How to set up a pick in basketball

Executing The Basketball Pick and Roll

By Joe Haefner

The pick and roll, also known as the screen and roll, is one of the simplest plays to execute offensively. While it may be simple to run, if executed properly, it can be a nightmare for defenses to defend. That is why you have seen the pick and roll trickle down from the NBA and all the way down to the youth and high school levels.

What Is the Pick and Roll

1. An offensive player sets a screen for another offensive player who currently has the ball. This is also known as a ball screen. (The Pick)
2. The offensive player dribbles around the ball screen and looks to score.
3. The screener, opens up to the ball, and cuts to the basket. (The Roll)

Check out the video below.

While the pick and roll can be executed almost anywhere on the floor. Here are some examples:

Wing Pick and Roll - Top Side

The ball screen is set near the wing area and the screener's back will face the middle of the floor.

Wing Pick and Roll - Baseline Side

The ball screen is set near the wing area and the screener's back will face the baseline.

High Pick and Roll

This ball screen is set near the top of the key.

Corner Pick and Roll

The corner pick and roll is set near the corner. This can be difficult to defend, because defenders are not used to defending ball screens from this position. However, you have to be careful because defensive traps are easier to execute in the corner as well.

Flat Pick and Roll

This pick and roll is executed with the screener's back facing the basket. It can be set near the 3-point line or all the way in the back court.

The flat screen can be utilized against pressure. It is also great to utilize in transition as well.

A-Set Pick and Roll

The pick and roll can also be executed out of the a-set. This is where there are two screeners at the top and the ball handler chooses which direction to go.

You have different options for which screener rolls to the basket.

• You can have the ballside screener always roll to the basket.
  
• You can have the opposite side always roll to the basket.
  
• You can also have a designated roller. No matter what side the ball handler goes to, the same player always rolls to the basket.

Tips For Executing the Pick and Roll

Players have literally made a hall of fame career off of the pick and roll. See Karl Malone and John Stockton. If you use these tips below and get better at executing the pick and roll, your team will benefit from it tremendously.

Ball Handler Pick and Roll Tips

Ideally, you want to be able finish at the rim, make good decisions, have the ability to blow by defenders, and pull up for the jump shot off the dribble. However, you can still be effective without all of these abilities.

• Get low and balanced - This enables you to explode by the defender and prevents the defense from easily knocking you off balance with a forearm or slight bump.
• Wait for the screen - Too many times players get anxious and leave too early. This makes it easy for your opponents to defend and can also result in an offensive foul (moving screen) on the screener because you started dribbling around the screen too early. It's better to be late than early when coming off of screens.
• Fake opposite - When you fake opposite, this makes the defense play you honestly. It will also help you set up your defender so you can run them directly into the screen. If they still don't play you honestly, you can turn down the screen and attack the basket.
• Attack! - Attack and be aggressive when you dribble off of the ball screen. More good things will happen when you are aggressive and under control versus when you are tentative. Along with attacking ball screens, this approach should be applied to all parts of your game.
• Head up and see the floor - I see too many players tuck their chin into their chest while attacking the basket and slam right into helpside defense which results in an offensive foul. See and anticipate what the defense is going to do. Great defenses will have good helpside defense versus the pick and roll. See where the defense is going and locate the open man.

Screener Pick and Roll Tips

Preferably, you want to have the screener be a post player who can set good screens and has the athletic ability to roll to the basket, catch the pass, and finish at the goal. It's always a plus if the post player can shoot from outside which sets up the pick and pop as well.

• Communicate - You should let the ball handler know that you are going to set a ball screen by raising a fist and calling out the ball handler's name.
• Sprint to area - You should sprint to the area that you are going to screen. This will give the defense little time to react and make it more difficult for them to defend the ball screen.
• Be stationary - To prevent an offensive foul from being called, you need to stop moving and stay stationary as the ball handler dribbles around your pick.
• Be big - Get your feet spread a little wider than shoulder width apart, knees bent, and hips down. This makes it harder for the defense to move you or nudge by you.
• Roll - After the screen is set, try to pin the defender on your back, reverse pivot and open up to the ball, and roll to the basket. Reach up your hand in order to give the passer a target.
• Head up and see the floor - Good defenses will have helpside defense on the pick and roll. As you receive the pass rolling to the basket, keep your head up so you can see if there is a helpside defender. This will help you avoid the charge by sliding around the defender or stopping and passing to an open player.

