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In basketball, a pick is an offensive play in which a player sets a screen (pick) for a teammate handling the ball and then moves toward the basket to receive a pass. This play is called a pick and roll and is used to create space for open shots for the player themselves or their teammates. The player setting the pick must be stationary and communicate the pick to their teammate. The ballhandler must also recognize the situation quickly and make a decision about whether to take the shot, pass to the player rolling towards the basket, or pass to another open teammate. The pick and roll is often employed by a shorter guard handling the ball and a taller forward or center setting the screen. The success of the play depends on agility, communication, and coordination between teammates.
| 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. Also known as a "screen" or "ball screen". |
| Types | Down pick, cross pick, ball pick, flare pick, New York pick, slash pick, flex pick, stagger pick, pick and roll, pick and pop, high-screen pick and roll, stutter step high pick and roll. |
| Body Position | Hips down, knees bent, shoulders by picker's hip. |
| Movement | Stationary before the offensive player comes off the pick. Back pointing to the targeted area. |
| Communication | Communicate the pick to the offensive player by raising your hand and calling out their name. |
| Strategy | Create space for open shots for oneself or teammates. |
| Defense | The defender must choose between guarding the ballhandler or the screener. Options include "switch" (defenders swap assignments) or "hedge" (the screener's defender impedes the ballhandler). |
| Success Factors | Agility, communication, coordination, speed control, and proper execution. |
| Notable Users | Kevin Durant, Reggie Miller, Richard Hamilton, Steve Nash, Amar'e Stoudemire, Chris Paul, John Stockton, Karl Malone, Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, DeAndre Jordan. |
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Pick and roll
The pick and roll, also called a ball screen or screen and roll, is an offensive play in basketball that involves three players. It is a simple play that is useful at all levels of the game.
The play begins with a defender guarding a ball-handler. The ball-handler communicates with one teammate to set a pick for them. This communication may be verbal or non-verbal. The teammate then sets a screen (or "pick") by standing in the way of the defender, who is separated from the moving ball-handler. The defender is 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 (rolling) as the player defending the screener may try to trap or guard the ball-handler, giving the screener space. A successful pick and roll play may result in the screener being in position to receive a pass with a clear path for an easy shot.
Alternatively, if the defender chooses to guard the screening teammate, the ball-handler has an open shot or may pass the ball to an open teammate. The success of the strategy depends on the ball-handler, who must recognize the situation quickly and decide whether to take the shot, pass to the screener, or pass to another open teammate.
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Pick and pop
The pick and pop is particularly effective for screeners who are good 3-point shooters, as they can step beyond the 3-point line and often have an open shot. It is also useful if the defender is a large and unathletic player, as they will likely spend more time defending the paint than guarding the perimeter.
To execute a successful pick and pop, the ball handler must attack the paint by taking multiple dribbles to the middle of the floor. This creates too large an area for the post defender to be able to stop the ball and then recover to the pop in time to contest the shot. If the ball handler is too hasty and throws the ball back too soon, the post defender will be able to close out in time and eliminate the advantage of the pop.
The pick and pop is not as popular as the pick and roll, and the best way to defend against it will depend on your personnel and how well your posts can guard in space. If you have an athletic post player, switching the screen is probably the best way to guard this action. If your post player is less athletic, a hedge and recover strategy might be more effective.
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Offensive strategy
Offensive strategies are crucial in basketball, helping teams create scoring opportunities, exploit player strengths, and adapt to different game situations and defences. One fundamental tactic is the "pick and roll" (also known as the "screen and roll", "on-ball screen", or "ball screen"), which involves two players: the ball handler (usually the point guard) and a big man (centre or power forward) setting a screen for the ball handler.
The first step in the pick and roll is for the screener to create separation from their defender before setting the on-ball screen. This makes it harder for the defender to slip under the screen and gives the dribbler an advantage when attacking the paint. The screener should then make solid contact when setting the screen, focusing on setting a strong screen rather than rushing to get the basketball.
The second step is for the ball handler to move past the screen. Proper timing and coordination between the screener and ball handler are essential for successful execution. The ball handler's primary goal is to read the defence and make quick decisions to create scoring chances.
The pick and roll is a versatile play that can be used at all levels of basketball, from youth leagues to the NBA. It can create mismatches and open scoring opportunities, but it requires good timing and an understanding of defensive positioning.
