Mastering the Pick and Roll Basketball: A Guide to This Essential Play

In basketball, there is a basketball offense tactic called “Pick and roll basketball” The pick and roll is one of the most effective and widely used offensive plays in basketball. 

It creates opportunities for scoring, ball movement, and breaking down defenses. At its core, the play combines teamwork between a ball handler and a screener, but its variations and counters make it endlessly adaptable. 

In this guide, we’ll break down what it is, how to set up, drills to practice, and strategies to defend against it. Let’s check it out!

What Is the Pick and Roll?

The pick and roll is one of basketball’s most essential offensive plays, pairing a ball handler with a screener to create scoring opportunities. Its simplicity and versatility make it highly effective, often leading to mismatches or open shots. This pick and roll is used constantly, almost every play features it in some form.

How to Set Up and Execute the Pick and Roll

To run a good pick and roll, both the ball handler and screener must do their parts effectively. Here’s how:

1. Positioning & Spacing

The ball handler needs space to use the basketball screen, while the screener must approach at the right angle to limit the defender’s options. Proper spacing makes the pick effective.

2. Setting The Screen

The screener must stay firm and balanced, avoiding illegal movement. A well-timed, solid screen creates the opening the ball handler needs.

3. Ball Handler’s Decision-making 

After using the pick, the ball handler must quickly read the defense and choose whether to drive, shoot, pass to the screener, or kick out to a teammate.

4. Roll or Pop From The Screener 

The screener can roll to the basket, pop out for a shot, slip the screen, or use a pick-and-pop depending on their skills.

5. Timing & Deception 

Successful pick and roll relies on perfect timing and smart fakes. Properly executed, it catches defenders off-balance and opens multiple offensive options.

Drills to Practice Pick and Roll

Doing drills builds muscle memory so when game time comes, the pick and roll becomes instinctive. Here are some specific drills to work on:

1. Pick & Roll Shooting Drill

Two players: one plays the ball handler, the other the screener. The screener sets a screen, and then the ball handler uses the screen and takes a shot. The screener rolls (or pops) and receives a pass to shoot also. This helps both players understand their roles and timing.

2. 2v2 Pick and Roll Drill

Simulate real game pressure by having two offensive players (handler + screener) versus two defenders. Run the pick and roll, make reads, roll, attack, pass depending on defensive reaction. This helps both offense and defense sharpen.

3. 3-person Progressions

Add a third offensive or defensive player to the drill so decision making gets more complex. Maybe a help defender comes in, or someone fills the weak side. Makes the player work on spacing and reading help defense.

4. Offensive Set Drill

Practice your pick and roll as part of a larger offensive scheme. For example, starting from a “1-4 high” set, screen from the post, roll, drive or pass out. This helps you see how pick and roll fits within broader offensive movement rather than in basketball isolation.

5. Transition Pick and Roll

Run pick and rolls in fast break or transition situations so you practice reacting quickly and making good decisions under more speed.

How to Defend Against the Pick and Roll

Understanding the offensive side is only half the battle; defending the pick and roll well is essential. Here are common defensive strategies and what makes them work or less effective:

1. Switching

Defenders swap who they guard once the pick is set. This can neutralize the offense if your defenders are versatile. But switching poorly can lead to mismatches.

2. Hedge and Recover

The screener’s defender “hedges” by stepping out to slow or stop the ball handler’s progress, while the ball handler’s defender fights through or slides under the screen. After the hedge, defenders recover to their original assignments. Works well when defenders are quick and communicate.

3. Blitzing / Trapping

Send both defenders at the ball handler right at or just after the screen to force a turnover or hurried decision. Risky because if the offense handles it, it can lead to open shots or passes.

4. Ice / Show / Drop

• Ice forces the ball handler away from the screen toward sideline/corners.
• Show means the screener’s defender shows briefly to slow the ball handler, then falls back.
• Drop means the screener’s defender stays back near the hoop, protecting roll and helping inside while letting the ball handler take more space outside.

5. Communicate and Rotate

All coverages depend on strong team communication. Knowing your switches, help rotations, who’s helping and when, anticipating the screen, calling out picks. Poor communication leads to breakdowns and easy scoring opportunities.

Have You Used Pick and Roll Basketball?

Mastering the pick and roll can transform your basketball game, giving you one of the most powerful offensive tools used at every level of competition. But learning doesn’t have to stop here, you can take your skills further with the basketball program at Rockstar Academy. 

As the best Sport & Performing Arts Academy, young athletes can experience world-class training designed to build both technical ability and confidence. 

As the leading Sports & Performing Arts Academy, Rockstar Academy offers world-class training that builds both technical ability and confidence. Our structured curriculum also prepares young athletes to participate in exciting events and competitions like the Elite Championships and RockOlympics.

For those aiming even higher, we offer the Dream Team program—an exclusive training track open to boys and girls ready for 120 minutes of high-intensity sessions led by the most experienced instructors in the professional field.

If you’re curious to try it out, Rockstar Academy offers a free trial basketball program, so you can step onto the court and practice plays like the pick and roll with expert guidance. 

With locations across Jakarta, Tangerang, Bekasi, and Surabaya, Rockstar Academy makes it easy for kids and teens to access professional coaching, structured curriculum, and supportive environments. Claim your free trial class and experience our effective program right away!

FAQ

Is pick and roll only for guards and bigs?

No. While traditionally guards handle the ball and bigs set screens, many positions can run or defend pick and roll. 

When should I use pick and roll in a game?

Use it when the defense is vulnerable—when defenders are over-helping, switching poorly, or have mismatches. 

How do I avoid turning the ball over when running pick and roll?

Make sure your screener sets a solid screen without moving (avoid moving screens), your spacing is good, your ball handler reads the defense (if help comes, pass out rather than force), and communication is clear. Practice under pressure drills helps.