In water polo, a Screen (also called a “pick”) is a strategic move where an offensive player uses their body to block a defender’s path. This maneuver creates open space for a teammate to shoot, drive toward the goal, or receive a pass.
Think of it like a “human shield” that temporarily traps a defender.
How a Screen Works
- Positioning: An offensive player swims into the path of a teammate’s defender.
- The Set: The player stops and holds their position, making it physically impossible for the defender to follow their original target.
- The Result: The teammate “rubs off” the screen (swims very closely past it), leaving their defender stuck on the other side.
Key Rules for a Legal Screen
To avoid a turnover or a foul, players must follow these rules:
- Stay Vertical: You should keep your body relatively vertical. If you lay flat and “clamber” over a defender, the referee will blow the whistle.
- No Grabbing: You cannot use your hands or legs to hold the defender. You must use your torso and position to block them.
- Stationary Position: You must be in your spot before the defender makes contact. If you “crash” into a defender while they are moving, the referee may call an offensive foul.
Why Teams Use Screens
- To Free a Shooter: A screen gives a perimeter player an extra second to aim and shoot without a hand in their face.
- To Create a “Mismatch”: Often, a screen forces defenders to “switch” who they are guarding. This can leave a small defender guarding a very large offensive player.
- To Start a Drive: It breaks the rhythm of a “press” defense, allowing players to move more freely toward the goal.
The Goal: A perfect screen is subtle. It stops the defender’s momentum without drawing a foul, giving the offense a sudden, brief advantage.