Amanda Knapp
The pick and roll is one of the most fundamental and effective offensive plays in basketball, used at all levels of the game. It involves two offensive players, one setting a screen (the pick) for a teammate with the ball, and then moving (the roll) toward the basket to receive a pass or create space. When executed well, it can be a powerful tool to create an open shot or make the defence switch, causing a mismatch for the ball handler or picker. This play can be taught by breaking it down into its five phases, focusing on the footwork, body positioning, and communication required to execute it effectively.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Play | Offensive |
| Difficulty | Deceptively simple |
| Effectiveness | Very |
| Number of Steps | 5-7 |
| Execution | The ball handler must communicate with one other offensive player to set a pick for them. |
| Set-up | The picker must initiate the set-up if the defender is stationary. If the defender is moving, the ball handler must initiate the set-up by taking the correct angle. |
| Picking | The picker should create as much separation as possible between themselves and their defender before setting the on-ball screen. |
| Screening | The screen should be set at a 45-degree angle, with the screener's back facing the general area of where the handler will get the shot. |
| Rolling | The picker should roll in the same direction as the drive, maintaining contact with the defender for as long as possible. |
| Passing | A one-handed bounce pass thrown right off the dribble is best. |
| Variations | Wing Pick and Roll (Top Side and Baseline Side), High Pick and Roll, Corner Pick and Roll, Flat Pick and Roll, A-Set Pick and Roll |
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What You'll Learn
Offensive and defensive players' knowledge
Offensive players should be aware of the nuances of the pick and roll technique, which is one of the most fundamental and effective plays in basketball. It involves setting a screen (pick) for a teammate with the ball and then moving (rolling) toward the basket to receive a pass or create space for a more dynamic offense.
The offensive player setting the screen should focus on creating as much separation as possible between themselves and their defender before setting the on-ball screen. This can be done by setting the screen at a 45-degree angle, with their back facing the corner of the court. Additionally, the screener should aim to maintain contact with the defender as long as possible during the roll to hinder their ability to defend the play.
The ball handler plays a crucial role in the pick and roll. They must initiate the setup by taking the correct angle and driving towards the basket with the intention to score first and pass second. Verbal or non-verbal communication with the screener is essential to ensure coordination. The ball handler should also be aware of the positioning of the defenders and the screener's defender to exploit any defensive weaknesses.
Defensive players should understand that the pick and roll can put them at a disadvantage if a solid screen is set. They should focus on maintaining good defensive positioning and communicating with their teammates to adapt to the offensive play. One strategy is to drop deep into the middle of the paint to protect the rim and contest shots, while another is to have the player being defended step out to set the screen, dragging the defender away from the rim.
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Setting a good pick
Footwork
It is important to set your feet before setting a pick. Your feet should be wider than shoulder-width, with your knees bent. If your feet are moving while setting a pick, it is considered an illegal screen and will result in a turnover.
Arm Placement
Guys should have their arms extended down over the groin with one hand placed over the other. Girls should place their arms in an "X" shape, with each hand on the opposite collarbone to protect the chest. Keep your elbows and hands inside your body to avoid an offensive foul.
Body Position
As the player approaches the person they are picking, they should position their body in an athletic stance with their knees bent. This will help absorb the contact of the defender trying to get around.
Communication
Communicate with your teammate by using a verbal signal or a non-verbal hand signal, such as raising your hand or fist in the air. This will let them know that you are about to set a pick.
Creating Separation
Before setting the on-ball screen, the screener should create as much separation as possible between themselves and their defender. This will reduce the defender's ability to help guard the dribbler.
Maintaining Contact
Once the ball handler has cleared the pick, the picker should open up to the ball and roll in the same direction, maintaining contact with the defender as long as possible. This will create a "'moving screen," keeping the ball handler's defender out of the play.
Remember, setting a good pick requires practice and repetition. Each of these steps contributes to the overall effectiveness of the pick and roll, creating scoring opportunities for your team.