More Options For the Ball Screen

While the pick and roll is certainly the most popular and can be one of the most effective options when utilizing the ball screen, there are other options for the screener and the ball handler. By understanding these options, you will be more of a threat. These are not the only options for attacking the ball screen, but they are some of the most effective.

Ball Handler Options

Straight-line attack

This is when the ball handler dribbles off the screen and dribbles directly towards the basket. If the defense plays behind the screener, this option will typically be open.

Attack the hedge

One of the most common defensive strategies is to hedge. By attacking the hedge, this will force the post player to make a choice. Do they stay on you or run back to their post player?

If they switch and you get a post player guarding you, you can immediately attack or back up to give yourself some momentum to attack the bigger and usually slower player.

Another option is to pass the ball to the screener because they should have an advantage in the post with a smaller guard on them.

Tip: When coming off of the ball screen, it's important to attack the defender's shoulder and take two dribbles off of the screen. This will often create indecision by the player guarding the screener which will result in more scoring opportunities for your team.

Split the hedge

Now after scoring a few times off of the pick and roll, the defender guarding the screener may get overly concerned and want to avoid getting beat again, so they slide way out on top of the screen and create separation between them and the screener. If this occurs, you can change direction and attack the gap between the screener's defender and screener.

Turn down the screen

Now you might start to notice that the player guarding you is starting to cheat over the top of the screen. This is when you fake high and drive the opposite direction.

Screener Options

Roll

If the defense switches or hedges, the roll to the basket will often be open for the screener.

Slip

If you see your defender start to cheat high on the ball screen, cut to the basket before the ball handler comes off of the screen. It's good to mix this in order to keep the defense honest.

Pop

If you have the ability to shoot the outside shot, you open up the ball and find an open spot along the perimeter or high post. This is very effective against defenses that collapse towards the basket on the pick and roll.

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Pick and Roll for Basketball (Offensive Guide)

Let’s start out with a bold (and true) statement…

“The pick and roll is the most effective action in basketball. This is true from youth basketball all the way up to the NBA level.”

But there’s one problem…

Many coaches are missing out important details when teaching their players how to execute the screen and roll.

These simple details can result in your team missing out on many points every game.

Once you learn how the pick and roll should be run and fix up a few mistakes, your team’s pick and roll will be far more effective resulting in improved scoring opportunities.

In this article, I’ll explain what a pick and roll is, break down the perfect 7-step process that will have your team shooting wide open shots and layups, share drills and plays with you, and much more.

Let’s establish some base knowledge on how the pick and roll works with a simple breakdown before diving into much more detail.

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

1. An offensive player without the basketball sets a screen for the player with the basketball.

2. The player with the basketball reads the defenders and dribbles off the screen looking to attack and create a shot for themselves or another player on the team.

3. After screening, the screener rolls to the rim looking to catch the basketball and finish inside.

That’s as simple as it gets.

Looking for more advanced information?

Read on…

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

The first three steps focus on the preparation for the screen which is the most important part of the pick and roll. If this isn’t done properly, there’s very little chance the pick and roll will be successful.

The final three steps focus on the execution of the pick and roll. 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…

The first step for an effective pick and roll is for the dribbler to create separation between themselves and the on-ball defender.

This sets up the on-ball defender to be screened effectively.

If the on-ball defender is too close, then it will be easy for them to lock on and trail over the screen without being put at too much of a disadvantage.

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

If they are in the process of dribbling, a quick jab and crossover or inside-out dribble will be enough to make the on-ball defender take a step back in preparation to defend the drive.

The second step to an effective pick and roll is for the screener to create as much separation as possible between themselves and their defender before setting the on-ball screen.

By creating separation before setting the screen, we decrease the screener’s defender’s ability to provide help on the dribbler.

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

So, how can a screener create this separation?

