"HOW TO PROPERLY USE A SCREEN"

As I continue to develop my craft as a trainer, I realize that there are certain areas of the game that are not being taught to our youth. As coaches and trainers we have to do a better job of strengthening these weaknesses when we see them. Once you learn a certain skill as a player-your job isn't done. You have to constantly work on that skill until it becomes second nature. I tell my clients this all of the time. We could have the greatest session in the world on a Tuesday, but if you don't work on any of your skills by the time we meet on Saturday what's the point? Today I want to talk about how to properly use a screen without the ball. I'm not going to talk about the many scoring options off of a screen-we will revisit that in a later blog. If you don't understand how to use the screen, you will never get a shot off. Players such as Ray Allen, Richard Hamilton, Reggie Miller and Larry Bird immediately come to mind when talking about how to use a screen. All of these guys have one thing in common: they are all great shooters. On the flip side, they were never considered the fastest, strongest or most athletic guys in the league. To their credit, they were able to figure out how to use a screen to create space for their shot. Here are some steps that will help you perfect the art of using a screen.

Step 1- Be an actor to set up the defense.When you see your teammate in position to set a screen for you, the worst thing you can do is run right for the screen. Against a weak defender that may work. However, against the Bruce Bowen's of the world you have no chance. As soon as you recognize the screen, v-cut in the opposite direction to set up the defender. In most cases that may work-when it doesn't you have to become more vocal and call for the screen even though you know it's not coming. Another way to get the defender to bite is to use your eyes in the opposite direction from where the screen is coming. Using all methods will be the best way to set up the defense.

Step 2-Stay low to the ground.After you set up the defender you want to stay as low as possible. It goes back to being ready to shoot @ all times. Shooting starts with the legs, if your knees are already bent when you come off the screen-that will allow you to get your shot off faster. In this game a split second can be the difference in getting your shot off or getting it blocked.

Step 3-Come off shoulder to shoulder.Coming off the screen shoulder to shoulder will allow you to run the defender into the screen. This will give you the space you need to get your shot off. If you come off the screen wide-the defense will be able to slip right between you and the person setting the screen.Step 4-Give the passer a target.The last step in the process is to come off the screen with your hands ready to receive the pass. It makes the job of the passer easier when you show them that you're ready to catch and shoot. If you are not able to get a quality shot off, @ least you will be able to set someone else up or initiate the offense.

ERIC R. HARRIS JR.FOUNDER/ TRIPLE THREAT ATHLETICS"IN ORDER TO BE SUCCESSFUL ON THE COURT OR IN THE GAME OF LIFE, YOU HAVE TO HAVE THE FUNDAMENTALS!"