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.

Things You'll Need

  • 2 Offensive Players
  • 2 Defensive Players

Instructions

    • 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

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • Barbell Exercises for Teens
      Strength training provides benefits to teens. It increases muscle strength and endurance, improves athletic performance and strengthens bones. Barbell exercises are effective in a teen’s training program because they require more stabilizing mu
    • How Can a Teenager Get Buff?
      Teenagers are in a notable period of life for muscle development. As most parents know, teens are flowing with hormones. These hormones not only cause teens to be unmanageable and emotional but also help them grow quickly, especially in terms of musc
    • Sinding-Larsen-Johansson Syndrome