Ballhandler is a penetrator and screener is not an outside threat
When the screener is not an offensive threat, the defender can sag off into an
ON Ball support (Shadow) position. The defender guarding the ball handler forces the
ball handler away from the screen towards the baseline checkpoint.
The "Shadow" player playing off in a supporting role has options of trapping, faking
a trap or jump switching.
Basic Read: Ballhandler is not an outside threat
When the ball handler is not an outside threat, the defender guarding the screener can
disrupt the On Ball screen by playing tight and forcing the screener out high away from
defender X1 and into the ball handler's path. Defender X1 then goes below the screener
staying with O1 and protecting against a drive.
Questions or Comments? © 2001 Ernie Woods, HoopTactics
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