Kristian Ferrell
The pick and roll is an offensive play in basketball that came into vogue in the NBA during the 1990s. It involves three players and is designed to create an open shot opportunity or a pass to an open teammate. The play begins with a defender guarding a ballhandler. The ballhandler moves towards a teammate, who sets a screen or pick by standing in the defender's way, forcing the defender to choose between guarding the ballhandler or the screener. If the defender tries to guard the ballhandler, the screener can move towards the basket, creating space for an easy shot or a pass to an open teammate. Alternatively, if the defender chooses to guard the screening teammate, the ballhandler has an open shot or can pass to an open teammate.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | An offensive play in basketball where a player sets a screen (pick) for a teammate handling the ball and then moves toward the basket (rolls) to receive a pass. |
| Other Names | Ball screen, screen and roll, pick and pop (or pick and fade), pick and slip |
| Number of Players Involved | Three |
| Players' Roles | Ballhandler, screener, defender |
| Variations | Corner pick and roll, flat pick and roll, A-set pick and roll |
| Strategy | Depends on the ballhandler's quick decision-making and the screener's ability to recognize open spaces and finish the play |
| Success Factors | Teamwork, agility, communication, coordination |
| Notable Examples | John Stockton and Karl Malone of the Utah Jazz, Steve Nash and Amar'e Stoudemire of the Phoenix Suns, Stephen Curry and Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors |
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What You'll Learn
Variations: pick and pop, pick and slip
The pick and roll is a common offensive play in basketball, but there are variations that teams can use depending on their personnel and the defensive strategy of their opponents. Two such variations are the pick and pop and the pick and slip.
Pick and Pop
The pick and pop is an alternative to the pick and roll when a team's posts are undersized and not particularly skilled at scoring in the paint. In this variation, the ball handler attacks the middle of the court into the paint, while the post player sets a ball screen and then "pops" to an open area toward the sideline, usually near where the ball handler started. The ball handler must take multiple dribbles toward the middle of the floor to create too large an area for the post defender to be able to help stop the ball and then recover to the pop in time to contest the shot. The post player must arc toward the perimeter and turn their shoulders toward the basket so they are ready to shoot immediately. This variation is more effective against certain defensive coverages, particularly if the post defender is a large and unathletic player who is focused on defending the paint rather than guarding the perimeter.
Pick and Slip
In the pick and slip variation, the screener fakes setting a screen before slipping behind the defender to accept the pass.
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Offensive play: three players, screener, and ballhandler
The pick and roll is an offensive play in basketball that can be executed with three players, a screener, and a ballhandler. The player sets a screen (pick) for a teammate handling the ball and then moves toward the basket (roll) to receive a pass. The pick and roll is often employed by a shorter guard handling the ball and a taller forward or center setting the screen.
The ballhandler has the option to shoot the ball, drive to the basket, or pass to an open teammate. The screener can move toward the basket if the defender tries to guard the ballhandler, as the defender may try to trap or guard the ballhandler, creating space for the screener. The screener aims to move quickly to the basket to receive a pass from the ballhandler if the defense collapses on them or if they cannot find an open shot.
A variation of the pick and roll with three players is the staggered pick and roll, or "double drag," where the ballhandler gets two screens instead of one. This adds to the offense's options, as the screener can set a hard screen and then roll, slip the screen and roll, or pop out for a jump shot. The "horns pick and roll" is another variation where two offensive players simultaneously set screens on opposite sides of the ballhandler at the top of the key, allowing the dribbler to attack in either direction.
The pick and roll is a highly effective strategy as it forces the defense to make decisions and can create scoring opportunities for both the ballhandler and the screener. It is important for the players to read and react to the defense and communicate effectively with each other to execute the play successfully.
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Successful execution: teamwork, speed control, and tactics
The success of a pick and roll in basketball relies on teamwork, speed control, and tactics. It is an offensive play that requires precise execution and coordination between teammates. Here are some key factors to consider for a successful pick and roll:
Teamwork and Communication:
Effective communication between the ball handler and the screener is crucial. The screener should alert the ball handler of their intention to set a pick by using established signals, such as raising a fist and calling out the ball handler's name. This ensures that both players are in sync and allows the ball handler to anticipate the upcoming play.
Speed Control:
Controlling the pace of the play is essential. Players should avoid rushing the execution of the pick and roll. By ignoring the defense and focusing on their own speed, they can create more opportunities for successful passes and shots. Patience and tempo are key to exploiting the defense and creating advantageous situations.
