Last updated on October 25th, 2023 at 07:42 am
In basketball, a pick and roll is an offensive maneuver where one player sets a screen for their teammate, the ball handler. This screen-type play allows that basketball player to get past defensive players to pass the ball or to get an open shot. A pick-and-roll play is one of the most popular offensive plays for teams to call during games to set up plays.
So how often do teams run a pick and roll during games, and how do players run the play? How does the defense guard against these types of plays? Are there different types of pick and roll plays in basketball?
Here is a breakdown of everything you need to know about a pick and roll basketball play.
Why is the Pick and Roll Important in Basketball?
Running this play (pick and roll) during a basketball game will force the defensive players to alter their setup. If the defense is running a man-to-man defense, they must maneuver around the ball screen or switch men quickly.
A successful pick and roll will open up additional options for the dribbler. They can either go for a jump shot, drive the ball in for a layup, make a pass to the three-point line, or even go in for a dunk.
Long story short, a pick and roll play opens up the court for a great scoring opportunity.
What is the Point of Running a Pick and Roll in Basketball?
The purpose of a pick and roll is to allow the ball handler to have a clear opportunity for an open shot or a nice pass to a teammate. It has quickly become a fundamental play that many players learn early in their careers. As the defensive player gets stuck behind the screener, the ball handler will either have a free path to dribble to the goal or the chance to take a step back and take a 3-point shot.
How Does the Offense Run This Play?
The pick and roll play is relatively easy to run and can easily be perfected by practice and many basketball drills. To start with, the ball handler, also known as the point guard, brings the ball down the court and works to create space between himself and his defender. It is also worth noting that the point guard is usually the smallest player on the team.
A second offensive player will approach the ball handler and their defender at this time. This second player is usually a big player, so the mismatch between them is evident when they set their feet for the screen. The smaller defender will get stuck behind the screener, and hopefully, the screener’s defender will remain to continue guarding the screener.
This mismatch should leave the point guard free from defenders, meaning his path to the goal open. Typically, the ball handler will attack the defense to the side where the screen has been set, expecting his defender to be walled off by the screen that was set. After the screen occurs, the screener can roll out of the play, hopefully opening himself up for a pass or a rebound.
How Should the Defense Guard Against the Pick and Roll?
Though it is very effective as an offensive play, the defense has a few options to counter the pick and roll. One method is to switch who you guard when you recognize a screen is about to be set. In other words, the person guarding the screener will roll out and temporarily guard the ball handler until everyone can return to their original place.
Another method to guard against a pick is to automatically double-team the point guard. This method is beneficial when you know that the team you are going against likes to set screens. The double team risks leaving a low post player open, but it is a way to avoid falling for a pick and roll. Usually, teams will leave that player open if they feel their shooting percentage is not very high.
What Is a Flat-Pick and Roll in Basketball?
A flat pick and roll play is when the screener sets the screen with his back facing the rim of the goal. If the point guard is an explosive player, this screen will help prevent him from taking the ball in either direction. Additionally, the ball handler will not expect this type of screen, hopefully catching off guard.
What Is the Elbow Pick and Roll in Basketball?
The elbow pick and roll play involves two post players working together to set up this play. One post player will be at the high post, and the other post player will be responsible for setting up the screen. The hope is that both defenders will focus on the player with the ball, leaving the other player to roll out after running the screen. That player will then be open at the low post for a pass and an easy layup.
What Is a Double Drag Pick and Roll?
A double drag pick and roll play occurs when two players set up screen one after the other. The first player to set a screen will roll out toward the goal, and the second player to set a screen will roll out toward the three-point line. Since this creates a lot of confusion for the defense, the hope is that at least one of these screeners will be free for an open shot.
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Greg Kristan, owner of The Stadium Reviews, LLC and TM Blast, LLC, brings his extensive experience visiting over half of the MLB ballparks, along with numerous MLS, NHL, NBA, and NFL venues, to provide in-depth coverage on the bag policy, food options, and parking. He has also been interviewed about his experiences on several sports podcasts.