The screener’s defender is positioned near the nail, sometimes even deeper into the paint.

As the ball handler navigates the screen, the screener’s defender backpedals, keeping both the ball handler and the roller in front of him. This aims to discourage rim attempts and force long mid-range jumpers—the least efficient shot in basketball.

In general, the on-ball defender must fight over the screen to maintain drop coverage principles, which aim to eliminate threes and rim attempts while forcing mid-range shots.

However, depending on the ball handler’s shooting ability or decision-making skills, the defender might choose to go under the screen to neutralize the 2-on-1 advantage or to counter an efficient mid-range scorer.