Benefits of using the pick and roll
The pick and roll is one of the most effective offensive plays in basketball. It involves one player setting a screen for their teammate, who then uses the screen to create separation from their defender. This creates multiple offensive opportunities, such as driving to the basket, taking a jump shot, or making a pass to an open teammate. The pick and roll can also force the defense to make quick decisions, leading to mismatches and defensive breakdowns. By incorporating the pick and roll into your offensive strategy, you can create scoring opportunities for yourself and your teammates.
There are several benefits to using the pick and roll in basketball. Firstly, it allows for effective ball movement and creates space on the court. When executed properly, the pick and roll can force the defense to collapse, leaving teammates open for easy baskets. Secondly, it puts pressure on the defense to make quick decisions. The pick and roll forces defenders to choose between guarding the ball handler or the player setting the screen, creating opportunities for mismatches. Lastly, the pick and roll can help break down a strong defense. By continuously running pick and rolls, you can tire out the opposing team’s defense and create scoring opportunities late in the game.
Pick and roll statistics in basketball
To understand the impact of the pick and roll in basketball, let’s take a look at some statistics. According to NBA data, pick and rolls accounted for approximately 22% of all plays during the 2020-2021 season. This shows just how prevalent this offensive play is in professional basketball. Additionally, teams that effectively utilize the pick and roll tend to have higher offensive efficiency ratings. The pick and roll can create open shots, draw fouls, and generate scoring opportunities, leading to higher point production. It’s clear that the pick and roll is a powerful tool that can significantly impact a team’s offensive success.
Key fundamentals for executing the pick and roll
Before diving into the specific drills, it’s important to understand the key fundamentals for executing the pick and roll effectively.
Firstly, communication is crucial. Both the ball handler and the player setting the screen need to be on the same page. Clear communication ensures that the pick and roll is executed smoothly and efficiently. The ball handler must communicate their intentions to the screener, whether they plan to drive, shoot, or pass.
Secondly, setting a solid screen is essential. The player setting the screen needs to position themselves properly, making sure to establish legal positioning and create a solid barrier for the defender. A good screen can create separation and open up opportunities for the ball handler.
Finally, the ball handler must make quick and accurate decisions. They need to read the defense, identify potential openings, and react accordingly. Whether it’s driving to the basket, pulling up for a jump shot, or making a pass, the ball handler’s decision-making skills are crucial for the success of the pick and roll.
Essential pick and roll drills for players
Now that we’ve covered the fundamentals, let’s dive into some essential pick and roll drills that players can incorporate into their training regimen. These drills will help develop the necessary skills and improve overall execution of the pick and roll.
1. Screening Technique Drill: This drill focuses on teaching players how to set effective screens. Players will practice positioning themselves properly, making contact with the defender, and creating separation for the ball handler. This drill will help players understand the importance of timing and positioning when setting screens.
2. Ball Handling and Decision Making Drill: This drill focuses on improving the ball handler’s decision-making skills during a pick and roll situation. Players will practice reading the defense, making quick decisions, and executing the appropriate move. This drill will help players become more comfortable and confident in their ability to make split-second decisions.
3. Passing and Finishing Drill: This drill focuses on improving passing accuracy and finishing at the rim. Players will practice making accurate passes to their teammates after using the screen, as well as finishing strong at the basket. This drill will help players develop better court vision and improve their ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
These essential pick and roll drills are a great starting point for players looking to enhance their skills. By consistently practicing these drills, players can improve their overall pick and roll execution and become more effective offensive threats.
Advanced pick and roll variations for more experienced teams
For more experienced teams and players, it’s important to incorporate advanced pick and roll variations into training sessions. These variations can help keep the defense guessing and create even more offensive opportunities. Here are a few advanced pick and roll variations to consider:
1. Slip Screen: In this variation, the player setting the screen quickly slips to the basket instead of rolling. This can catch the defense off guard and create open lanes for the ball handler to drive or make a quick pass to the slipper.
2. Double Screen: In the double screen variation, two players set screens simultaneously for the ball handler. This can create confusion for the defense and lead to mismatches or open shots.
3. Pick and Pop: Instead of rolling to the basket, the player setting the screen pops out to the perimeter for a jump shot. This variation can be particularly effective if the screener is a strong shooter.
Incorporating these advanced pick and roll variations into your offensive strategy can add another layer of complexity to your team’s game plan. It’s important to practice these variations extensively to ensure seamless execution during game situations.
Incorporating pick and roll into offensive strategies
The pick and roll is most effective when it’s integrated into a team’s overall offensive strategy. By incorporating the pick and roll into various offensive sets, teams can create mismatches, open up scoring opportunities, and keep the defense guessing. Here are a few offensive strategies that utilize the pick and roll:
1. High Pick and Roll: This strategy involves setting the screen near the top of the key. It gives the ball handler plenty of space to operate and can create open driving lanes or pull-up jump shots.
2. Side Pick and Roll: In this strategy, the screen is set on the side of the court. This can create opportunities for quick drives to the basket or kick-out passes to open shooters in the corner.
3. Roll and Replace: This strategy involves the screener rolling to the basket and the player previously occupying the low post area replacing the screener’s position. This can create confusion for the defense and lead to open shots or driving lanes.
By incorporating these offensive strategies into your team’s game plan, you can maximize the effectiveness of the pick and roll and create a dynamic and unpredictable offense.
Pick and Roll Passing Series from Stanford Women’s Basketball
Nice series of pick and roll drills filmed at a Stanford Women’s Basketball Practice. I personally like the video because the pick and roll drills allow both the ball handler and the screener to get shots off whether off the initial pick, the roll or a pick and pop action.
Once your players have mastered the scoring actions in Coach Tara VanDerveer’s pick and roll passing series you can think about adding some of the ball screen play we have posted on Hoop Coach. There are quite a few of them. If you want to take a look at the pick and roll plays you can see them here.
