Screening and Sealing for Success

with Terry Layton,
Nike Scout and International Consultant for Latin America;
300+ Wins at the High School, Junior College and College level (in the U.S.);
300+ wins at the International level; Nike
Talent Scout for Latin America; International work with Athletes in Action

One of the most important aspects in working to get players open in basketball is the use of the screen. Screening off of the ball is an effective way to not only get a teammate open, but to also get the screener open on offense. International basketball coaching veteran Terry Layton takes you through the numerous ways and concepts screens can be used effectively in this video.

On-Ball Screening

One of the most common ways in which screens are used today is to get a dribbler an opportunity to attack off of the bounce. The pick & roll has become a staple of modern basketball and is one of the hardest maneuvers in the game to guard. However, the lack of attention to detail in setting on-ball screens creates a dilemma for the offense.

A player with the ball receiving an on-ball screen typically has two ways in which he can be guarded: either by the defender going over the top of the ball screen, or under it. Coach Layton's approach is to force the defender to go only one way. His method of having the screener put their rear foot between the defender's butt and the basket only allows the defender to fight over the screen.

Likewise, the screener needs to know the details as to how to come out of a screening situation effectively. They must do a good job of showing a target and being ready to receive a pass from the dribbler.

Finally, Layton goes into detail on how to deal with the ball screener's defender. If the player guarding the ball screener drops back, the crossover is utilized as the dribbler attempts to attack the basket. If there is a hedge, the dribbler then looks to split the hedge and attack the basket.

Screening to Get Open

The best screeners know how to not only get teammates open using the screen, they also have the ability to get themselves open as well. To do this, Layton discusses how players can get themselves open after setting a ball screen and present a target for a pass.

Along with setting the screen on the ball, Coach Layton covers how post players can get themselves into position to become effective scorers off of ball screens. Options for the post player include posting up with two feet in the lane, setting up in the short corner for a dump-off pass off of penetration and stepping out to the 3-point line.

Another concept is the use of post players sliding and sealing to get themselves open. To do this effectively, Layton teaches making contact with the person playing defense and creating a seal. The footwork to make this happen is to slide step into the defender and create contact so that the seal can be applied properly.

Screening vs. Zone Defense

Screens against zone defenses work best to create perimeter shot opportunities and to get the ball inside. Using post players as screeners is one of the first items illustrated by Coach Layton as he demonstrates several different screening concepts.

One of the first actions used is the concept of sliding and sealing. This works against the interior defender in a traditional zone defense as it allows for an opportunity to get a post-up against an isolated defender. If this doesn't come open, a second concept is utilized.

The post player not coming open or getting the ball after sliding and sealing against the middle man of the zone can then turn their attention to a zone defender responsible for the perimeter. When the ball gets swung back to the top, the post player then steps out to screen the perimeter zone defender with their butt as a perimeter offensive player cuts through the zone. This creates an open window for the post player to get the ball for a quick and easy basket.

Looking for a comprehensive source for ways to use screens on offense? This video from Coach Layton is your 'one-stop-shop!'

"(Layton) delivers a lot of fresh ideas on a topic I'd of thought was stale. His international experience is evident as he shares concepts that are foreign to those form the US."- Customer Review

75 minutes. 2018.