The default way teams teach ball screens is to hedge and go over. The problem with that at times is that it creates a defensive rotation. Defensive rotations are the biggest factor in giving up open looks from 3.

What Mike Young does instead of hedging is to have the screen defender "string out" the ball handler from side to side on a flatter angle when means that his recovery distance is shorter when his teammate who is screened recovers to the ball.

The overall philosophy is to minimize rotations due to positioning on the floor as well as positioning playing ball screens.

There will be teams that youll scout however, where this ball screen strategy wont work. Teams that shoot the ball well off the dribble are going to get some open looks right after the screen is set because there isnt much pressure being put on the ball. VT will occasionally change up how they defend those screens based on who the matchup is.

If youre having trouble visualizing this or understanding it, then you should now realize why it is difficult to play freshmen or new players in this system. It is very dependent on a knowledge of where youre supposed to be on top of being athletically gifted enough to make a play once youre in that spot.