Amanda Knapp
The pick and roll is an offensive play in basketball that came into vogue in the NBA during the 1990s and has since become the league's most common offensive action. It involves a player setting a screen (pick) for a teammate handling the ball, and then moving toward the basket (roll) to receive a pass. The play is designed to confuse the defence, forcing them to choose between guarding the ballhandler or the screener. If the defender guarding the ballhandler tries to guard them, the screener can move toward the basket, creating space. If the defender guarding the screener tries to guard the ballhandler, the ballhandler has an open shot or can pass to an open teammate.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Other names | Ball screen, screen and roll |
| Type of play | Offensive |
| Number of players involved | Three |
| Players involved | Defender, ballhandler, and teammate |
| Description | A player sets a screen (pick) for a teammate handling the ball and then moves toward the basket (rolls) to receive a pass |
| Variations | Corner pick and roll, flat pick and roll, A-set pick and roll, pick and pop, pick and slip |
| Success factors | Agility, communication, coordination, ability to finish at the rim, make good decisions, blow by defenders, pull up for jump shots, get low and balanced, wait for the screen, read the defense, make the correct decision |
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What You'll Learn
The pick and roll is an offensive play
If the defender tries to guard the ball-handler, the screener can move towards the basket, creating space. The ball-handler can then pass to the screener, who is now in a position to take an easy shot, with the chance of drawing a foul as defenders rush to recover. Alternatively, the ball-handler may find themselves free to shoot or pass to another open teammate.
If the defender chooses to guard the screening teammate, the ball-handler has an open shot or can pass to an open teammate. The success of the play depends on the ball-handler's ability to quickly recognise the situation and make a decision. The screener must also be alert to open spaces on the court and be ready to receive the pass.
The pick and roll can be set near the corner, the 3-point line, or the backcourt. It can be used in transition and is often employed by a shorter guard handling the ball and a taller forward or center setting the screen. The angle of the screen is important, and the screener should create as much separation as possible between themselves and their defender before setting the on-ball screen.
Variations of the pick and roll include the pick and pop (or pick and fade), where the screener moves for an open jump shot instead of rolling to the basket, and the pick and slip, where the screener fakes setting a screen and slips behind the defender to accept the pass.
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The play involves three players
The pick and roll is an offensive play in basketball that involves three players. The play begins with a defender guarding a ball handler. The ball handler moves toward one teammate, who sets a screen (or pick) by standing in the defender's way, separating the defender from the moving ball handler. The defender is then forced to choose between guarding the ball handler or the screener.
If the defender tries to guard the ball handler, the screener can move toward the basket, as the defender guarding the screener may try to trap or guard the ball handler, giving the screener space. If the defender guarding the screener tries to stop the dribbler, the dribbler can attack the hoop, as the defender will be at a disadvantage. The screener must also be alert and recognize the open spaces of the court to roll to, as well as be ready to receive the pass and finish the play.
If the defender guarding the ball handler passes to an open teammate, the screener's defender can alert their own teammate of the screen. The defender now has the option to switch, where defenders swap assignments, or hedge, where the screener's defender impedes the ball handler. The success of the strategy depends on the agility, communication, and coordination of the players.
The pick and roll can be executed in several ways, including the corner pick and roll, flat pick and roll, and A-set pick and roll. The corner pick and roll is set near the corner, which can be difficult to defend as defenders are not used to defending ball screens from this position. The flat pick and roll is executed with the screener's back facing the basket, and it can be set near the 3-point line or in the back court. This type of screen can be useful against pressure and is also effective in transitions. In the A-set pick and roll, there are two screeners at the top, and the ball handler chooses which direction to go, with various options for which screener rolls to the basket.
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The ball handler must be able to finish at the rim
The pick and roll is an offensive play in basketball that requires solid teamwork and coordination. The ball handler's ability to finish at the rim is critical to the success of this play. Here are some key points to consider:
The ball handler must be able to make quick and effective decisions. After the screen is set, the ball handler should focus on reading the defense and choosing the best course of action. This could be attacking the rim, passing to the roll player, or dribbling and kicking the ball out to open teammates. The ball handler must be aware of their teammates' abilities and put themselves in a position to make the best decision for the team.
To finish at the rim successfully, the ball handler should get low and balanced before exploding past the defender. This technique helps prevent the defender from knocking them off balance with a forearm or slight bump. Additionally, the ball handler should wait for the screen to be fully established before making their move. Impatience can lead to defensive traps and even offensive fouls.
The angle of the screen is another crucial factor. Coaches often overlook this, but it can make a significant difference in the effectiveness of the play. The screener should create as much separation as possible from their defender before setting the on-ball screen. This separation decreases the ability of the defender to provide help, giving the ball handler more open options.
The pick and roll can also be combined with other tactics, such as the "ram screen," where a third offensive player sets a screen for the screener. This can give the ball handler an even greater advantage and increase the chances of a successful finish at the rim. Overall, the ball handler's ability to make quick decisions, exploit defensive weaknesses, and coordinate with their teammates is essential for a successful pick and roll play.
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The screener must create separation from their defender
The pick and roll is an offensive play in basketball that involves three players: a ball handler and two screeners. The play begins with a defender guarding the ball handler. The ball handler moves toward one of the screeners, who sets a "screen" (or "pick") by standing in the way of the defender, who is now separated from the moving ball handler.
The angle of the screen is also important. Setting the screen at an angle can make it more difficult for the defender to navigate. Additionally, the screener should focus on setting a solid screen, making contact with the defender to leave no room for them to maneuver around.
In some cases, a "ram screen" can be used, where a third offensive player sets a screen for the screener before they set the on-ball screen. This delays the screener's defender and gives the ball handler a head start attacking the basket.
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The pick and roll can be used in different ways, such as the corner pick and roll, or the flat pick and roll
The pick and roll is a staple of basketball, with some players even making a Hall of Fame career out of it. It is a type of play that can be used in many ways, depending on the situation and the players involved.
The corner pick and roll is a common action in the Triangle offense. It is a ball-screen set on a player with the basketball in the corner of the court. This can be a difficult tactic to defend as defenders are not used to defending ball screens from this position. However, it does present an opportunity for the defense to double or trap the ball in the corner.
The flat pick and roll is executed with the screener's back facing the basket. It can be set near the 3-point line or in the back court. This type of pick and roll is great to use in transition and against pressure.
Another variation is the A-set pick and roll, where there are two screeners at the top, and the ball handler chooses which direction to go.
The elbow pick and roll is a ball-screen set on a player with the basketball while they’re on the high post (elbow). This is usually performed by two post players with the other three offensive players outside the perimeter to create space inside.
The pick and roll can also be used in conjunction with other tactics, such as the slip, where the player cuts to the basket before the ball handler comes off the screen, and the pop, where the player with the ball finds an open spot along the perimeter or high post.
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Frequently asked questions
A pick and roll is an offensive play in basketball that involves three players. A defender guards a ball handler, who moves toward a teammate. This teammate sets a "screen" (or "pick") by standing in the defender's way, forcing the defender to choose between guarding the ball handler or the screener. If the defender tries to guard the ball handler, the screener can move toward the basket to receive a pass.
The screener should create as much separation as possible from their defender before setting the on-ball screen. The ball handler should also be able to finish at the rim, make good decisions, blow by defenders, and pull up for a jump shot.
One variation is the pick and pop (or pick and fade), where the screener moves for an open jump shot instead of rolling to the basket. Another variation is the pick and slip, where the screener fakes setting a screen and slips behind the defender to accept the pass.
