How To Set A Pick In Basketball

Allow'south start out with a bold (and true) statement…

"The pick and ringlet is the most effective action in basketball. This is truthful from youth basketball game all the way up to the NBA level."

But there'south one problem…

Many coaches are missing out of import details when pedagogy their players how to execute the screen and roll.

These simple details can upshot in your squad missing out on many points every game.

One time y'all acquire how the pick and whorl should be run and ready up a few mistakes, your team'south pick and whorl will be far more constructive resulting in improved scoring opportunities.

In this article, I'll explain what a choice and roll is, pause down the perfect 7-footstep process that volition have your team shooting wide open shots and layups, share drills and plays with you, and much more.

What is a Option and Whorl?

Allow's establish some base knowledge on how the pick and roll works with a simple breakdown earlier diving into much more than detail.

The pick and roll (also known as the 'screen and coil', 'on-ball screen', or 'ball-screen') involves an offensive thespian setting a screen for a teammate in possession of the basketball.

i. An offensive player without the basketball game sets a screen for the role player with the basketball.

ii. The player with the basketball game reads the defenders and dribbles off the screen looking to assault and create a shot for themselves or another player on the squad.

three. Later on screening, the screener rolls to the rim looking to catch the basketball game and finish inside.

That's as unproblematic as it gets.

Looking for more avant-garde information?

Read on…

How to Run the Perfect Pick and Roll

To make the pick and roll simple and easy for your players to learn at an avant-garde level, I've broken it down into 7 easy-to-understand steps.

The starting time three steps focus on the training for the screen which is the near important role of the option and gyre. If this isn't done properly, there's very little gamble the choice and roll will be successful.

The final iii steps focus on the execution of the pick and ringlet. These require the offensive players to read the defense and make the correct decisions based on how the screen is defended.

Let's go through these steps in more detail…

1. Dribbler Creates Separation

The showtime step for an constructive selection and roll is for the dribbler to create separation between themselves and the on-brawl defender.

This sets up the on-brawl defender to exist screened effectively.

If the on-brawl defender is as well close, then information technology volition be like shooting fish in a barrel for them to lock on and trail over the screen without being put at also much of a disadvantage.

To create this separation, the dribbler should sweep through or jab step if they haven't used their distill.

If they are in the procedure of dribbling, a quick jab and crossover or inside-out distill will be plenty to make the on-ball defender accept a stride back in preparation to defend the bulldoze.

2. Screener Creates Separation

The 2nd step to an effective pick and curlicue is for the screener to create equally much separation as possible betwixt themselves and their defender before setting the on-ball screen.

By creating separation before setting the screen, nosotros subtract the screener'southward defender's ability to provide assist on the dribbler.

Without adept help, the dribbler is often open for the shot or will be attacking a defender who is still closing out to the basketball game.

So, how can a screener create this separation?

ane. Don't Telegraph the Screen

By giving abroad where y'all're going to screen, the opposition is able to establish correct defensive position early and communicate with other defenders.

It'due south also important that coaches implement an offense that doesn't involve the same screens being set over and once again.

(I recommend: 5-Out Motility and 4-Out 1-In Motion).

This is another reason why it's not a skilful idea to run the same set plays constantly throughout a game.

2. Sprint to Screen

When an offensive player is going to fix the screen, they should explode towards the position of the screen to get an actress step or 2 on their opponent.

In fact, smart players are able to nudge their opponent off-balance (without committing an offensive foul) before exploding to the brawl to create farther separation.

As well frequently nosotros encounter screeners casually jogging (or fifty-fifty walking) towards the screening position allowing their opponent to establish help position early.

3. Use a 'Ram Screen'

The 'ram screen' is a neat basketball game action which involves a third offensive player setting a screen for the screener before the screener sets the on-ball screen.

This might be difficult to understand through words, then I've included this great video from Dan Carbaugh on the ram screen.

https://youtu.be/p6tyhvFWFIc

Since the screener's defender is being screened, it volition have them more fourth dimension to go to the correct help position as they'll have to fight through the first screen.

Over again, this gives the dribbler a caput get-go attacking the hoop and the screener's defender must stop the dribbler while they accept a total head of steam.

