The pick-and-roll, fully explained
The most-run play in basketball. Once you see it, you can't unsee it.
If you only learn one basketball play, learn this one. Every NBA offense runs the pick-and-roll. By the end of this lesson you'll spot it 30 times a game.
The setup
Two offensive players are involved. Player A has the ball. Player B is a teammate, usually a bigger player (a center or power forward). Player A's defender is in the way of where Player A wants to go.
What happens (in three beats)
- 1. The pick (or 'screen'). Player B walks over and stops in the path of Player A's defender. Like setting up a moving roadblock. Player B can't move now — that would be a foul (a 'moving screen').
- 2. The roll. Player A drives past, using Player B as a wall. Player B then 'rolls' — pivots and runs toward the basket, ready to receive a pass.
- 3. The decision. Player A now has options: shoot the open jumper, pass to the rolling Player B for a layup or dunk, or kick it out to a teammate the defense forgot about.
What you'll hear announcers say
Translation: same pick-and-roll for the third possession in a row. The defense has not figured out how to stop it.
Translation: a small defender ended up guarding a huge player after a screen. Bad outcome for the defense — usually leads to a basket.
Translation: instead of rolling to the basket, Player B stepped back to the three-point line for a shot. Same play, different finish.
Translation: Player B's defender is hanging back near the basket instead of stepping out to defend Player A. This invites the jumper but protects the rim. The Jokic / Joker / drop debate is the most-discussed defensive scheme in the league.
"Steve Nash made a 17-year Hall of Fame career out of this one play. It's not a gimmick. It's the engine."
You finished the lesson.
Got more questions? Hop in the chat — your lesson context comes with you.
Open the chat →