Kristian Ferrell
The pick and roll is one of the most popular offensive plays in basketball, and teams that master it can become virtually unstoppable. It involves an offensive player setting a screen for a teammate to create an open shot or force a switch in the defence, which can cause a mismatch. To set a pick, players must be stationary with their feet planted wider than their shoulders and their knees bent. Their arms should be kept within their shoulders to avoid an offensive foul. The player setting the pick should have their back pointing in the direction they want the player using the pick to go. Once the pick is set, the ball handler should attack the basket, forcing the defender to switch onto them. The player using the pick should then roll to the basket, keeping the defender on the outside.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | When an offensive player legally blocks the path of a defender to open up another offensive player for a shot or to receive a pass |
| Importance | Picks are invaluable tools that can give the offense many opportunities to score |
| Variations | Down pick, cross pick, ball pick, flare pick, new york pick, slash pick, flex pick, stagger pick, and many more |
| Mastery | Requires repetition and practice |
| Body Position | Feet should be wider than shoulder width, knees bent, and hands within shoulders |
| Communication | Verbal or non-verbal, such as raising a hand or calling out the player's name |
| Aggression | Think "curl" to create an aggressive mentality |
| Timing | Patience is key; wait for the picker to get set before exploding past the pick |
| Strategy | Force a switch by attacking the basket, creating an open lane for the ball handler |
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What You'll Learn
The importance of the pick and roll
The pick and roll is one of the most popular plays in basketball, and for good reason. It is an incredibly effective offensive strategy that can be used at all levels of the game, from youth basketball to the NBA.
The pick and roll involves two offensive players and at least two defenders. One offensive player handles the ball while the other sets a screen, or "pick", by blocking the path of the defender guarding the ball handler. The ball handler then dribbles around the screen, creating space and causing the defence to rotate and cover. The player who set the screen then "rolls", moving towards the basket to receive a pass. This movement can create an open shot opportunity for either the ball handler or the player setting the screen, or the ball handler can pass to another open teammate.
The pick and roll is a simple play to execute, but it can be a nightmare for defences to defend. It is a great way to create high-quality scoring opportunities and can be used in a variety of ways, such as the pick and pop, where the screener moves for an open jump shot, or the pick and slip, where the screener fakes setting a screen before slipping behind the defender to accept the pass.
Mastering the pick and roll can make a team virtually unstoppable. It requires teamwork, agility, communication, and coordination. It is important that the players involved have a good understanding of the angles and spacing required to execute the play effectively, and that coaches provide clear instructions and feedback.
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How to set a pick
Setting a good pick is a difficult skill to master, but it's important to create an open look on the pick and roll. The pick and roll is the most effective action in basketball, so it's a great tactic to teach your players.
Firstly, the player must be stationary before the offensive player comes off their pick. If you are moving when setting the pick, it's an illegal screen, and a foul will be called. You want to have your back pointing in the direction of where you want the player using the pick to go. Communicate the pick to the offensive player by raising your hand and calling out their name.
When setting the pick, the player should have their feet stationary and wider than shoulder-width. Guys should have their arms extended down over the groin with one hand over the other, and girls should place their arms in an "X" shape, with hands on the opposite collarbone. Keep your hands and elbows inside your body to avoid a foul.
The ball handler should wait for the picker to be set before moving past the pick. The picker should position their body in an athletic stance, with their knees bent, to absorb the contact of the defender. The ball handler should then attack the basket, forcing the defender to switch.
The picker then turns their outside shoulder towards the side the ball handler went and rolls to the basket, keeping the defender on the outside.
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How to use a pick
The pick and roll is one of the most popular offensive plays in basketball. It involves an offensive player setting a screen for a teammate. When done correctly, it can be incredibly effective at creating space for open shots or passes. Here's a guide on how to use a pick:
Setting Up the Pick
Before setting the pick, the offensive player must communicate with their teammate to let them know it's coming. This can be done verbally or with a non-verbal signal like raising a hand. When setting the pick, it's important to be stationary with your feet planted wider than shoulder width. Keep your arms within your shoulders to avoid an offensive foul, and position your body in an athletic stance to absorb contact from the defender. Your back should be pointing in the direction you want the player using the pick to go.
Executing the Pick and Roll
The ball handler should wait for the picker to get set before exploding off the pick. They should dribble off the screen as close as possible and drive towards the basket. This forces the defender to switch, creating an open lane for the ball handler to drive with the defender pinned outside. The picker should then roll to the basket, keeping the defender on the outside.
Creating Space for Shots
The picker's focus should be on sealing the defender to create an open lane and an advantageous position for the ball handler. The ball handler should have the mindset of driving to score first and passing second. This constant threat to score forces the defence to react, creating space for teammates as well.
Variations of the Pick and Roll
There are many variations of the pick and roll, such as the down pick, cross pick, ball pick, and more. Mastering the fundamentals of the pick and roll will allow players to be more effective in executing these variations. Studying film of great players who utilize picks, such as Kevin Durant or Steve Nash, can also provide valuable insights into how to use picks effectively.
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Footwork and positioning
The picker should also angle their back in the direction they want the player using the pick to go. This will help guide the ball handler and create an open lane for them to drive with the defender pinned outside. The picker's focus should be on creating an open look for the ball handler, using their body to block the defender and force a switch.
Communication between the ball handler and the picker is vital. The ball handler should wait for the picker to get set before exploding off the pick, attacking the basket and forcing a switch. This coordination ensures the picker doesn't move as the ball handler drives past, which would result in an illegal screen and a turnover.
The pick and roll is a powerful offensive strategy, forcing two defensive players to guard one offensive player and creating advantageous mismatches. However, it requires precise footwork and positioning to execute effectively.
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Communication and timing
To initiate a pick and roll, the ball handler must communicate with the other offensive player to set a pick for them. This communication can be verbal or non-verbal, such as a fist in the air or raising a hand and calling out the player's name. The picker should be stationary before the offensive player comes off the pick, and their back should point towards the direction they want the player using the pick to go.
Timing is crucial for the success of the pick and roll. The ball handler should wait for the picker to get set before moving past the pick and attacking the basket. This forces the defender to switch onto the ball handler, allowing the picker to roll towards the basket. The ball handler should be patient and keep the dribble alive, maintaining a mindset of driving to score first and passing second.
Mastering the pick and roll requires hundreds of repetitions, but it is an incredibly effective play that can create many opportunities for the offence to score. It is important for players to understand the fundamental techniques and tactics and practice different scenarios to improve their skills in this area.
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