This can be incredibly effective if you're able to incorporate it into your law-breaking.

3. Right Screening Bending

The angle that the screen is assail is arguably the most of import part of the pick and roll yet is often overlooked by most coaches.

If you take anything at all from this article, let information technology exist that yous focus more on the angle your players are setting on-ball screens.

It's 1 of those small details that can lead to big results on the court.

So, what's the correct screening angle?

Players should be setting the screen on the back hip of the on-ball defender.

This will force the on-ball defender to fight over the screen and volition pb the dribbler in the direction of the basket.

For an example, imagine a choice and roll at the peak of the key…

Most of the players I currently meet at a youth level volition set the screen with their back facing the sideline.

This isn't constructive as it allows the on-ball defender to slip under the screen and re-constitute position chop-chop.

The correct way to set this screen would be with their back facing the corner of the courtroom.

This makes information technology difficult for the defender to sideslip under the screen and will give the dribbler (and law-breaking) a big advantage when attacking the pigment to create a scoring opportunity.

4. Screener Makes Contact

The concluding part of preparing for the pick and is for the screener to brand contact when setting the screen.

This requires them to hunt out the on-brawl defender, focus on the correct angle, and then make contact as they prepare a stiff screen.

As this screen is set, 100% focus should be on setting a solid screen. I see far too many players set weak screens as they're likewise focused on rolling apace and getting the basketball.

The reason making contact is beneficial when performing the choice and roll is that it leaves no room for the defender to maneuver around the screen.

If the screen is set up a step off and in that location'due south actress space, information technology's far easier for the on-ball defender to drop their shoulders and beat the stationary screen.

This rule also prevents young players from setting a screen on an area instead of seeking out one of the defenders which can be a big problem for immature teams.

v. Dribbler Attacks Off the Screen

In one case the screen has been set correctly, information technology's now upwardly to the dribbler to read the defence and employ the screen.

When dribbling off the screen, the dribbler must drive by the screener shoulder-to-shoulder and use at least ii dribbles to create separation and see how the defence reacts.

The dribbler must take an attacking mindset!

While we don't wait the dribbler to bulldoze and shoot every fourth dimension they apply a screen, it's important to attack as it will force the defence force to rotate and open up other offensive players.

If an obvious pass or shot appears sooner, players can take it. But in most situations, ii dribbles is preferred.

Notation – It'southward crucial the dribbler is patient and waits for the screener to be stationary. The #1 cause of illegal screens is considering the dribbler is impatient and attacks too early.

half-dozen. Screener Rolls to the Rim

Once the on-ball defender has fought by the stationary screen, the screener must then cut to the rim looking to grab a pass and score within.

While it'south up for contend which one is more effective, here are the two ways that the screener can cut to the rim:

1. Reverse Pivot and Roll

This involves the screener sealing off the on-ball defender by reverse pivoting using the foot closest to the rim equally the pin foot.

two. Dive to the Rim

The other choice is for the screener to immediately dive to the rim without reverse pivoting.

Instead, they plough their back on the dribbler for a split 2nd and simply turn and run to the rim looking for the basketball.

seven. Dribbler Makes Best Conclusion

The final step of the choice and scroll is for the dribbler to read the defense and make the correct conclusion.

This could be to assault the rim, laissez passer to the roll histrion, or dribble in and kick the basketball out to the outside shooters or players cutting to the rim.

Note – The ball-handler must be aware of their teammate'southward abilities since this will determine whether they brand a adept decision. For example, it's much better to pass to a shooter on the perimeter than a player who struggles from long range.

More often than not, it'south the decision in this step that will decide whether your team gets a bang-up scoring opportunity or not.

That's why it'southward crucial that yous're putting players in the brawl-handler position who have the ability to attack and have a high basketball game IQ.

Reading the Defense

As the dribbler is attacking off the option and ringlet, it'southward crucial they're able to read the defense and make the right decision to give their team the best opportunity to score.

Here are the 5 nearly common reads brawl-handler should be aware of…

1. Split the Defenders

Splitting the defenders is a great mode to assault the rim if the screener's defender hedges out also far to stop the basketball or attempts a steal.

