Down Screen

In basketball, a team can be seen as great and effective if they have set a good screen pick, which can open their offenses. One of the basic screens would be the Down Screen, a term used to describe how the player runs toward the baseline next to the basket. The first player would position themselves from a high post to set a down screen for the second player.

Screening is a highly offensive post, where the defender has to open up the opposing player. When it comes to positioning, the screener’s feet should be wider than their shoulder-width to create a good balance and foundation. At the same time, their hands should be protecting their groin area. When the screen is set, they should be stationary, unless they want to call off for an offensive foul when they don’t. Their body should also not be leaning backward or forwards.

If the team has set a very good screen, then passing from one player to another is easy. Screening is beneficial to the team, but they have to adjust their defense first. They have to set up their defender, and the screen has to have waited until it’s completely set. If the screener moves a little early, they might be prone to committing foul. The next one is to fake their body position to a slight head fake. This will confuse the opposing player and lean in the wrong direction. When the player runs off the screen, they have to run shoulder to shoulder, so they can’t give their opponent an opportunity to get around the screen.

Apart from Down Screen, the Ball Screen, Back Screen, and the Away Screen are the fundamental techniques where the team can utilize the screen. What made these techniques effective is the connection that players have to use to pass the ball and take a shot freely. The screening should be discussed thoroughly, so it’s easier for the team to win the game. Proper team coordination is what they needed the most.

Example of Down Screen used in commentary: Bogut sets a strong down screen for Klay, he comes off of it and knocks down the three.