Screen TypeIntermediateAnimatable

Step-Up Screen

A ball screen set by a player stepping up from the post or short corner area.

About This Action

The Step-Up Screen is a specialized variant of the ball screen where the screener initiates the action from a position inside the three-point line, typically from the low block, short corner, or dunker spot. Instead of starting high at the top or wing, the screener 'steps up' towards the perimeter to set a screen for a ball handler positioned on the wing or slot. This upward movement creates a unique screening angle, often placing the screener's back towards the basket as they establish contact with the defender on the ball. This specific screening angle often forces the ball handler's defender to navigate a more acute path, making it challenging to go over the top, particularly if the screener is properly set and stationary. The Step-Up Screen is highly effective for several reasons: it pulls the screener's defender out of the paint, creating potential driving lanes or clear out opportunities for a dive or pop. It can also generate a more immediate downhill attack for the ball handler, as the screen is set closer to the basket than a traditional high pick-and-roll, thereby shortening the distance to the rim. Furthermore, its unconventional starting position can disrupt defensive communication and timing, especially against teams accustomed to defending high ball screens. Strategically, the Step-Up Screen is frequently deployed when the offense aims to attack a specific side of the floor or exploit a defender's tendency. It can seamlessly flow into secondary actions such as a 'Spain Pick-and-Roll' (where a third player screens the screener's defender) or a quick slip to the basket by the screener if the defense is over-aggressive. The timing is crucial: the screener begins their 'step-up' movement as the ball handler initiates their dribble towards the intended screen point, ensuring the screen is set firmly and on time for the ball handler to make a decisive read.

Common Mistakes

Offensively, one of the most common mistakes is the screener failing to fully 'step up' and establish a solid, stationary screen. If the screener remains too deep or moves parallel to the baseline, the ball handler's defender can easily 'ice' the screen, forcing the ball handler towards the baseline, or simply go under without much impedance. The correction involves the screener committing to the upward movement, planting their feet firmly at the desired screen point, and presenting a wide, angled body that obstructs the defender's path, often with their back angled towards the basket to prevent easy slippage. Another frequent error is the ball handler attacking too early or too late, either before the screen is set, or after the defense has had time to recover and adjust, negating the advantage created by the screen. The ball handler must patiently wait for the screener to get set, then burst off the screen with a clear read of the defense (e.g., whether to drive, shoot, or pass to the rolling/popping screener). Defensively, miscommunication is a critical vulnerability against a Step-Up Screen. Guards failing to call out the screen early enough, or bigs being caught flat-footed and slow to react to their man stepping up, often results in easy scores. The defensive correction hinges on loud, early communication between the on-ball defender and the screener's defender regarding the screen's location and the chosen coverage (e.g., 'ICE!', 'SHOW!', 'SWITCH!'). The on-ball defender must actively fight over the screen with determination, while the screener's defender must execute their coverage with precision, whether it's a hard 'show' to contain the dribble, a 'drop' to protect the paint, or a full 'switch' if that's the established strategy. A common mistake for the big defender is overcommitting to the ball handler and abandoning their own man too early or too deeply, leaving the rolling or popping screener wide open for a pass and an easy score. Discipline and proper footwork are paramount to contain the ball handler while recovering effectively to their own assignment.