The pick-and-roll is one of the most common and effective plays in basketball, especially in the NBA. It involves two offensive players working together to create space and scoring chances. One player sets a screen, known as a pick, for a teammate who is handling the ball. After setting the pick, the player quickly moves, or rolls, toward the basket to receive a pass or draw defenders.
This simple but powerful move forces the defense to react quickly and often creates open shots or easy drives to the rim. Many top NBA players use the pick and roll to break down defenses and take control of the game.
What Is A Pick And Roll?
A pick-and-roll is a basic but powerful play in basketball. It is used in almost every game, especially in the NBA. This play involves two players on the same team. One is the ball handler, who dribbles the ball, and the other is the screener. The screener stands beside the ball handler’s defender and blocks the way.
This gives the ball handler a chance to move past the defender. Right after setting the pick, the screener moves quickly toward the basket. This movement is called the roll. The ball handler then chooses whether to pass, shoot, or drive to the basket. This simple action often leads to an open shot or an easy score.
How The Pick And Roll Works?
The play begins with the ball handler moving toward the screener. The screener sets a strong position next to the defender. When the ball handler moves past, the screener then rolls toward the basket. The defense now has to make a quick decision.
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If both defenders go after the ball handler, the screener is left open. If the defenders switch, they may create a mismatch. The ball handler can take a shot, pass to the screener, or look for another open teammate. Timing and communication between both players are important to make the play successful.
Why Is It Effective?
The pick and roll works well because it puts pressure on the defense. It forces defenders to decide very quickly. If they make the wrong choice or move slowly, the offense gets a good scoring chance.
Often, this play leads to mismatches, such as a small defender trying to stop a taller player. It also helps create space on the court. Teams use this play again and again because it is simple, quick, and hard to stop when done correctly.
Common Variations
There are a few types of pick-and-roll plays. One variation is the pick and pop. In this version, the screener does not roll to the basket. Instead, the screener moves away from the basket and takes a jump shot. Another version is the pick and slip.
The screener acts like he is going to set a pick, but then quickly runs toward the basket before the pick happens. A third option is the short roll. In this case, the screener stops around the free-throw line instead of going all the way to the basket. These versions allow players to adjust based on how the defense reacts.
Pick And Roll In Today’s NBA
The pick-and-roll is still the most-used play in the NBA today. Modern teams build their offense around it. Players like Luka Doncic use it very well to score or assist. They read the defense and make smart decisions.
Big men who can shoot or pass also help the play work better. Teams like the Dallas Mavericks and the Golden State Warriors use different styles of the pick-and-roll to keep defenses off balance. It is a key part of how the game is played at the highest level.
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