How to Use the Gortat Screen in Youth and High School Basketball
I love teaching this one because it’s not flashy, it’s not complicated, and it works at every level, especially with youth and high school players.
It’s called the Gortat Screen, named after Marcin Gortat, who carved out a long NBA career doing this exact thing. He wasn’t blowing by anyone or flying through the air. But he knew how to make things hard on rim protectors. And that’s the job here.
What You’re Trying to Do
Forget about setting a screen for the guard’s defender. That part already happened.
This is about sealing your own man, usually the help-side big, so they can’t step up and block the shot. It’s perfect when:
Your guard comes off a ball screen and gets downhill
Your big isn’t a lob threat but knows how to hold space
You want to keep the help defender pinned
When you do it right, it’s like pulling the goalie in hockey, your guard is walking into an uncontested layup.
How It Actually Happens
Here’s how it plays out, step-by-step:
Set a normal high ball screen.
The guard uses it and turns the corner.The guard snakes or keeps their defender behind.
We don’t need a ton of speed here, just control.The big doesn’t roll all the way.
Instead, they plant just outside the restricted area.Seal the help big.
Like you’re boxing out for a rebound.
Stay wide, low, and don’t let them recover.Let the guard do the rest.
If done right, they’ll finish without even seeing the shot blocker.
Why It Works So Well
Most defenders expect the big to roll or pop, not stop and post up without the ball.
That’s what makes it so effective. The timing is quiet, but deadly. The lane clears, and the help-side big is locked in place.
It’s also great for teams that don’t have high-flying finishers. If your big is smart and solid with their feet, they can make plays without touching the ball.
Teaching Tips
Emphasize the seal, not the slip.
The job isn’t to get open, it’s to keep your man from helping.Remind your bigs this is unselfish basketball.
They may not get the stat, but they created the bucket.Run reps from both wings.
Let your guards and bigs get used to different help angles.Use the term “box out the helper.”
Simple language = better memory for younger players.
When to Use It
Against drop coverage - when help bigs sit back in the lane
Out of a timeout - when you want to get a guaranteed touch at the rim
Late in the shot clock - when you just need a clean look
Final Word
If you’re coaching youth or high school ball and your bigs aren’t skying for lobs, that’s totally fine. Teach them this. Teach them how to hold space, seal strong, and create easy points for their teammates.
The Gortat Screen isn’t about flash.
It’s about fundamentals.
And it works - every time.
Let me know if you want a chalkboard diagram or a teaching progression version of this for your next practice. Happy to help.