1. Don’t Telegraph the Screen

By giving away where you’re going to screen, the opposition is able to establish correct defensive position early and communicate with other defenders.

It’s also important that coaches implement an offense that doesn’t involve the same screens being set over and over again.

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

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

2. Sprint to Screen

When an offensive player is going to set the screen, they should explode towards the position of the screen to get an extra step or two on their opponent.

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

Too often we see screeners casually jogging (or even walking) towards the screening position allowing their opponent to establish help position early.

3. Use a ‘Ram Screen’

The ‘ram screen’ is a great basketball 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, so 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 will take them more time to get to the correct help position as they’ll have to fight through the first screen.

Again, this gives the dribbler a head start attacking the hoop and the screener’s defender must stop the dribbler while they have a full head of steam.

This can be incredibly effective if you’re able to incorporate it into your offense.

The angle that the screen is set on is arguably the most important part of the pick and roll yet is often overlooked by most coaches.

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

It’s one 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 will lead the dribbler in the direction of the basket.

For an example, imagine a pick and roll at the top of the key…

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

This isn’t effective as it allows the on-ball defender to slip under the screen and re-establish position quickly.

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

This makes it difficult for the defender to slip under the screen and will give the dribbler (and offense) a big advantage when attacking the paint to create a scoring opportunity.

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

This requires them to hunt out the on-ball defender, focus on the correct angle, and then make contact as they set a strong 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 too focused on rolling quickly and getting the basketball.

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

If the screen is set a step off and there’s extra space, it’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 young teams.

Once the screen has been set correctly, it’s now up to the dribbler to read the defense and use the screen.

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

The dribbler must have an attacking mindset!

While we don’t expect the dribbler to drive and shoot every time they use a screen, it’s important to attack as it will force the defense to rotate and open up other offensive players.

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

Note – It’s crucial the dribbler is patient and waits for the screener to be stationary.  The #1 cause of illegal screens is because the dribbler is impatient and attacks too early.

Once the on-ball defender has fought past the stationary screen, the screener must then cut to the rim looking to catch a pass and score inside.

While it’s up for debate 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 as the pivot foot.

2. Dive to the Rim

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

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

The final step of the pick and roll is for the dribbler to read the defense and make the correct decision.

This could be to attack the rim, pass to the roll player, 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’s abilities since this will determine whether they make a good 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’s the decision in this step that will determine whether your team gets a great scoring opportunity or not.

That’s why it’s crucial that you’re putting players in the ball-handler position who have the ability to attack and have a high basketball IQ.

As the dribbler is attacking off the pick and roll, it’s crucial they’re able to read the defense and make the correct decision to give their team the best opportunity to score.

Here are the 5 most common reads ball-handler should be aware of…

1. Split the Defenders

Splitting the defenders is a great way to attack the rim if the screener’s defender hedges out too far to stop the basketball or attempts a steal.

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

When doing this, the dribbler must quickly change direction and speed as well as keep the basketball low so that it’s out of reach of the screener’s defender.

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

If the screener’s defender doesn’t hedge out high and stays attached to the screener, the dribbler must attack the outside hip and drive to the rim.

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

This is the most common action in the pick and roll and will force the other defenders to help leading to a pass out to a teammate or the dribbler attacking the rim.

When the on-ball defender anticipates that a screen is coming, they’ll often attempt to cheat over or under the screen early.

If they do, it provides the dribbler with a great opportunity to explode in the opposite direction of the screen towards the hoop.

This will often catch the defense off-guard and give the dribbler a 1 – 2 step 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 action to be effective.

If the screener’s defender decides to hard hedge on the screen and the dribbler decides not to split, another great option can be to back out a step or two and see 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 for the shot or drive.

If the defense chooses to switch on the screen, there’s a high chance that one or two mismatches have been created.

Then the offense has two options:

1. The dribbler can isolate and attack their new defender one-on-one. This can be very effective if it was a post play who switched onto them.

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

Last but not least… shoot!

If the on-ball defender decides to slip under the screen and the screener’s defender hasn’t stepped up to help, this can leave the dribbler wide open for a jump shot.

If your players can’t make this shot consistently, it will result in the on-ball defender being able to establish front position again.

