[BosCard]

Yes 81, defenders guarding screeners can be way more physical against the screeners before the screen is set. For instance, let's say the ball is on the wing and there is a big on each block. The big nearest the ball goes to set a screen for the other big to then cut and receive an entry pass on the strong side block. The player defending the screener can push or hinder the screener from setting the screen where they want. Especially if you get your feet there first, the position is yours, so the refs let players fight for the position. In this example, the defender can force the screen to happen lower toward the baseline, which allows the teammate defender a lot more room over top to defend the cutter to the block. Refs typically allow A LOT of that type of physicality and it renders screens way less effective.  

Same goes for ball screens on the perimeter. If the opposing player is running over to set the ball screen, the player defending the screener can fight for that same position and force it to happen a few feet higher than where they want it. You aren't allowed to blatantly shove the screener out of the way with your hands, but the refs will allow bumping and arm-bar type of contact as players battle for the spot. 

Another thought on this screening subject - it seems as though our standard defensive scheme is to go over the top of all ball screens and dribble handoffs on the perimeter. Our bigs switch (or at least help) if our guard defenders get caught up on the screen, but it's not ideal and we are vulnerable to pick and roll action from time to time. So our guards have to be really quick and show great effort to go over those screens and still stay in position. I've noticed a big improvement this season in Hannah Jump's defense in this area. She used to get caught all the time on screens and she is soooo much better now. Probably one of the reasons Tara has the confidence to keep her in the game.

Both Hulls and Wilson are great at fighting over the top of screens.  Really great.  Occasionally the Hulls get pushed around because of their higher center of gravity but Wilson doesn’t.  Part of the reason all three get so much playing time from Tara.

But all 3 are graduating next year.  And I don’t think Tara wants Jones chasing guards/wings on the perimeter when she is a pretty good high post defender and great rebounder.   So who is going to join Jump on the perimeter next year?  Given Tara’s focus on defense I think Emma-Nnopu will get a lot of playing time.

[BosCard]

Yes 81, defenders guarding screeners can be way more physical against the screeners before the screen is set. For instance, let's say the ball is on the wing and there is a big on each block. The big nearest the ball goes to set a screen for the other big to then cut and receive an entry pass on the strong side block. The player defending the screener can push or hinder the screener from setting the screen where they want. Especially if you get your feet there first, the position is yours, so the refs let players fight for the position. In this example, the defender can force the screen to happen lower toward the baseline, which allows the teammate defender a lot more room over top to defend the cutter to the block. Refs typically allow A LOT of that type of physicality and it renders screens way less effective.  

Same goes for ball screens on the perimeter. If the opposing player is running over to set the ball screen, the player defending the screener can fight for that same position and force it to happen a few feet higher than where they want it. You aren't allowed to blatantly shove the screener out of the way with your hands, but the refs will allow bumping and arm-bar type of contact as players battle for the spot. 

Another thought on this screening subject - it seems as though our standard defensive scheme is to go over the top of all ball screens and dribble handoffs on the perimeter. Our bigs switch (or at least help) if our guard defenders get caught up on the screen, but it's not ideal and we are vulnerable to pick and roll action from time to time. So our guards have to be really quick and show great effort to go over those screens and still stay in position. I've noticed a big improvement this season in Hannah Jump's defense in this area. She used to get caught all the time on screens and she is soooo much better now. Probably one of the reasons Tara has the confidence to keep her in the game.

Both Hulls and Wilson are great at fighting over the top of screens.  Really great.  Occasionally the Hulls get pushed around because of their higher center of gravity but Wilson doesn’t.  Part of the reason all three get so much playing time from Tara.

But all 3 are graduating next year.  And I don’t think Tara wants Jones chasing guards/wings on the perimeter when she is a pretty good high post defender and great rebounder.   So who is going to join Jump on the perimeter next year?  Given Tara’s focus on defense I think Emma-Nnopu will get a lot of playing time.