This selection involves the dribbler using the screen, planting the outside foot as they run across the defender hedge out, and and then pushing the basketball game through as they explode towards the rim.

When doing this, the dribbler must quickly alter direction and speed as well every bit keep the basketball game low and so that it's out of accomplish of the screener's defender.

If performed properly, this activity will commonly lead to a layup or a pass out to an open player on the perimeter.

2. Attack the Hip

If the screener'due south defender doesn't hedge out high and stays attached to the screener, the dribbler must attack the outside hip and bulldoze to the rim.

This ensures that the on-ball defender volition be trailing the play providing that the screen was prepare at the correct angle and the dribbler has attacked shoulder-to-shoulder.

This is the near common action in the choice and curlicue and will forcefulness the other defenders to help leading to a pass out to a teammate or the dribbler attacking the rim.

3. Plow Downward the Screen

When the on-ball defender anticipates that a screen is coming, they'll often endeavor to crook over or nether the screen early on.

If they do, it provides the dribbler with a bang-up opportunity to explode in the opposite management of the screen towards the hoop.

This will often catch the defence off-guard and requite the dribbler a 1 – 2 pace advantage forcing other defenders to rotate and help.

Since this relies on explosiveness, it's important that the dribbler is down in stance if they want this activeness to exist effective.

4. Back Out

If the screener's defender decides to hard hedge on the screen and the dribbler decides not to split up, another great option can be to back out a step or two and meet how the defense reacts.

Due to the separation created, if the screener's defender chooses to hustle back to the screener, the dribbler will usually be open up for the shot or drive.

If the defense chooses to switch on the screen, there'southward a high chance that i or ii mismatches have been created.

Then the crime has two options:

i. The dribbler tin can isolate and assail their new defender 1-on-i. This can be very constructive if it was a post play who switched onto them.

2. The screener can gyre to the rim and post upwardly. This can be very effective if it was a guard who is now forced to defend the screener in the post.

5. Shoot the Basketball

Terminal simply not least… shoot!

If the on-ball defender decides to sideslip under the screen and the screener'due south defender hasn't stepped upward to help, this tin can leave the dribbler wide open for a jump shot.

If your players can't make this shot consistently, it volition upshot in the on-ball defender beingness able to establish front position again.

That's another reason why it'southward crucial that teams never allow the on-brawl defender to slip under the screen on a choice and roll.

Variations of the Selection and Whorl

At that place are two chief variations of the traditional pick and roll…

one. Pick and Pop

When running the pick and pop, instead of the screener rolling to the rim, the screener pops out to the perimeter looking to receive the pass for an exterior shot or catch and drive.

This variation is very effective if you lot have a post thespian who can knock down the 3-point shot at a loftier percentage.

Information technology also helps the ball-handler as it's difficult for the screener's defender to provide aid due to the threat of the quick pass and open shot.

2. Selection and Sideslip

The other variation of the pick and coil is the pick and sideslip.

When running the pick and slip, the screener dives to the rim merely as they're about to set up the on-brawl screen.

This variation is best used when the screener's defender predicts the screen and helps as well early instead of staying betwixt their player and the basket.

This is too effective when the defenders endeavour to trap the dribbler.

Different Types of the Selection and Roll

Beneath I've listed 11 different types of the pick and gyre that coaches should be enlightened of.

I'll also use this section of the article to show yous the positions on the court the iii off-ball players should be filling during each variation of the pick and coil.

Having great spacing from the three off-brawl players is absolutely crucial if yous desire your team to be constructive with the ball-screen.

one. Summit Choice and Roll

The 'top pick and whorl' (or high pick and roll) is a ball-screen at the top of the key.

When this is run, at that place volition usually be one off-ball actor in the brusque corner and the other two offensive players behind the three-signal.

The 2 players behind the three-point line should exist on contrary sides of the court.

ii. Side Pick and Roll

The 'side choice and roll' (or wing selection and curlicue) is a ball-screen set on the fly leading the ball-handler to the middle of the court.

When this is run, the other three players will commonly set upward on the reverse side of the courtroom.