That’s another reason why it’s crucial that teams never allow the on-ball defender to slip under the screen on a pick and roll.

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

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 outside shot or catch and drive.

This variation is very effective if you have a post player who can knock down the three-point shot at a high percentage.

It also helps the ball-handler as it’s difficult for the screener’s defender to provide help due to the threat of the quick pass and open shot.

The other variation of the pick and roll is the pick and slip.

When running the pick and slip, the screener dives to the rim just as they’re about to set the on-ball screen.

This variation is best used when the screener’s defender predicts the screen and helps too early instead of staying between their player and the basket.

This is also effective when the defenders attempt to trap the dribbler.

Below I’ve listed 11 different types of the pick and roll that coaches should be aware of.

I’ll also use this section of the article to show you the positions on the court the three off-ball players should be filling during each variation of the pick and roll.

Having great spacing from the three off-ball players is absolutely crucial if you want your team to be effective with the ball-screen.

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

When this is run, there will usually be one off-ball player in the short corner and the other two offensive players behind the three-point.

The two players behind the three-point line should be on opposite sides of the court.

The ‘side pick and roll’ (or wing pick and roll) is a ball-screen set on the wing leading the ball-handler to the middle of the court.

When this is run, the other three players will usually set up on the opposite side of the court.

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

The ‘corner pick and roll’ is a ball-screen set on a player with the basketball in the corner of the court.

When this is run, there will usually be off-ball players set up at the top of the key, in the corner, and in the weak-side low post.

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

The ‘elbow pick and roll’ is a ball-screen set on a player with the basketball while they’re on the high post (elbow).

This will usually be performed by 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 basket.

A ‘single drag pick and roll’ is a ball-screen set in transition.

This is often effective because the screener’s defender who is meant to play help defense on the dribbler is caught out of position as they’ve sprinted back to defend the basket.

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

A ‘double drag pick and roll’ requires two offensive players setting ball screens in transition.

In this variation, the player who sets the first screen (5) rolls to the rim.

The second screener (4) pops out to the perimeter.

A ‘horns pick and roll’ begins with two offensive players simultaneously setting a screen on opposite sides of the ball-handler at the top of the key.

This allows the dribbler to attack either direction and opens up the court as 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 three-point line.

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

This variation of the pick and roll can be very effective if you’ve got an explosive player who can attack going either direction.

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

A ‘spread pick and roll’ is a ball-screen action while the three off-ball players are all outside the three-point line.

This action is very effective for teams that are able to surround the pick and roll with 3 players who shoot the basketball at a high percentage.

This variation makes it very difficult for defenders to help off their player without giving up and open three-point shot.

A ‘step up pick and roll’ 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 it catches the defense off-guard.

The screeners defender will often assume the screen is being set in the middle so they won’t be prepared to help.

The ‘Spain pick and roll’ consists of a regular pick and roll and then a third offensive player stepping up and setting another screen on the defender of the player rolling to the rim.

This creates a lot of communication problems for the defense and often they’ll get confused and leave one of the offensive players open.

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.be/W3nHqWA3vJk

There are many fantastic basketball plays that utilize the pick and roll action to put players in great positions to score.

Here are 2 of my favorites you can use with your team…

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

• Two guards who can shoot the basketball at a high percentage (1 and 2).

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

Setup: The play begins in a box formation with 4 and 5 at the top and 2 and 3 on the low 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 then cuts high off the screen on the elbow and receives the pass from 1.

3. 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 little time to react.

5. While this screen is happening, 4 beginning the movement to set a hammer screen on 1’s defender as 3 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 as passing options.

• Very important that the screen from 5 is set immediately on the catch to try and catch the on-ball defender off-guard.

• The back screen for 1 must be set as 3 is driving to the hoop. Any sooner and x1 will have too much time to fight over the screen and pick off or deflect the pass.

• The weak-side corner defender will usually be the one that helps on the drive so 3 must be ready to pass out to 2 in the corner as soon as that happens.

A very simple play out of the horns (1-2-2) formation. Involves a guard receiving the basketball on the wing and then receiving and on-ball screen. On the opposite side of the floor, there’s a down screen set to keep the defense occupied.

