The pick and roll is an offensive play in basketball that involves a player setting a screen (pick) for a teammate handling the ball and then moving toward the basket to receive a pass. The play is also known as a ball screen or screen and roll. The pick and roll is a popular offensive action in basketball and can create multiple advantages when executed correctly. Here are the basic steps involved in executing a pick and roll:
- The offensive player sets a screen for another offensive player who currently has the ball. This is also known as a ball screen.
- The offensive player dribbles around the ball screen and looks to score.
- The screener opens up to the ball and cuts to the basket.
A well-executed pick and roll is the result of teamwork, but many players fail by executing the play too quickly; they must ignore the defense and control their own speed. A successful pick and roll play may result in the screener being in position to receive a pass with a clear path for an easy shot, with the chance of drawing a foul as other defenders move toward the play to try to prevent penetration. Variations of the pick and roll are the pick and pop (or pick and fade), where the screener moves for an open jump shot instead of rolling to the basket, or the pick and slip, where the screener fakes setting a screen before slipping behind the defender to accept the pass.
