How to Defend Ball Screens: Drop, Hedge, and Switch Explained
Coach-Friendly Teaching Points
Drop Coverage
Instruct your big to "drop" 6–10 feet below the screen.
The on-ball defender must chase over the screen to force the ball into the drop.
Emphasize containing the drive and protecting the rim.
Avoid allowing the ball handler to reject the screen.
Drop defender should stay between both the ball and the rolling big.
Hedge Coverage
The screener's defender steps out and "hedges" hard to push the ball handler sideways.
Stay wide and communicate early: "Ball screen! Ball screen!"
Force the dribbler east-west, not downhill.
Weak side must tag the roller or slip threat.
Bigs must recover quickly after the hedge.
Switch Coverage
Switch at the point of the screen—both defenders communicate the switch.
Stay at the level of the screen; don’t allow the handler to turn the corner.
After switching, the big must get low to prevent slips to the rim.
Teach both players to "talk early, talk loud, talk often."
Drills should simulate switching vs. handoffs and ball screens.
How to Defend the Pick and Roll
Defending the ball screen—commonly known as pick and roll defense—is essential in modern basketball. For youth and high school coaches, the three most teachable techniques are drop coverage, hedge defense, and switching. Each has its strengths and must be taught with clarity, context, and game-like repetition.
What is Drop Coverage?
Drop coverage is a more conservative way of guarding the pick and roll. Instead of aggressively stepping out to meet the ball handler, the big defender drops back several feet behind the screen. The goal is to protect the paint, eliminate rim runs, and encourage mid-range pull-up shots.
The on-ball defender must chase the ball handler over the top of the screen, steering them into the big. The big stays between the ball and the basket, ideally stopping the drive and contesting any floaters or short jumpers. Meanwhile, they must also be aware of the screener rolling to the rim.
Coaches should drill the timing of the drop, the depth, and the positioning of both defenders. Drop coverage works best when facing strong pick-and-roll teams that rely on driving or rolling actions but don’t have elite pull-up shooters.
Hedge Defense Basics
Hedging is a more aggressive tactic. The big defender steps out to temporarily stop the ball handler's forward momentum, usually at the level of the screen. This is called “showing” or “hedging.” After doing so, the big recovers to their original man, and the on-ball defender works around the screen and re-engages.
Communication is critical. Players must call out “screen left” or “screen right” before contact. The big must stay wide to prevent the guard from splitting the hedge. Meanwhile, the weak-side help must be ready to tag any slipping screener or rotating offensive player.
Hedging teaches toughness and team communication but can be tiring and risky if executed late. It’s best used when your players are well-conditioned and disciplined in their rotations.
How and When to Switch
Switching involves two defenders exchanging assignments at the point of the screen. This prevents the offense from gaining an advantage but often results in mismatches.
To switch properly, both players need to communicate early. The defender switching onto the ball handler must stay low and active, while the other defender denies the roll or slip to the rim. Switching works best when defenders are of similar size or when you are defending a team that runs continuous pick-and-rolls.
Youth and high school coaches should introduce switching slowly—starting with off-ball screens, then dribble handoffs, and finally ball screens. Players must unlearn the habit of blindly following their man and instead “switch with purpose.”
When Should You Use Each?
Use Drop Coverage when facing a strong roll threat or a guard who can’t shoot consistently.
Use Hedge Defense against elite ball handlers and teams that rely heavily on screens.
Use Switching when your team is versatile and you want to simplify the coverage.
No one technique fits every scenario. Coaches should build a defensive playbook that includes all three methods. Drill them in practice, rotate them based on matchups, and teach players how to read offensive spacing.
Teaching Tips for Coaches
Create small-sided games focused on screen defense.
Use guided defense reps: slow the play down and walk through each scenario.
Add communication cues: “Talk early, talk loud, talk often.”
Use cones or tape to mark ideal drop spots and hedge positions.
Review film of your own team’s defense vs. high-level examples.
Final Thoughts
Ball screens aren’t going away. The modern game relies heavily on pick and roll action at every level. That’s why youth and high school basketball coaches must make defending screens a daily habit in practice.
By teaching drop, hedge, and switch with clarity and consistency, you’ll give your team the tools to compete. Rotate the coverages based on your opponent. Reinforce communication. And remember: good screen defense isn’t just physical—it’s mental, too.
With time and repetition, your players will not only know how to defend a ball screen—they’ll be confident doing it.