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

• 5 should be the team’s strongest pick-and-roll post player.

Setup: The play starts in a 1-2-2 set with the post players on the elbows and the guards in the corners.

1. The play begins with 3 cutting up to the wing and receiving the pass from 1.

2. 1 UCLA cuts off a screen from 5, and if they don’t receive the pass for the layup, 1 clears out to the ball-side corner.

3. 5 sets an on-ball screen for 3 who drives into the lane looking to create.

4. On the weak-side of the floor, 4 down screens for 2 to make the help defense move.

5. 5 rolls to the rim out of the pick-and-roll.

6. 3 now has numerous opportunities and must make the best basketball play.

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

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

• 5’s on-ball screen must be set at the correct angle to make it effective. Don’t allow the opposition to simply slip under the screen.

We’ve talked discussed how to execute the perfect pick and roll, but there’s something important we’re missing.

I can hear coaches yelling…

“I now understand how to run the pick and roll… But how do I practice it with my team!?“

It doesn’t matter how much knowledge you have, if your players aren’t experiencing and practicing the pick and roll regularly it will be difficult to be effective during games.

Here are 2 pick and roll drills I recommend you run during team practice…

The drill starts with 2 players on offense and 2 on defense. The offensive team will attempt to score out of the pick and roll while the defense will attempt to get a stop without switching on defense.

This drill works the basics of both pick and roll offense and pick and roll defense.

• An offensive and defensive player on the wing.

• An offensive and defensive player on the low block.

• The rest of the players wait on the baseline.

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

• The offensive team must stay within the quarter of the court. Crossing the split line is out of bounds.

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

• The defensive team is not allowed to switch.

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

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

3. The defense can defend the pick and roll any way they want, but 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 set amount of time.

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

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

• Make sure all your players practice being both the ball-handler and screener. We need to create positionless players!

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

Puts the dribbler in an advantageous position because there’s no help by the screener’s defender. The dribbler makes a read and should get an open look most of the time. Then the screener pops out and receives a second ball from a coach for a jump shot.

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

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

• One on-ball defender.

• One coach with a basketball.

1. The on-ball 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.

3. The dribbler uses the screen and makes a read on whether they should attack the basket, pull up for a jump shot, step back for a shot, or not use the screen at all. They shoot the basketball.

4. Once the screener has set the screen they pop out to receive a second basketball from the coach and shoot a jump shot.

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

Another Defender – You can progress to add the screener’s defender and then play two on two. This means the coach won’t pass the ball to the screener for the outside shot.

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

• The screen must be set at the proper angle that doesn’t allow the defender to easily slip under the screen.

• The dribbler must explode shoulder to shoulder with the player setting the screen so that they can’t easily get through.

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

• The dribbler also can’t use the screen too early or it will be an offensive foul. They must wait until the screen is set.

As I was finishing up writing this article, it occurred to me that there were still 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 extra pick and roll tips which will help you implement it into your system and could possibly spark a few ideas for your in-game coaching decisions.

Don’t limit your players to being 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 being the ball-handler.

Your guards must practice being the screener.

Being able to play positionless basketball is incredibly important for all players and that trend will increase even more in the future.

2. Set Screens With Your Guards

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

Since most guards don’t practice playing the help position on pick and rolls, they often get very confused and make mistakes when you put them in this position during games.

This can lead to a lot of easy scoring opportunities for the offense.

Also, point guards often set the toughest screens!

If the defense decides to trap the pick and roll with both defenders, the dribbler should take two long retreat dribbles to create space between them and the screener.

The screener will make a short roll approximately a step closer to the rim and get ready to receive the basketball.

From here, the ball-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.

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

The other three defenders will be 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 often leave at least one of the other three offensive players playing off the ball open.

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

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 player they’re defending step out to set the screen.

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

Simple, but incredibly effective.

There are far too many coaches teaching the pick and roll incorrectly or leaving out important details.

As it’s the most common action in basketball, it’s crucial you’re breaking down and teaching your players everything they need to know to run it effectively.

