Andrew Pace
The pick and roll is a common basketball tactic where an offensive player sets a screen (pick) for a teammate handling the ball and then moves towards the basket (rolls) to receive a pass. While the pick and roll is a legal move, it can become illegal if the player setting the screen moves into the defender to initiate contact and gain an advantage. This is considered an offensive foul. The legality of a pick and roll can be a tough call for referees, as it often depends on their interpretation of the play.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is a pick and seal legal in basketball? | It is illegal to physically prevent an off-ball defender from making a play on the ball. However, momentarily bumping a defender to delay them is not illegal. |
| What is a pick and seal? | A pick and roll is an offensive play where the screener rolls out of their stance, continually moving toward the basket with the intention of receiving a pass for a potential score. |
| What is the purpose of a pick and seal? | The purpose of a pick and seal is to create an advantage for the offense by screening or blocking a defender. This can help create an open lane to the basket or provide an opportunity for a teammate to get a shot off. |
| How to perform a pick and seal? | The key to a successful pick and seal is timing, technique, and spacing. It involves fighting for position, holding that position, and then ducking in to gain quality positioning before the defender can recover. |
| Legal alternatives to a pick and seal | Legal alternatives include boxing out, which is extending your arm after rolling off, and the Gortat Pick and Roll. |
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What You'll Learn
Is it legal to box out with your arms out?
In basketball, a pick is a strategic move where an offensive player without the ball acts as a barrier between the defender and their teammate with the ball. A seal, on the other hand, refers to a post player's ability to fight for and maintain a favourable position, creating space for their teammate to score. While the specifics of what constitutes an illegal pick or seal are not always clear, it is generally understood that physically blocking a defender's path or using your arms to impede their movement is illegal.
Now, let's address the legality of boxing out with your arms out. Boxing out is a defensive rebounding technique where a player establishes a legal guarding position to prevent their opponent from gaining possession of the ball. While the exact amount of arm usage varies depending on the league and officiating, the general consensus is that using your arms primarily to impede an opponent's progress is illegal. This is because it violates the concept of allowing the defender a reasonable amount of space to play defence.
However, it is important to note that using your arms to enhance your box-out position is not entirely forbidden. Players are generally allowed to use their forearms, bent at 90 degrees and parallel to their chests, to create resistance and keep opponents at bay. This usage of the forearm is considered legal as long as it is not used to forcefully push or check an opponent. The key distinction is that the arms should be ancillary to the body's position, not the primary means of impeding an opponent.
Some sources suggest that extending the arms slightly during a box-out is acceptable, provided it is not excessive or used to initiate contact with the opponent. Additionally, facing your opponent during a box-out is generally permitted, although it is considered unusual and may be frowned upon in certain contexts, such as pickup games where norms differ from official rules.
It is worth noting that the interpretation of these rules can vary depending on the level of play and the specific league or officiating guidelines. While certain techniques may be technically illegal, they are sometimes utilised effectively at the highest levels of basketball. Therefore, it is essential to understand the specific rules and norms of the league or competition in which you are participating.
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What is a Gortat Pick and Roll?
A Gortat Pick and Roll is a type of basketball play that is technically illegal but is still used at the highest level of basketball. It involves a player setting a screen and then cutting towards the basket for a pass. In the Gortat variation, the rolling player cuts off a defender, creating a clear driving lane for the offensive player. This momentary interference is not considered a screen and is a common strategy in professional and college basketball.
The pick and roll is one of the most common and important plays in basketball, and it involves an offensive player blocking the progress of the ball handler's defender. The player can then choose to stay in place (pop), dive to the basket (roll), or fake the screen and dive (slip). The pick and roll play is highly effective when the smaller, faster player is guarded by a bigger, slower player, and vice versa.
The ball handler in a pick and roll must have excellent technical skills and decision-making abilities, as they must react quickly to the defensive strategy employed by the opposing team. The screener, who sets the screen, is equally important. They must know how to impede the progress of the defender and employ different techniques like rolling, popping, and slipping to create opportunities for their teammates.
The Gortat Pick and Roll is named after Marcin Gortat, a player for the Washington Wizards. In a game, Gortat and Bradley Beal of the Wizards executed a successful pick and roll action, with Gortat setting a screen for Beal, allowing him to attack the lane.