One player on the wing, one in the corner, and one in the weak-side low post.

three. Corner Pick and Roll

The 'corner pick and curl' is a ball-screen fix on a player with the basketball in the corner of the court.

When this is run, there will normally be off-ball players set up at the pinnacle of the key, in the corner, and in the weak-side depression postal service.

The corner pick and ringlet is a common action in the Triangle criminal offense.

4. Elbow Pick and Roll

The 'elbow selection and whorl' is a ball-screen set on a histrion with the basketball while they're on the high mail service (elbow).

This will unremarkably be performed past two post players with the other three offensive players outside the perimeter to create space inside.

This should be utilized by more coaches as it only requires one dribble to get to the handbasket.

v. Single Elevate Pick and Scroll

A 'unmarried drag option and roll' is a ball-screen set in transition.

This is often effective because the screener'southward defender who is meant to play help defense on the dribbler is defenseless out of position every bit they've sprinted back to defend the basket.

This volition often result in a clear drive to the rim for the dribbler.

6. Double Drag Pick and Scroll

A 'double drag selection and roll' requires two offensive players setting ball screens in transition.

In this variation, the actor who sets the starting time screen (5) rolls to the rim.

The 2nd screener (4) pops out to the perimeter.

seven. Horns Pick and Ringlet

A 'horns option and roll' begins with two offensive players simultaneously setting a screen on reverse sides of the ball-handler at the top of the key.

This allows the dribbler to attack either direction and opens up the court equally they're driving to the rim.

Whichever direction the dribbler elects to attack, the screener on that side rolls to the rim while the other screener pops out behind the iii-indicate line.

8. Flat Option and Roll

A 'flat option and roll' is occurs when the screener sets the on-ball screen with their back facing towards the rim.

This variation of the option and curl can be very effective if you've got an explosive role player who can assail going either management.

It's also great for catching the on-brawl defender off-guard since they won't see the screen coming.

ix. Spread Pick and Roll

A 'spread pick and scroll' is a ball-screen activeness while the iii off-ball players are all outside the 3-bespeak line.

This action is very effective for teams that are able to environs the pick and scroll with iii players who shoot the basketball game at a loftier percentage.

This variation makes information technology very difficult for defenders to help off their thespian without giving up and open iii-signal shot.

10. Step Up Pick and Roll

A 'stride up pick and whorl' is a ball-screen set on that wing that directs the ball-handler towards the baseline.

The quick step-up from an offensive player in the ball-side low post can be very effective if information technology catches the defense force off-guard.

The screeners defender volition often presume the screen is existence ready in the middle so they won't exist prepared to assistance.

eleven. Espana Pick and Roll

The 'Spain choice and roll' consists of a regular option and roll and then a 3rd offensive actor stepping upwards and setting another screen on the defender of the player rolling to the rim.

This creates a lot of communication issues for the defense and oft they'll get dislocated and leave ane of the offensive players open up.

I first read about this variation of the pick and roll from BballBreakdown on Twitter. Here is a great video he created of the Spain pick and roll…

https://youtu.exist/W3nHqWA3vJk

Choice and Roll Plays

At that place are many fantastic basketball plays that utilize the choice and gyre activity to put players in great positions to score.

Here are two of my favorites you can utilise with your team…

1. Drive Hammer

Overview of the Play:

This box set play is designed to get a histrion attacking the rim off a pick-and-roll with two open passing option in the corners and as well the ability to score at the rim depending on how the defense adjusts.

Key Personnel:

• Two guards who tin shoot the basketball at a high percentage (ane and 2).

• Another guard who can assail off the pick-and-roll and make the correct basketball play (3).

Instructions:

Setup: The play begins in a box formation with 4 and 5 at the top and 2 and 3 on the depression blocks. 1 starts out the top with the basketball.

1.1 starts the play by dribbling the basketball to either wing. For this example, the left wing.

2.The ball-side low block player so cuts high off the screen on the elbow and receives the laissez passer from ane.

iii.As this is happening, the weak-side low post player retreats out to the corner to provide good spacing for the next actions.

4.On 3's catch, 5 immediately steps across and sets an on-ball screen. We want this to surprise the defenders and give them piddling time to react.

v.While this screen is happening, 4 outset the motility to set a hammer screen on i's defender as three is driving to the rim.

