How to Use the Gortat Screen in Youth and High School Basketball

Quick Coach Tips: How to Use the Gortat Screen

Purpose: Free the driving lane for a guard by using an off-ball screen on the screener’s own defender
When to Use: After the guard snakes or turns the corner on a ball screen
Who Uses It: Bigs who aren’t vertical threats but excel at positioning (think Marcin Gortat, Steven Adams)
Steps:

• Run a standard pick-and-roll

• Guard gets defender on their back (in “jail”) or snakes the screen

• Big immediately seals their own man near the restricted area

• Seal is subtle—more like fighting for post/rebound position

• Avoid excessive contact or extended motion (risk of illegal screen)

Full Breakdown: The Gortat Screen – A Legal Seal That Unlocks Driving Lanes

What Is the Gortat Screen?

The Gortat Screen is a non-traditional off-ball screen used by a big to seal their own defender—not the ball handler’s. It’s designed to clear space for a guard attacking the rim, especially out of pick-and-roll situations. The screen was made famous by Marcin Gortat, a veteran NBA center known more for savvy screens than vertical explosion.

Rather than rolling to the rim after setting a pick, the big plants and holds position just outside the restricted area. This prevents the help-side rim protector from stepping up, freeing a path for the ball handler.

When and Why to Use It

The Gortat screen is especially valuable against drop or ice coverage. These pick-and-roll defenses rely on a big dropping back to protect the paint. If your guard is skilled enough to get their defender “in jail” (behind them), then the screener can turn and seal off the drop big, creating a clear lane to the hoop.

This tactic works best when:

• The guard is explosive or shifty (like John Wall or Westbrook)

• The big is strong, smart, and grounded (not necessarily a lob threat)

• The timing is precise and subtle to avoid illegal screen calls

Step-by-Step Execution

Setup

• Begin in a high pick-and-roll alignment

• The big sets a solid screen at the top of the key or wing

1. Initiate the Drive

• The guard uses the screen and gets their defender “in jail”

• They snake or wrap the dribble into the middle lane

2. Seal the Big Defender

• Instead of rolling hard, the big turns into a stationary seal

• Target area: just outside the restricted circle

• Seal their own man—the drop defender—not the guard’s

3. Create the Gap

• Guard attacks downhill

• The screen essentially erases the help-side shot blocker

• Easy finish or foul opportunity at the rim

Legal vs. Illegal: Walking the Line

This tactic exists in a gray area—it’s often legal if done correctly, but can easily become an illegal screen if:

• The seal involves prolonged or excessive contact

• The screener moves or leans into the defender

• Arms are hooked or extended in the process

Legal Framing Tactics

• Think of it as fighting for post or rebounding position

• Use subtle, quick footwork—not a full-body shove

• Get position before contact and hold without overextending

Variations Coaches Can Use

1. Post-Up Seal

Rather than a screen, teach bigs to seal like they’re posting up—defenders can’t argue it's a screen.

2. Box-Out Seal

Use rebounding language. “Box out your own man after the guard turns the corner.”

3. Early Seal in Transition

Teach your bigs to sprint the lane and immediately seal their man before the help can get set.

Common Mistakes

Too physical or exaggerated seal → illegal screen
Late timing → the guard drives into the big’s own defender
Seal too high → doesn’t prevent rim protection
Poor communication → guard doesn’t expect the lane to open

Coaching Cues

“Seal your own man, not theirs”
“Think post-up, not screen”
“Do your work early—seal before the guard gets deep”
“Hold position, don’t lean or extend”
“Make it look like you’re fighting for a rebound or catch”

Youth and High School Application

While it may sound like an NBA-level nuance, the Gortat screen can easily be taught at the high school or advanced youth level. Here's how to break it down:

• Teach with low-contact drills – Have the big simulate a seal with pads or cones

• Focus on footwork and body positioning – Players don’t need to be big or strong to seal legally

• Pair guards and bigs for reps – Run 2v2 or 3v3 to emphasize timing

• Start from static reads – Remove the live-action chaos until timing is consistent

By teaching this technique, coaches can turn “non-lob” bigs into valuable creators—a critical tool for rosters without athletic rim finishers.