Expert: Michael Muro - 10/11/2006

Question
Can you set a screen with your back, so that the defensive player runs into your back?

Answer
Hi Bill,

Good question! After reading rules for NBA, college, and high school I do not see anywhere that if your back is to the defender it is an illegal screen. I don't know why you would want to set a screen in that manner but according to the rules it does not say it is illegal.

Here is the rule for screening in the NBA.

Section III--By Screening
A player who sets a screen shall not (1) assume a position nearer than a nor-mal step from an opponent, if that opponent is stationary and unaware of the screen-er's position, or (2) make illegal contact with an opponent when he assumes a posi-tion at the side or front of an opponent, or (3) assume a position so near to a moving opponent that illegal contact cannot be avoided by the opponent without changing direction or stopping, or (4) move laterally or toward an opponent being screened, after having assumed a legal position. The screener may move in the same direction and path of the opponent being screened. In (3) above, the speed of the opponent being screened will determine what the screener's stationary position may be. This position will vary and may be one to two normal steps or strides from his opponent.