It’s really a lost art. If done correctly it can get a wide-open look or a clear path to the basket.

Screening is such an integral part of an offense. Setting a screen is the equivalent to opening up a hole for the running back in football. It’s not glamorous, but the running back can’t succeed without the block. The running back, or in this case the shooter, may get the glory, but the block or the screen is just as crucial to the success of the play.

It’s all about desire. Young players have no problem working hard on the offensive end, but that desire isn’t always as evident when playing defense or setting a screen. All too often you will see players set poor screens and it’s normally a result of desire.

The technique is simple so it comes down to whether or not the player is committed to that one single objective of getting a teammate open. Quite often you will see players partially commit. They will get into position, but they won’t stay focused. Instead their head will swivel to follow the path of the ball.

It’s has less to do with size and physical gifts and more about commitment and desire. Through the years I have seen some guards do a much better job of screening than forwards. Thus it should come as no surprise that good screeners are also good rebounders. It’s about desire, positioning and technique.

For most motion programs, the process of setting an effective screen begins with communication. The screener and the cutter have to be on the same page. Generally this is initiated by the screener raising his fist and calling out the name of the one he will screen.

There are varying approaches to arm position when setting a screen. One technique is to have one arm up and one arm down. We don’t use that approach. Instead we go with both arms straight down, protecting the future family. The left hand grabs the right wrist to provide ample protection.

In college basketball a lot of fouls are called on the screener with the arm in the upward position. This technique can create a lot of contact when the defender attempts to fight through the screen. Quite often the foul is called on the screener. Most illegal screens are called on what we label as “chicken wings.” When using the two-hands-down approach, the screener avoids the chicken wing and is less apt to be called for a foul.

Again, it’s not enough to just get into position. The screener must have a good base, with his legs separated so that his head is directly in the middle of his two feet. If you were to drop a line from his head to the floor it would be right smack in the middle. This provides the screener with perfect balance and that is so important.

Leaning slightly one way or the other can render the screen ineffective. Sometimes there is a tendency to lean or favor the direction the cutter is going. We have our screeners set their back to the direction they want the cutter to go.

It sounds simple enough but often players are in a hurry. Sometimes the screener will pass and then run to the spot to set the screen. Being in a hurry has taken away the proper angle needed to set the screen. Patience is very important.

Like so many other aspects of the game, it’s a matter of repetition. Some will do it until they get it right, but the best do it until they can’t get it wrong.

This Better Basketball Online Magazine feature was created with the assistance of CollegeInsider.com.