Another offensive strategy is the "fast break", which involves quickly transitioning from defence to offence to create easy scoring opportunities. Fast breaks require speed, good decision-making, and teamwork. Proper spacing and ball movement are also crucial for a well-executed fast break.
Other offensive strategies include the "motion offence", which emphasises constant player movement and passing, and the "triangle offence", which focuses on spacing and player positioning. Additionally, "post-up play" utilises strong inside players to score near the basket. Understanding and executing these offensive strategies can enhance a team's performance and individual player skills.
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Defensive strategy
A basketball pick is an offensive move where a player blocks the path of a defender covering a teammate. This leaves the teammate free to make an uncontested shot or pass. The pick forces the defender to choose between guarding the ballhandler or the screener.
Basketball defence is about preventing the opposing team from scoring. There are several defensive strategies that can be used to counter a pick.
Man-to-man defence
In man-to-man defence, also called person-to-person defence, each defender is assigned to a specific player on the opposing team. This strategy can be played in different ways. A tight man-to-man defence involves aggressively guarding the opponent with little to no space between the defender and the player. A loose man-to-man defence, also called a sagging man-to-man defence, allows for some distance between the defender and the player. This strategy works well against weaker outside shooters and players who drive towards the basket.
Zone defence
In zone defence, players focus on guarding a specific area instead of a specific opponent. Zone defences are broken down by their alignments, which are normally labelled by numbers, such as 2-3, 3-2, and 1-3-1. One example of a zone defence is Coach Marshall's 2-3 zone defence, where two point guards are placed at the top of the three-point line, two forwards are placed on the outside halfway between the basket and the three-point line, and the centre stands underneath the basket.
Switching
Switching is a strategy that can be used in response to an opponent's pick. Defenders can swap assignments, with one defender taking the ballhandler and the other taking the screener.
Hedging
Hedging involves impeding the ballhandler by occupying the screen. For example, a big man can step up to occupy the screen and give their teammates time to get through it.
Help-side defence
In a man-to-man defence, help-side defence involves a defender dropping off their assigned player to help teammates that are cutting or setting screens. This strategy helps to keep pressure on the ball at all times.
Stutter step
The stutter step can be used to counter a high pick and roll. For example, when an opponent attempts a high pick and roll, the defender can pass to a teammate as they roll out of the screen, allowing them to lead an attack with more players.
Communication and coordination
When defending against a pick, communication and coordination are essential. The screener's defender should alert their teammate of the screen, and the defence should work together to decide how to respond.
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Types of picks
A pick in basketball is when an offensive player blocks the path of a defender to open up another offensive player for a shot or to receive a pass. This is also known as a 'screen'. Picks are an invaluable tool for the offence, creating opportunities to score.
There are many types of picks, including:
- Down pick
- Cross pick
- Ball pick
- Flare pick
- New York pick
- Slash pick
- Flex pick
- Stagger pick
The most common type of pick is the 'pick and roll' (or 'ball screen'). This involves a player setting a screen (pick) for a teammate handling the ball and then moving toward the basket (rolling) to receive a pass. The pick and roll can be defended by the defence in a number of ways, including 'switching' (defenders swap assignments) or 'hedging' (the screener's defender impedes the ballhandler).
A variation of the pick and roll is the 'pick and pop'. In this play, the player setting the pick moves to an open area of the court to receive a pass from the ballhandler for a jump shot ('pop').
Another variation is the 'stutter step high pick and roll'. This involves the ballhandler passing to their teammate as they roll out of the screen, allowing them to lead a 4-on-3 offence.
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Frequently asked questions
A basketball pick, also known as a screen, is 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.
A pick and roll is an offensive play in which a player sets a screen (pick) for a teammate handling the ball and then moves toward the basket (rolls) to receive a pass.
A pick and pop is a variation of the pick and roll. Instead of rolling toward the basket, the player setting the pick moves to an open area of the court to receive a pass from the ball handler for a jump shot ("pop").
To set a pick, you want to be in an athletic position with your hips down and knees bent so that it is difficult for the defender to get by you. Your back should be pointing in the direction that you want the player using the pick to go. It is important to be stationary before the offensive player comes off the pick, otherwise it is an illegal screen and a foul will be called.