That knowledge will not only assist them as they compete on your team, but also assist them if they choose to pursue basketball at the next level.

Slamdunk Journal :: Basketball techniques

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What techniques exist and how they differ

Let's first deal with the definition: playing techniques are skills that a professional player must possess. Sounds simple, but what exactly are the skills in basketball? What should an amateur who wants to improve the performance of his game pay attention to? Let's figure it out.

The main goal in basketball is to successfully hit the ball into the basket, and everything that happens on the court only brings the players to this moment. There are skills that basketball players work out in training to bypass rivals and make a successful shot.

Before we list them, let us remind you that basketball is a team sport, and even the most successful players do not master all the tricks perfectly. With a serious approach to training, you should decide on your position on the site and especially carefully work out the necessary techniques.

So the post must deftly pick up the ball under the hoop and throw it right into the basket. Back row players are highly regarded for their ability to pass and make accurate shots from medium to long distances. And for an attacking basketball player, it is extremely important to be able to make lightning-fast breakthroughs to the ring. All these techniques and skills are practiced in training.

What are the basic skills?

• Holding the throw. Performed with two hands. Widely spaced fingers hold the ball from both sides. One of the basic skills for any player.
• Catching the ball. Another basic skill that no basketball player can do without. But are you sure you know how to do it right?!

The easiest way to catch the ball is at chin level. To do this, you need to take a small step forward and stretch your arms towards the ball with widely spread fingers - a “funnel”. In this case, the thumbs should be directed towards each other and brought together up to 3-5 centimeters. This will save you from slipping and hitting the ball in the face if you catch it at high speed. At the moment the ball touches the fingers, you need to make a shock-absorbing movement and transfer it to the chest. When catching the ball above the head, the actions are similar, but you need to extinguish the speed of its flight from the top-front, and then transfer it to the chest in an arc.

One of the most difficult tricks is catching the ball flying behind. Such a pass is often used to quickly break through to the opponent's ring. For him, without slowing down, make a slight turn of the shoulder and head towards the ball, and then catch it with the far hand and move it to the chest with a raking movement.

Basic passing techniques:

There are several technically correct ways to pass the ball. One of the most basic is a transfer with two hands from the chest. In this position, the ball is most protected from the attacks of opponents, and besides, the transfer from the chest is the most accurate and reliable, regardless of whether it is carried out on the spot or while the player is moving.

• Two-handed downshift is more commonly used after stops and turns. During the swing, the ball is taken to the thigh, after which it is sent to another player with a sharp movement of both hands. Such a transfer is effective for beating especially tall opponents.
• One-handed passes are less accurate and more often used when speed is important. Their development should be given special attention in training in order to achieve maximum strength and accuracy.
• The shoulder pass is used when the ball needs to be passed as far and as fast as possible, and the hook pass, performed in an arcing motion, is good for passing the opponent.
• To get around a nimble and agile opponent, a rebound pass will also be good. It can be done with one or two hands. In this case, the push of the ball must be strong, and the rebound point must be closer to the receiving player.

What about dribbling?

Dribbling is the most basic thing in basketball. What makes this sport different from the rest. Simply put, dribbling is dribbling. It allows the player in possession of the ball, without violating strict basketball rules, to enter a position convenient for attacking, approach the ring and score the ball. The dribbling is carried out by elastic pushes of the ball with the fingers. It is dribbling that should be given special attention in training beginners.

Well-developed dribbling technique will teach you not only how to move on the court, but also skillfully take the ball away from your opponents, which will bring you closer to the coveted ring.

But we already wrote about how to properly throw the ball into the ring in our other article;)

Slamdunk. su

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Shooting exercises

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Basketball is a great team game, the team consists of players whose skill is achieved with great effort. The only person who can understand that you are working hard is yourself. Remember, you only get out of the game what you put into it. Give yourself to her without a trace.

Jump shot

In basketball, an outstanding sniper is a piece item. If you want to be a great sniper, all you need to do is just want to be one.

First, you must improve your craft.

This includes having a good coach and years of training. Secondly, you must improve in game mode.