Tactical Decisions:
The ball handler must be able to make quick decisions based on the defensive response. If the defender guarding the ball handler chooses to switch and guard the screener, the ball handler should recognize the open space and take an uncontested shot. Alternatively, they can pass to the screener, who should be rolling towards the basket, or to another open teammate. The ball handler's ability to read the defense and make split-second decisions is vital to the success of the play.
Variations:
The pick and roll can be executed in different ways, such as the corner pick and roll, flat pick and roll, or A-set pick and roll. Each variation offers unique advantages and can be used strategically to catch the defense off guard. For example, the corner pick and roll is less commonly defended but also carries the risk of falling into the defender's trap more easily. Understanding these variations and employing them at the right moments can create valuable scoring opportunities.
Athletic Ability:
The athletic abilities of the players involved are also important. The screener should ideally be a post player who can set solid screens, roll to the basket with agility, and catch and finish at the goal. Having a screener who can shoot from outside also enables the setup for a pick and pop, increasing tactical options. Similarly, the ball handler should possess good shooting skills and decision-making abilities to exploit the opportunities created by the pick.
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Defense: switch, hedge, agility, and communication
Defending a pick and roll in basketball requires a combination of techniques, quick thinking, and agility. There are several strategies that can be employed, and the choice depends on the opponent and the personnel on the floor. Here are some key defensive strategies: switching, hedging, agility, and communication.
Switching
Switching is a defensive strategy where the defender guarding the ball and the defender guarding the screener swap their assignments when the screen is executed. This helps prevent straight-line drives to the rim, as the defender on the screener can pick up the ball handler. Switching requires proper communication and timing to avoid leaving either offensive player open.
Hedging
Hedging, or "showing," is a technique where the defender momentarily steps out to impede the ball handler's progress and then recovers to their original assignment. This strategy is used to slow down the guard coming off the pick and avoid mismatches that could benefit the offense. Effective hedging requires high levels of practice and coordination, as the defender must step out quickly and then recover to their original position without leaving their player open.
Agility
Agility and footwork are crucial in defending the pick and roll. Defenders must be able to move quickly and change directions to stay in front of the ball handler. This includes techniques such as "jamming," where the defender "hugs up" against the screener to move the screen up without fouling, disrupting the offensive play. Agility also comes into play when defenders need to recover after a hedge or switch, ensuring they can get back to their original assignment without giving up an open shot.
Communication
Effective communication is vital for successful pick-and-roll defense. The coach must communicate the chosen defensive strategy to the team, and players must communicate with each other during ball screens. Proper communication ensures that defenders work together seamlessly, avoiding breakdowns and easy points for the offense. Communication also helps defenders adapt to the location of the screen and the immediate threat posed by the ball handler.
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Notable users: John Stockton, Karl Malone, Stephen Curry, and Draymond Green
John Stockton and Karl Malone of the Utah Jazz are considered one of the best combinations of the pick-and-roll in NBA history. Stockton, a hall of fame point guard, was known for his passing ability and mid-range shooting. Malone, a premier power forward, was an incredibly high-scoring player, who could also pass well and shoot from mid-range. Malone has said that Stockton's patience was a key part of their success. Stockton's ability to control the pace of the game allowed him to rack up 15,806 assists over 19 seasons, while also contributing to a large portion of Malone's 36,928 points during their 18 seasons together.
Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors is considered one of the elite pick-and-roll operators in the league. Curry is a highly effective ball handler, and his ability forces defenders into a difficult choice: they can either go over the screen, or drop back and hope their teammates can recover in time. Curry's skill in this area has led some fans to call for the Warriors to run more pick-and-rolls for him. However, head coach Steve Kerr has preferred to run an egalitarian offense with lots of ball movement, rather than focusing on Curry.
Draymond Green, also of the Golden State Warriors, is mentioned in the context of Curry's pick-and-rolls as a player who sets screens for Curry.
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Frequently asked questions
A pick and roll is an offensive play in basketball that involves three players. It begins with a defender guarding a ballhandler. The ballhandler moves toward a teammate, who sets a "screen" (or "pick") by standing in the way of the defender, who is separated from the moving ballhandler. The defender is forced to choose between guarding the ballhandler or the screener.
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 before slipping behind the defender to accept the pass.
John Stockton and Karl Malone of the Utah Jazz used the pick and roll to great effect in the 1990s, leading their team to the NBA Finals in 1997 and 1998. The Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry and Draymond Green are also noted for their use of a stutter-step high pick and roll.
