screening

Question
can a offensive player step between a defender and the shooter he is guarding in order to set a screen for the shot, assuming there is a little room between players to do so without contact.  If there was no room and the offensive player contacts the defender does it become illegal?

Answer
HI Laurie,

The answer to your question is "It Depends" In order to set a Legal screen, the offensive player setting the screen must be in position before the player with the ball goes around him/her and before the defender gets there. As long as the player setting the screen is "Set" it is legal, even if there is a lot of contact. If there is no room between the player with the ball and the defender, the offensive player cannot nudge their way in between them. I hope that clears it up.