6.3 uses the screen and attacks the rim looking to score while also having both players in the corners every bit passing options.

Coaching Points:

• Very important that the screen from 5 is set up immediately on the take hold of to endeavor and grab the on-brawl defender off-guard.

• The dorsum screen for one must be fix as 3 is driving to the hoop. Any sooner and x1 will have too much time to fight over the screen and selection off or deflect the laissez passer.

• The weak-side corner defender will normally be the one that helps on the drive so three must exist ready to pass out to 2 in the corner as before long as that happens.

two. Horns Side Screen

Overview of the Play:

A very simple play out of the horns (ane-2-ii) germination. Involves a guard receiving the basketball on the fly and then receiving and on-brawl screen. On the opposite side of the flooring, at that place'due south a down screen prepare to continue the defense force occupied.

Central Personnel:

• 3 should be a good determination maker out of the pick-and-roll.

• five should be the team's strongest option-and-curlicue post actor.

Instructions:

Setup: The play starts in a 1-2-ii gear up with the mail service players on the elbows and the guards in the corners.

1.The play begins with three cutting up to the wing and receiving the pass from 1.

two.1 UCLA cuts off a screen from v, and if they don't receive the pass for the layup, i clears out to the ball-side corner.

3.v sets an on-ball screen for three who drives into the lane looking to create.

4.On the weak-side of the floor, iv downward screens for ii to make the help defense move.

5.5 rolls to the rim out of the pick-and-coil.

6.three now has numerous opportunities and must brand the best basketball game play.

Coaching Points:

• A very simple but effective play that can be used for all levels of basketball game.

• If ii's defender is on split-line, 4 shouldn't screen within the key and congest it with players. Instead, 2 should simply lift to the wing and volition be open for the pass and shot.

• 5'southward on-ball screen must be set at the right bending to make it constructive. Don't let the opposition to only sideslip under the screen.

Pick and Roll Drills

We've talked discussed how to execute the perfect pick and whorl, but there'southward something of import we're missing.

I can hear coaches yelling…

"I now empathize how to run the pick and curl… But how do I practice information technology with my team!?"

It doesn't matter how much knowledge y'all take, if your players aren't experiencing and practicing the pick and roll regularly it will be hard to be effective during games.

Here are 2 option and scroll drills I recommend you lot run during squad practice…

one. ii-on-two Ball Screen

How the Drill Works:

The drill starts with 2 players on crime and ii on defense. The offensive team will attempt to score out of the pick and ringlet while the defence force volition endeavour to become a stop without switching on defence force.

Purpose:

This drill works the basics of both choice and gyre offense and pick and roll defence.

Setup:

• An offensive and defensive player on the wing.

• An offensive and defensive actor on the depression block.

• The rest of the players wait on the baseline.

• The offensive player on the wing starts with the basketball.

Rules:

• The offensive team must stay inside the quarter of the court. Crossing the split up line is out of premises.

• The offensive team must start each possession with a pick and roll.

• The defensive team is not allowed to switch.

Instructions:

one. The drill begins with the offensive player on the depression post sprinting out to set a screen.

two.The offensive role player with the basketball must use the screen and attempt to create a scoring opportunity.

3.The defence can defend the selection and roll whatsoever style they want, merely they must not switch.

4.If the offensive team scores, they stay in and the defenders rotate. If the defensive team gets a stop, they become the offense and new defenders must come in.

5.Continue this drill for a prepare amount of time.

Variations:

Change the Screen Location – You can also have the players set the screen at the top of the key or on the opposite wing.

Coaching Points:

• Y'all must talk with your players before starting about how to set a screen. Make contact, correct angle, etc.

• Make sure all your players practice existence both the brawl-handler and screener. We demand to create positionless players!

• Motorcoach your players on making the right read off the pick and scroll. Eg. If the defender goes under, shoot. If they go over, attack.

two. Ball-Screen Practise

How the Drill Works:

Puts the dribbler in an advantageous position because there's no assistance by the screener's defender. The dribbler makes a read and should become an open expect virtually of the time. Then the screener pops out and receives a 2nd brawl from a coach for a jump shot.

