Basketball Instruction/Illegal screen

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Expert: - 3/8/2010


Question
I was playing in a pick up game and was called for an illegal screen - I argued it wasn't illegal but majority said I was wrong.  I caught a pass on the wing at the three point line from the top of the key- the player that passed me the ball made a cut  running behind me. His defender followed behind him. As his defender circled behind me I pivoted back a step and picked his man then made a pass that resulted in a lay up. It was argued it was illegal to step back into the screen - but I thought since I had possession of the ball I had the right to pivot- thanks alot for your answe

Answer
HI Aaron,

The call was correct. Even if you are in possession of the ball, you cannot move into a defending player and set a screen on him/her. Yes, you are aloud to pivot with the ball, but you cannot pivot into a moving defender. In order to set a legal screen, you must hold your position as the defending player moves around you. Once you move into him/her, it's illegal. I hope that cleared it up. Thank you for the question. Let me know if you need it cleared up any more.

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Bret Temple

Expertise

My expertise is in the art of Officiating Basketball and I can answer questions pertaining to basketball rules; youth level through CIF High School, NCAA college and NBA rules as well. I can either help define a specific rule for you, or interpret a specific rule to clarify how other officials and I view and call the game.

Experience

I have been a Basketball Official now for over 19 years, officiating at all levels. I have attended numerous training camps throughout the years in an attempt to constantly become a better official. I have been evaluated by top Officiating organizations and I've had the honor of being selected to officiate at the highest levels including former Division 1 College and NBA players.

Organizations
NASO (National Association of Sports Officials) CBOA (California Basketball Officials Association)

Education/Credentials
El Sorrino Officials Association Accreditation CIF Certified(California Interscholastic Federation) WCPBL(West Coast Professional Baskeball League) The NBA Developmental League training

Past/Present Clients
Los Angeles City Parks and Recreation, Calabasas Basketball League, Calabasas Semi-Pro Men's League, AYBA California Interscholatic Federation, ARC League , (WCPBL)West Coast Professional Basketball League, Gary Grant Youth Basketball Program

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