How to Pick and Roll in Basketball

The pick and roll is the single most effective offensive weapon in the game of basketball. When properly executed, the pick and roll is nearly impossible to defend. John Stockton and Karl Malone of the Utah Jazz utilized the pick and roll for 15 years to become the most effective duo in NBA history. This article focuses on how to properly execute a pick and roll.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 2 Offensive Players
• 2 Defensive Players

1. Two offensive players (one of them has the ball) communicate with one another to begin the pick and roll. This may be by calling a play or simply making eye contact.

2. The player setting the pick (a.k.a. picker) approaches the area of the ball handler.

3. The picker reads where the ball handler's defender is guarding.

4. The picker sets up about 2 to 3 feet away from the ball handler's defender in a spot that will allow the ball handler to get to the basket or get an open outside shot.

5. The ball handler must wait until the picker has established position for at least one second before driving past the pick.

6. When driving past the pick, the ball handler should make contact with the picker, so there is no room for the defender to get through.

7. The ball handler must be sure to keep his/her dribble alive.

8. If the picker's defender does not provide help defense, the ball handler should drive right to the basket or take the open shot.

9. After setting the pick, the picker opens up (rolls) to the basket looking for a pass. When opening up, the picker should seal off the defender to allow for an easy pass.

10. The Ball Handler must read the defense and determine the best option:
    1. Drive to the basket for a layup
    2. Take the open jump shot
    3. Pass to the picker, who is rolling to the basket for a shot or layup
    4. Look for other open teammates

Tips & Warnings

• As the team progresses with the pick and roll, slipping screens and flaring out for jump shots can provide additional opportunities.
• Be sure to look for other teammates, as the defense will tend to pay a lot of attention to the pick and roll, which could provide opportunities for open players.