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Screener's angle and positioning
The positioning of the screener is crucial to the success of the pick and roll. The screener should aim to create as much separation as possible from their defender before setting the on-ball screen. This will reduce the ability of the defender to provide support to the dribbler.
The angle of the screen is also important. Coaches often teach a 45-degree angle with the screener's back facing the corner of the court. This is a good angle because it makes it equally difficult for the defender to go over or under the screen. If the screen is too far forward, it is easy for the defender to go over the top, and if it is too far back, they can easily go underneath. The screener should aim to have their back in the general area where they want the handler to get the shot.
The screener should also be aware of the position of the defender. If the defender drops deep into the paint, the screener can pop out to the three-point line or mid-range for an open shot. The screener should also try to maintain contact with the defender for as long as possible, as this will help to keep the defender out of the play.
The ball handler should also be aware of the position of the defender and use this to their advantage. They should aim to take the correct angle, driving their defender into the pick. If the defender is stationary, the picker should initiate the setup, but if the defender is moving, the ball handler should initiate.
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Ball handler's mindset
The ball handler's mindset is crucial to the success of a pick and roll. They must be thinking about creating opportunities for their teammates and exploiting the defence.
Firstly, the ball handler must communicate with their teammate to set up the play. This can be a simple non-verbal signal, such as a fist in the air, or a verbal cue. The ball handler should be aware of the positioning of both offensive and defensive players and initiate the setup by taking the correct angle. They should aim to drive to the basket with the mindset of scoring first and passing second.
When coming off the screen, the ball handler should dribble as close to it as possible. The angle of the screener is important, as it determines the angle of the subsequent shot. The ball handler should also pay attention to the screener's defender. If the defender goes under the screen, the ball handler should be ready to shoot. If the defender stays with the screener, the ball handler can pass to them for a layup.
The ball handler should also be patient and keep the dribble alive during the pick and roll. This keeps the defence guessing and allows for more dynamic offensive play.
Understanding defensive positioning is critical to the ball handler's success. They should pay close attention to the on-ball defender and the direction they are being forced in. By reading the cues of the screener's defender, the ball handler can adjust their timing and exploit weaknesses in the defence.
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Executing the roll
Creating Separation
Before setting the on-ball screen, the screener should aim to create as much distance as possible between themselves and their defender. This can be achieved by using angles and positioning. By creating separation, the screener makes it harder for the defender to provide help to the defender of the dribbler (usually the ball handler). This often results in the dribbler having an open shot or attacking a defender who is still recovering to the basketball.
Setting the Screen
When setting the screen, the screener should position their body in an athletic stance with their knees bent, enabling them to absorb the contact of the defender trying to get around. The screener's arms should be within their shoulders, not outstretched, to avoid committing a foul. The angle of the screen is crucial. Coaches often advise setting screens at a 45-degree angle, which makes it challenging for the defender to go over or under the screen.
Rolling to the Basket
Once the ball handler has cleared the pick, the screener should roll towards the basket. The screener should aim to maintain contact with their defender for as long as possible. This can act as a "moving screen," keeping the ball handler's defender out of the play. The screener should be ready to catch a pass from the ball handler and finish the play.
Understanding Defensive Positioning
A key aspect of the roll is understanding the positioning of both the on-ball defender and the screener's defender. The ball handler should observe the tag man's movements, tendencies, and defensive strategies to make precise decisions and exploit weaknesses. This knowledge allows the ball handler to adjust their timing and take advantage of defensive mistakes.
Communication
Effective communication between the ball handler and the screener is essential. Verbal or non-verbal signals, such as a fist in the air, can be used to initiate the pick and roll action. The screener should also be aware of the ball handler's intentions to ensure they are in the right position to receive a pass or create space for the offense.
By following these instructions and practicing the pick and roll, players can improve their execution of the roll and become more effective in creating scoring opportunities for their team.
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