What is an illegal screen in basketball?
A · Advanced · Fouls and free throws · 2 of 9A screen is standing in the way of a defender to free a teammate. It is legal if the screener is stationary with both feet on the floor when contact comes. It is illegal if the screener is moving, or sets the screen too close to an opponent who cannot see it or is already running.
How it works
- Legal: stationary, inside the screener's own cylinder, both feet on the floor at contact.
- In front of or beside a standing opponent, where they can see it: as close as the screener likes, without contact.
- Behind a standing opponent, out of their sight: the screener must leave room for one normal step.
- Against a moving opponent: enough room to stop or change direction, between one and two normal steps.
- A legally screened player who runs into the screen is responsible for the contact.
- An illegal screen is a blocking foul by the screener.
Tricky cases
Is a "moving screen" always a foul?
It depends on contact. Moving is illegal only if contact occurs while the screener is moving.
Can a screener stick out a leg or an elbow?
No. Arms and elbows must be brought inside the cylinder when an opponent tries to pass. Contact outside it is blocking or holding.
Why the rule exists
A screen is a fair way to make space, but only if the defender has a chance to avoid it. The distances protect a player from being hit blind.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FIBA rules | As above | A33.7, 33.9 |
From the rule book
FIBA Official Basketball Rules 2026, Articles 33.7 and 33.9, valid from 1 October 2026. Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: FIBA Official Basketball Rules (PDF).