Screens, Air Balls, Back Court Violation

QUESTION:  At our school we have a new girls coach who is using an offensive play where a taller player moves in front of the defense, back to the defender, in order for the ball handler to shoot over the screen. My understanding is all screens must be from the back or side and one step away (when the defense is stationary) and 1 to 2 steps when the defense is moving, and both with sufficient time to set the pick. Am I missing something?

ANSWER:   Yes, your understanding may be a little fuzzy on this.  Let's start with one particular basketball fundamental which is that "any player is entitled to any spot on the floor provided he gets there first and legally."  It becomes an issue primarily when an offensive player is setting a screen.  A screen may be set on any side of a defender.......front, side or rear.....and it makes no difference if the screener is facing or has his back to the defender.  But if the screen is set on the blind side (or out of the field of view) of a defender, the screener must give the defender at least one step or roughly room enough to turn and avoid a collision with the screener.  So, the answer to your question is that the screen your coach is using is LEGAL primarily because it is being set within the field of view of the defender.  It's really nothing more than a "screen and roll" play.....perfectly legal.

The real issue with "illegal screens" is when the screener is moving into the defender (instead of being "set") or if the screener comes up from the blind side and doesn't allow room enough for the defender to avoid the screen.  But the play you described sounds fine.

QUESTION:   I have noticed a difference during free throw shooting.  When did they change the lane spaces and stop using the positions closest to the basket?  Why did they make the change?

ANSWER:  There is no change in BOYS high school.  The lane spaces closest to the basket are still being used as they've always been.  But in NCAA and GIRLS high school, the positions closest to the basket are not used (starting this year in NCAA mens).

QUESTION: Can a player rebound his or her own AIR BALL if it is clearly a shot attempt?

ANSWER:  We've dealt with this playgound myth a couple of times already, but here it is again.  AS LONG AS THE OFFICIAL JUDGES THAT THE PLAYER MADE A LEGITIMATE ATTEMPT TO SHOOT THE BALL, THAT SAME PLAYER CAN REBOUND HIS OWN SHOT, air ball or no air ball.

QUESTION: Team A inbounds the ball in the front court near the 10 second line.  The inbound pass glances off a player on team A who is in the front court and goes into the back court.  Team A secures the ball and no violation was called.  Is this correct and why?

ANSWER:  Yes, it is correct (no violation).   Just remember that, by definition, "there is no team control on a throw in."  But, if a player on team A catches (controls......) the inbounds pass in the front court and then loses it into the back court, whereupon he or one of his teammates is first to touch it in the back court, then we would have a back court violation.  (reference Rule 4-12-6, definition of team control)

Do you have a question?  Have you seen a play you didn't understand?   Was there

a controversy you'd like clarified?  Send your questions in and I'll do my best to get you an answer.

                                                            Skip Yutzler

                                                         IAABO Board 127

                             36 Years High School and Junior College Official

                            5 Times NY State HS Championships - Glens Falls

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