Ball screening options follow LOCATION, ANGLE (of screen), SPACING, and PERSONNEL. Defense reflects our intent. If the offensive forte is ballhandler scoring, then handle that. If they want the roller, then stop the big. Absent advanced scouting, players need a rapid feel for the game. Practice what and how you intend to stop.
Quin Snyder teaches three styles of pick-and-roll (PnR) defense - controlling the ball, impacting (forcing sideline), and containment (switching, ideal with size and athleticism).
He emphasizes the VALUE of GETTING BACK early as a NO MIDDLE team. "Clarity is the most important thing."
Snyder drills 2-on-2 beginning with high ball screens.
He explains that elite PnR players work to get the ball defender "on their hip" (above) to create 2-on-1 advantage against (what I call) hard force. If the ballhandler picks up the ball, the roll defender must react to the roller...and the ball defender recover to bother the shot - "stalking." Switching is an alternative...with young players, I'm less worried about the "big" scoring perimeter shots (midrange and contested 2s) and more concerned with driver and roller layups.
In summer work, against high ball screens, our mobile bigs want to switch, stop the ball, and recover. That's after learning preferred FAKE TRAP (show/hedge) and recover. We had little aptitude for JAM and GO UNDER, where the screener defender pushes up against the screener and the ballhandler defender goes below the screen. We'll continue to emphasize communication, FAKE TRAP, and recover. AND teach where help defenders come into play (see video at bottom).
Against wing ball screens, hard force to the sideline simplifies.
Communication, clarity, consistency. Seek simplicity.
*Modified from parts of Quin Snyder, CoachingULive 2015.