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What is a pick and pop?
Pick and pop is an offensive tactic in basketball. It involves a player setting a pick, or screen, for a teammate with possession of the ball, and then moving to an open area, usually on the perimeter of the court, away from the basket. This movement is known as "popping".
The ball handler will wait for their teammate to set a ball screen, usually at a wing, before attacking the middle of the court and driving into the paint. After setting the screen, the screener will "pop" to an open area, typically near the sideline, close to where the ball handler started. This movement creates space and can result in a scoring opportunity, often from a jump shot or three-pointer.
The pick and pop is particularly effective when used by a skilled shooter against a less athletic defender, as it forces the defender out of their comfort zone and creates an advantage for the offense. The defender will need to guard the screener on the perimeter, which can be challenging if they are used to defending in the paint.
To execute a successful pick and pop, the ball handler must take multiple dribbles towards the middle of the floor, drawing the post defender and creating space for the screener to "pop" to an open area. If the ball handler is too hasty, the defender can recover and contest the shot. The screener should arc towards the perimeter, turning their shoulders towards the basket to be ready to shoot immediately upon catching the ball.
The pick and pop is a variation of the more common pick and roll, where the screener rolls to the basket after setting the screen. In the pick and pop, the screener moves away from the basket, creating space for a jump shot.
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What is a screen assist?
A screen assist is a crucial yet underappreciated skill in basketball, which involves setting effective screens to free teammates from defenders and create scoring opportunities. While it doesn't involve direct passing, it can significantly impact the outcome of a game.
For the last few seasons, the NBA has tracked "screen assists" as part of its hustle stats. It is defined as a screen set for a teammate that directly leads to a successful field goal by that teammate. The volume of screen assists can be a key indicator, with players like Marcin Gortat of the Washington Wizards, who consistently set a high number of screens and play a large number of games, leading the league in screen assists.
Setting screens is a skill that can create valuable opportunities for teammates to score. Effective screeners like Gortat can read the game and use their body positioning to create space for teammates. This often involves getting in the way of a defender to obstruct their path and create a lane for the teammate with the ball to drive towards the basket.
The art of screening is not limited to static positions; it also involves ad-lib screening, where a player can react to a developing play and use their body to block a defender, creating a path for a teammate to exploit. This type of screening is particularly effective in transition plays when defenders are backpedaling or trying to locate their assigned offensive player.
While setting screens is a valuable skill, it must be done within the rules of the game. Holding your arms out to the side or back, as if boxing out for a rebound, is illegal, as it is considered an "outside the cylinder" violation. Additionally, momentary contact with a defender to delay them is generally permitted, but using your body to physically prevent an off-ball defender from making a play on the ball is illegal.
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What is a post seal?
A post seal is an offensive move in basketball that helps post players secure a position near the basket and create a target for their teammates to pass to. It involves ducking in and using your body to create space near the rim. The aim is to fight for position and hold it long enough for the ball to be delivered to the basket.
Post seals are effective because there is rarely any off-the-ball help available. Wing defenders are focused on running back to their positions, so they cannot help with the entry pass. This creates an opportunity for an early offense and easy finishes at the basket.
Mastering the post seal requires three main skills: timing, technique, and spacing. To execute a post seal effectively, players must be able to catch the defender off-guard and quickly gain quality positioning. This can be achieved by faking fatigue or luring the defender into a false sense of security.
Additionally, players with great technique can post up and seal defensive players who are bigger and more athletic. They can also create better passing angles, increasing the likelihood of a successful pass. Spacing is crucial, as defenders must choose between letting the ball be entered into the post or helping and giving up an open shot.
Overall, a post player who can master the post seal can add significant value to their team by creating scoring opportunities for themselves or their teammates.
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Frequently asked questions
The term "pick and seal" is not commonly used in basketball, but a similar term,
A pick and roll is when a player sets a pick (a screen) for their teammate and then moves towards the basket, creating space for their teammate to dribble, pass, or shoot.
In basketball, the terms "screen" and "pick" are often used interchangeably and refer to the same thing.
An illegal screen occurs when the player setting the screen moves into the defender to initiate contact and gain an advantage. The result is an offensive foul.
Facing away from the defender when setting a screen is not illegal, but it may make it more difficult for the screener to anticipate the offensive player hitting the screen.
