Back Screen

[Pantherdreams]

I don't disagree on any particular point. The issue seems to be some officials/coaches wanting to split hairs over the difference between a step and a stride = a normal step.

A step apparently able to be able to be as small as on foot length or less while a stride can be in excess of 5 feet. ie. A normal step they could take, vs. a normal step they want to take.

ie. If a player pivots only to then smash into a blind screen to the back they've taken a step - no foul?

If a player takes a full stride back pedaling and clips a blind screen before that step lands - foul?

In one the player can be almost immediately behind while in the other the player may need to give the defender 4 or more feet.


I'm more of a if it looks like duck sort of guy on this call, but we are trying to tighten up how we call screens locally as there seems to be a large variant in how it is being called. As someone mentioned the difference between the letter of the law and intent.

[Back In The Saddle]

There are two distinct cases, it from what I've read to this point it sounds as though the criteria for the two cases is being mixed together.

ART. 4 . . . When screening a stationary opponent from behind (outside the visual field), the screener must allow the opponent one normal step backward without contact.
ART. 5 . . . When screening a moving opponent, the screener must allow the opponent time and distance to avoid contact by stopping or changing direction. The speed of the player to be screened will determine where the screener may take his/her stationary position. The position will vary and may be one to two normal steps or strides from the opponent.

The OP used the term "blind screen" which isn't actually defined.

If you define "blind screen" as being restricted to 4-40-4 (i.e., a screen on a stationary opponent outside the visual field), then the notion of a stride has no bearing on the discussion. The standard is "one normal step backward". If the screened opponent steps backward and contacts the screen before the foot comes down it's a foul.

If you define "blind screen" to mean any screen the opponent doesn't see, then you also have to consider 4-40-5. You have to consider both screening stationary opponents as above as well as moving opponents where the screener must allow "time and distance to avoid contact" and judge that time and distance in steps or strides.

As for the difference between a step and a stride, a stride is a step taken while running.

[jeffpea]

Originally Posted by Pantherdreams

I don't disagree on any particular point. The issue seems to be some officials/coaches wanting to split hairs over the difference between a step and a stride = a normal step.

Use your common sense...don't over think this one...."Coach, that is the exact same space/step that your defense will get on the other end"....