Purpose:

By giving the dribbler a big advantage they are able to learn the basics of how to utilize a screen with a high success rate. Also, the screener works on popping out for a jump shot.

Setup:

• Two lines: A dribbling line (with a basketball) and a screening line.

• One on-ball defender.

• One coach with a basketball game.

Instructions:

i.The on-brawl defender begins the drill by playing defense on the players dribbling the basketball.

2.The screener sprints over from their line and sets an on-ball screen.

three.The dribbler uses the screen and makes a read on whether they should attack the basket, pull upwardly for a bound shot, step dorsum for a shot, or not use the screen at all. They shoot the basketball game.

4.One time the screener has prepare the screen they pop out to receive a 2d basketball from the coach and shoot a jump shot.

5.The dribbler becomes the defender, the defender joins the cease of the screening line, and the screener joins the terminate of the dribbling line.

Variations:

Some other Defender – You can progress to add the screener's defender and and so play ii on ii. This means the coach won't laissez passer the brawl to the screener for the exterior shot.

Screen Other Direction – Brand sure your players practice coming off the screen with both their left and right hand.

Coaching Points:

• The screen must be prepare at the proper angle that doesn't allow the defender to hands skid under the screen.

• The dribbler must explode shoulder to shoulder with the thespian setting the screen then that they tin't hands get through.

• The screener must agree the screen until the dribbler has used it. Don't allow them to pop out too early on.

• The dribbler likewise can't utilize the screen too early or it volition be an offensive foul. They must wait until the screen is set.

Extra Tips and Advice

As I was finishing up writing this article, it occurred to me that there were all the same a lot of pick and roll tips that I wanted to share with you that didn't fit into any of the sections above.

Below are 5 actress option and curlicue tips which volition help you implement it into your system and could possibly spark a few ideas for your in-game coaching decisions.

one. Forget Traditional Roles

Don't limit your players to beingness either a dribbler or a screener exclusively depending on their size and position.

Every player on your team should be practicing both roles.

Your post players must practice beingness the ball-handler.

Your guards must practice being the screener.

Beingness able to play positionless basketball is incredibly important for all players and that tendency volition increase even more in the futurity.

2. Set Screens With Your Guards

While your players volition be practicing both positions, not all coaches will take the initiative to do this.

Since most guards don't practice playing the assist position on selection and rolls, they often become very confused and make mistakes when you lot put them in this position during games.

This can lead to a lot of like shooting fish in a barrel scoring opportunities for the offense.

Also, point guards often set the toughest screens!

iii. Attacking a Trapped Pick and Whorl

If the defense decides to trap the option and roll with both defenders, the dribbler should take 2 long retreat dribbles to create space betwixt them and the screener.

The screener will make a short roll approximately a footstep closer to the rim and get gear up to receive the basketball.

From here, the brawl-hander can make the pass screener who will have a lot of space and can shoot the open shot or attack the rim 4-on-3 and make a play.

4. Off-Ball Players Must Exist Ready to Shoot

The pick and ringlet puts the two defenders involved at a big disadvantage if a solid screen is set.

The other iii defenders will exist forced to rotate towards the basketball to prevent a pass to the screener or an easy layup in the paint for the ball-handler.

This will oftentimes leave at least 1 of the other three offensive players playing off the ball open up.

These players must be down and ready to catch and shoot or grab and drive the basketball.

five. Elevate Out the Opposition's Best Rim Protector

This is a great in-game coaching tip I don't see enough coaches taking advantage of…

If you're playing against a team with a great rim protector, have the role player they're defending step out to ready the screen.

Doing so will drag the rim protector away from the rim and forces them to play defense on the perimeter opening upwardly the paint.

Elementary, but incredibly effective.

Conclusion

There are far also many coaches teaching the choice and roll incorrectly or leaving out of import details.

Equally information technology's the almost common action in basketball, it's crucial you're breaking downward and teaching your players everything they demand to know to run information technology effectively.

That knowledge will non only aid them equally they compete on your team, but besides help them if they choose to pursue basketball at the next level.

Source: https://www.basketballforcoaches.com/pick-and-roll/

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