This means that you must perform throwing drills at the same intensity as in the game. It's far better to hit 100 shots in play than 500 sloppy shots that a good defender would never let you make in a game. Finally, you must understand that working on a roll is like investing in a bank. If you don't deposit anything into your account, you won't receive dividends when you need them.

The sniper must have a "throw school". When throwing after a dribble, one of the main features is the last hit of the ball on the court, which must be fast and strong so that it bounces higher, right into your hands - this will help you not waste time handling the ball.

Individual Shooting Exercises

Exercise 1 Attention Concentration

1. Start from a distance close to the ring.
2. Throw with one hand. Follow correct technique.
3. Make five from each position. Take a step back and repeat (Fig. 1).

Exercise 2 7 throwing positions and rebound (4 meters)

1. Jump shot from position 1.
2. Pick up the ball, dribble quickly to position 7, shoot.
3. Pick-up, fast with guiding back to position 1.
4. Make 10 rolls.
5. Repeat the same steps using positions 6 and 2, 5 and 3, 4 (Fig. 2).

Exercise 3 7 shooting positions and a rebound (from behind the three-point line)

1. Repeat the same steps as in exercise 2 (fig. 3).

Exercise 4 Throw after stop

1. Start from position 1, toss the ball to position
2. Pick it up, while you have to run around the ball so that you are facing the ring.
3. Make 10 rolls, then advance to the next position.

Ex.5 Shooting from five positions after a fake move (from four meters or from behind the three-point line)

1. Start from any position.
2. On bent knees and with your head up, you do a throwing feint, hit the ball one or two with your right hand, stop and jump.
3. Return to position, throw feint, one or two hits with the ball with the left hand, stop, throw.
4. At each position, 5 attempts (Fig. 5).

Exercise 6 Jump shots after dribbling

1. Start the exercise from the center of the field, move to the ring with dribbling at game speed, after stopping quickly shoot.
2. The shot must be taken from a middle distance or from behind a three-point arc. Perform the exercise, both on the right and on the left and in the middle of the site.
3. Use different types of dribbles: fast dribbles, broken tempos, pivots, etc.
4. Make 5 attempts in each direction (Fig. 6).

Exercise 7 Playing with a virtual opponent

1. Make a free throw. If you have implemented it, you get one point. If not, then your "opponent" is three.
2. You make subsequent throws from any position except the three-second zone, imitating the rhythm of the game. Work on different moves and throws. Each of your successful attempts is estimated at the bottom of the point, unsuccessful at two for the "opponent". The game goes to 11 points.
3. This is a very good exercise to reinforce what you have learned. Try! Improve! (Fig. 7).

Double shots

Dr. 8 2 players, shot and rebound (4 meters or from behind the three-point line)

1. Drill starts with a good, clear pass. The player who made the pass from under the basket goes to the place of the thrower.
2. The player in position 1 catches the ball and shoots.
3. After the shot, the player runs to the rebound and then passes the ball 1 position and so on.
4. Each player must make five throws. The exercise is performed at a fast pace, but the throws should not be sloppy.
5. Then move to another position and everything is the same (Fig. 8).

Exercise 9 Two players, throw and rebound (per result)

1. The exercise is performed as described above.
2. The player who made the pass tries to interfere with the shot, but does not block.
3. Game up to 5 hits.
4. Then we move to another position, and so on. (Fig. 9).

Exercise 10 Two players, throw and rebound, throw trick

1. The exercise is performed in the same way as the previous one.
2. The defender who made the pass tries to interfere with the player in position 1, but does not block the shot.
3. The attacker makes a throw feint and beats the defender.
4. Performs a short dribble, stops and throws.
5. Do 5 times each and change position (Fig. 10).

Ex. 11 2 players, shot after stoppage (from four meters or from behind the 3-point line)

1. Offensive in position 1, ready to receive a pass.
2. The player under the basket passes.
3. After the throw, the attacker waits for the rebound to be made.
4. The player receives a pass by making a stop, but already in position 2. Then back.
5. Make 7 throws, two free throws and switch (fig. 11).

Exercise 12 Moving shots (from four meters or three-point arc)

1. Attacker moves around the perimeter at game speed.
2. A player passes to the hand farthest from the ring.
3. The attacker must stop, catch the ball and throw.
4. Make seven throws, two free throws and change (fig. 12).

