Ayrton Oneill
The pick and roll is a simple yet highly effective offensive play in basketball. It involves two offensive players and is designed to create an open shot or force the defence to switch, creating a mismatch. The ball handler must communicate with the other offensive player to set a pick, either verbally or with a hand signal. The pick should be set with feet stationary and wider than shoulder-width, and the picker should keep their arms within their shoulders. Once the ball handler has cleared the pick, the picker should roll towards the basket, maintaining contact with the defender. The ball handler can pass to the picker or an open teammate at any point, so the picker should be ready to catch and finish. A successful pick and roll is the result of teamwork, and players must be patient and control their speed.
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What You'll Learn
The ball handler must communicate with the picker
To initiate a pick and roll, the ball handler must communicate with the picker. Communication can be verbal or through a non-verbal hand signal, such as raising a fist in the air or calling out the ball handler's name. The picker should let the ball handler know that they are available to set a screen.
The ball handler must be aware of the picker's position and take the correct angle to initiate the setup. If the defender is stationary, the picker must initiate the setup, but if the defender is moving, the ball handler must drive their defender into the pick, taking the correct angle to do so. The picker should not overcompensate by moving if the ball handler does not take a good angle.
The ball handler must also be aware of the defender's position and ensure that the defender makes contact with the screen. The picker should maintain contact with the defender for as long as possible. The ball handler should keep their head up to scan the court and locate the open player.
The ball handler must also be decisive, recognising the situation quickly and choosing whether to take the shot, pass to the picker, or pass to another open teammate.
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The picker should keep the defender on the outside
The picker should always aim to keep the defender on the outside. This is a crucial part of the pick and roll, as it creates an open shot opportunity for the ball handler or the picker. If the defender is successfully kept on the outside, the picker can then drive to the basket.
To achieve this, the picker must set a good pick, which can be challenging. The picker should position themselves in an athletic stance, with their knees bent, and their feet shoulder-width apart or wider. This allows them to absorb the contact of the defender trying to get around the screen. The picker should also keep their arms within their shoulders, preventing the defender from moving with outstretched arms.
Additionally, the picker should maintain contact with the defender as long as possible. Younger defenders, in particular, may try to slide underneath the pick, so a quick and physical roll will keep them on the outside. The picker should also be mindful of their positioning. If the defender is stationary, the picker should initiate the setup, but if the defender is moving, the ball handler should initiate by taking the correct angle.
By keeping the defender on the outside, the picker can create space for the ball handler to drive to the basket or take an open shot. This tactic is essential in executing a successful pick and roll, which is a fundamental play in basketball.
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The picker must set their feet and keep their arms within their shoulders
Setting a good pick is a difficult skill to master, but it is important to create an open shot on the pick and roll. While setting a pick, the picker must set their feet and keep their arms within their shoulders.
The picker must set their feet and not move them while setting a pick, otherwise, it will be a turnover. The picker must also keep their arms within their shoulders to prevent the defender from moving with outstretched arms. The picker should position their body in an athletic stance with their knees bent so they can absorb the contact of the defender trying to get around. This way, the picker creates an open lane for the ball handler to drive with the defender pinned outside.
The picker must also be patient and keep the dribble alive during a pick and roll. The picker should keep the defender that switched onto them on the outside and drive to the basket. The picker must also be ready to catch and finish, as the ball handler can pass the ball to them at any point.
The picker should also communicate with the ball handler to let them know they are going to set a ball screen. This communication can be verbal or a non-verbal hand signal such as raising a fist.
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The picker should pin the defender
If the defender is stationary, the picker must initiate the setup. However, if the defender is moving, the ball handler must initiate the setup by taking the correct angle. The picker should never overcompensate by moving if the ball handler does not take a good angle.
The picker should also be aware of the defender cheating over the top of the screen. If this happens, the picker can fake high and drive in the opposite direction.
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The ball handler should keep their head up and stay low
The ball handler should always keep their head up and stay low when executing a pick and roll. This is a fundamental skill that can make all the difference between a successful and a failed attempt. By keeping their head up, the ball handler can scan the court for potential opportunities and anticipate the next move. They can also avoid an offensive foul, which often occurs when players tuck their chin into their chest and slam into the helpside defence.
Staying low is crucial for protecting the basketball and making firm contact with the screen. This forces the on-ball defender to trail the play, creating space for a dynamic offence. The ball handler should also be mindful of their dribble, keeping it alive and using it to create separation from the defence.
The ball handler must be decisive and quick-thinking, recognising the situation and choosing whether to take the shot, pass to the screener, or pass to another open teammate. A successful pick and roll relies on the ball handler's ability to drive to score first and pass second, keeping an attacking mindset.
Communication is also vital. The ball handler should communicate with their teammate to set a pick, using verbal cues or non-verbal hand signals such as raising a fist. This coordination ensures the pick and roll is well-executed and creates favourable mismatches for the offence.
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