Screen Angles

Definition

Screen angle is the orientation of the screener's body relative to the on-ball defender. Flat, vertical, and step-up angles each produce different defensive options and counters.

Why it matters

Coaches who teach screening as 'set the screen' lose to coaches who teach 'set THIS angle vs THIS coverage'.

Examples

• Flat screen vs drop — handler turns the corner.
• Step-up screen vs switch — creates a downhill mismatch in transition.

Practical application

• Drill three screen angles vs three coverages in 2v2.
• Cue: 'change the angle, change their answer'.

Common mistakes

• Screening with the same angle on every action.
• Setting screens too high (above the arc) where help is easy.