What is a Pick and Roll in Basketball?

The pick and roll is a fundamental basketball play involving three key steps:

1. Setting the Screen: An offensive player without the ball sets a screen for their teammate with the ball.

2. Reading the Defenders: The ball handler uses the screen, reading the defenders’ reactions to create an opportunity to score or pass to a teammate.

3. Rolling to the Rim: After setting the screen, the player who set the screen (the screener) rolls toward the basket to catch a pass and finish with a shot.

This play creates opportunities for both the ball handler and screener, making it effective in breaking down defenses

Variations of the Pick and Roll

There are two main variations of the traditional pick and roll…

1. Pick and Pop

The pick and pop is a variation of the pick and roll, where instead of rolling to the basket, the screener pops out to the perimeter after setting the screen. The goal is to receive a pass for an outside shot or to drive if the defense collapses.

This play is particularly effective if the screener is a skilled shooter, especially from beyond the arc, making it harder for the defense to predict the next move. It also creates space for the ball handler, as the defender on the screener must stay close, making it tough to help on the ball handler without risking an open shot.

2. Pick and Slip

The pick and slip is another variation of the pick and roll, where the screener dives to the rim instead of rolling after setting the screen. This is done just before or as they set the screen, catching the defense off guard.

It’s especially effective when the screener’s defender anticipates the screen and helps too early, leaving the lane open for the screener to quickly slip to the basket. It’s also useful when defenders try to trap the ball handler, as the screener can take advantage of the defensive shift and get an easy scoring opportunity near the rim.

Different Types of the Pick and Roll

Here’s a breakdown of various pick and roll variations in basketball:

1. Top Pick and Roll: Set at the top of the key with two players behind the three-point line, one in the short corner.

2. Side Pick and Roll: A screen set on the wing, leading the ball-handler to the middle of the court with off-ball players on the opposite side.

3. Corner Pick and Roll: Set when the ball-handler is in the corner, with players positioned at the top, corner, and low post.

4. Elbow Pick and Roll: A screen at the high post, typically performed by two post players with space for a quick drive to the basket.

5. Single Drag Pick and Roll: A ball-screen in transition where the screener’s defender is caught out of position, opening up a clear drive to the rim.

6. Double Drag Pick and Roll: Two screens set in transition; one rolls to the rim and the other pops to the perimeter.

7. Horns Pick and Roll: Two screens set simultaneously at the top of the key, allowing the ball-handler to choose the direction they want to attack.

8. Flat Pick and Roll: A screen set with the screener facing away from the rim, great for explosive players.

9. Spread Pick and Roll: Set with all three off-ball players outside the three-point line, effective when players can shoot from range.

10. Step Up Pick and Roll: A screen set on the wing that directs the ball-handler toward the baseline, often catching defenders off-guard.

11. Spain Pick and Roll: A regular pick and roll with a third player stepping up to set an additional screen, causing confusion for defenders and leaving players open.

These variations provide different strategies for attacking the defense, enhancing scoring opportunities.

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