Defender after a Screen Primary or Secondary?
 

Do you see defenders that switch players they are guarding after a screen as a secondary defender when the screen is near or inside the restricted zone? As most of the time the ball handler will get past his defender after a screen, even if the 2nd defender has long established his position to counter the screen, he would still be considered as secondary defender as such he won't be able to take any charge from the ball handler and the ball handler can pretty much force himself in for a blocking foul inside the zone (as long as he doesn't commit any intentional offensive moves)?

What rule set are you looking for answers for? Some rule sets have an area of the court called the lower defensive box where if a play originates in it, the RA doesn't come into play meaning a secondary defender can take a charge in the RA.

Yes they are secondary defenders. Not sure what games you work or watch, but I don't see on-ball screens being set anywhere near the RA.

FIBA, NHSF/NCAA.

What if the play happens just outside the defensive box, does RA apply?

NFHS: There is no RA, so the question doesn't apply.

NFHS: Not applicable

NCAA-M:

A.R. 98. Low-post player A5 spins and gets by defender B5. B4 comes from the weak side and establishes initial guarding position within the restricted area. A5 continues to move to the basket and:

1.While airborne and shooting the ball, leans into and makes contact with B4; or
2. Stops and, while in control of the ball, leans into and contacts B4.

RULING 1: B4 is a secondary defender and illegally established initial guarding position within the restricted area to stop A5’s try for goal. A blocking foul shall be assessed to B4.

2: When A5 stopped and the try for goal was discontinued, B4 was no longer a secondary defender. A player control foul shall be assessed to A5.
(Rule 4-35.2 and 10-1.13)

A.R. 99. Low post player A5 in possession of the ball is defended initially by B5. Player B4 comes from the weak side to double team and establishes initial guarding position (1) inside the restricted area or (2) outside the restricted area. A5 makes a move to the basket and contacts stationary B4 in the torso.

RULING: In (1), B4 is a secondary defender and may not establish initial legal guarding position inside the restricted area. When illegal contact occurs, a blocking foul should be assessed against B4.

NCAA-W and NBA

If a play starts near the RA, it means it probably originated (started) in the lower defensive box (LDB).

If it does, then the RA does not apply period. A secondary defender can come over and take a charge in the RA


Also, practically speaking, setting a screen in such proximity near the basket doesn't really happen. To do so would be messing with the spacing that's already at issue the closer to the paint/basket one is.