Note: The previous exercise has three options.

A) Receive the ball and throw it.

B) After receiving, throwing feint, dribbling in the same direction, throwing.

B) Receives a pass, throw feint, dribbling to the ring in the other direction, stop, throw.

Exercise 13 Various dribbling options and a jump shot

1. The attacker starts from the center of the field and, dribbling at game speed, moves towards the ring, stops and takes a jump shot.
2. The player under the basket picks up the ball, the attacker runs to the center of the field, and receives the ball on the opposite flank. Moves with dribbling to the ring, stop, jump shot.
3. On the right side, dribble with the right hand, on the left - with the left (Fig. 13)

Note: Use speed dribbling, change of pace, transitions, pivots.

Three players, two balls

Exercise 14 Warm-up exercise

1. One player throws, another passes, a third rebounds.
2. Thrower becomes rebounder after seven tries.
3. Passer - thrower. Picking up - passing (Fig. 14).

Note: different options are possible

1) From seven positions (four meters)

2) From seven positions (from behind the three-point arc)

3) From five points with feints to shoot

4) Throw after stoppage

5) Throw and rebound (constant rotation around the circle)

Double throws: using screens

To use the screen effectively, you must read the defender correctly. You must always see the player with the ball and how the defender defends against you. A player who moves well off the ball and knows how to use screens correctly is very useful offensively. When you watch a match that has good players, notice how well they move off the ball. The hardest thing to defend against is a well-moving attacker.

Exercise 15 Back screen and snatch

1. The player imitates opening and screening behind his back, makes a dash to the corner of the court.
2. Throw to near hand.
3. Attacker catches the ball and shoots.
4. The attacker picks up his shot, passes to a teammate and returns to his original position.
5. Make seven attempts and change (Fig. 15)

Note: do not back away when dashing, turn and run, but do not lose sight of the ball.

Exercise 16 Screening behind the back, "false" screening

1. 1. Attacker starts on the base of the trapezoid and moves up to simulate a screening.
2. 2. After the imaginary breakout runs, the screening attacker rises to the ball and prepares to receive the pass.
3. 3. Having caught the pass, he immediately makes a throw.
4. 4. Make seven attempts and change (Fig. 16).

0008

1. An attacker imitates a defender aiming for a screen and quickly rises to the ball.
2. The player must be ready to receive the ball.
3. Attacker catches the ball and shoots quickly.
4. Make seven attempts and change (Fig. 17)

Exercise 18 Screening the ball carrier, moving away from the ring

1. The attacker screens the ball carrier.
2. The ball carrier passes through the screen aggressively.
3. Instead of backing out to the basket (deuce), the screening attacker moves away from the basket and prepares to receive the pass.
4. Having caught the ball, he immediately makes a throw.
5. Make seven attempts, then change.

Exercise 19 Barrier at the base of the trapezoid - opening to the flank

1. The attacker takes the player under the ring, breaks shoulder to shoulder through the barrier and makes a dash to the flank.
2. When catching the ball, the player must turn to the ring.
3. Use different throw options: just throw, and dribbling to the right or left after a throw feint. Change after five attempts (Fig. 19).

Exercise 20 Barrier at the base of the trapezoid - opening into the corner of the court

1. The attacker takes the player into the three-second zone, pretends that he will break through to the flank through the barrier, the defender starts to run around the defender through the three-second zone.
2. An attacker rushes into the corner of the court and the defender hits the screen.
3. Further, the same as in the previous exercise (Fig. 20).

Exercise 21 Screen at the base of the trapezoid - dash inward

1. The defender is chasing you, keeping up to the very screen.
2. Then you run through the screen as close to the screener as possible and break into the three-second zone or foul line area.
3. Receive the ball by turning towards the hoop and throw it.
4. Also work out various options for continuing after receiving the ball. After five attempts, change (Fig. 21).

Throws in pairs: pass and discount

Exercise 22 Pass and discount - starting from the center of the field flank.

The player who made the pass picks up the ball and gives it to the thrower.

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