Watch any basketball game at any level and you'll see the same two-player action running over and over: the pick and roll. It's the most common set play in basketball, from youth leagues to the NBA, because it forces a defense to make a choice, and almost every choice creates an advantage for the offense somewhere on the floor.
What Is the Pick and Roll?
The pick and roll involves two offensive players, usually a ball-handler and a big man. The big man sets a screen (the "pick") for the ball-handler's defender, then rolls toward the basket (the "roll") as soon as the screen is set, looking for a pass if their own defender steps up to help.
How the Play Unfolds
- The ball-handler brings the defense into position near the screener.
- The screener sets a solid, stationary pick on the ball-handler's defender.
- The ball-handler uses the screen to turn the corner, forcing the defense to react.
- The screener rolls toward the basket, ready to catch a pass if their defender helps off.
Why It's So Effective
The pick and roll works because it creates a two-on-one problem for the defense in a small area of the court. The defending team has two basic choices, and both carry risk:
- Switch the screen: the defenders simply swap assignments. This often leaves a mismatch, such as a slower big man guarding a quick ball-handler on the perimeter, or a smaller guard stuck defending a big man near the rim.
- Hedge or show, then recover: the screener's defender steps out to slow the ball-handler down before recovering to the roll man. This can force a turnover or a bad shot, but it also opens a passing window to the rolling big man if the recovery is late.
Common Pick and Roll Variations
Pick and Pop
Instead of rolling to the basket, the screener steps back ("pops") to the three-point line or mid-range for a jump shot. This works especially well with a screener who can shoot from outside, since it punishes defenses that help too aggressively off the roll.
Double Screen
Two players set screens for the ball-handler at once, creating an even bigger advantage but requiring tighter coordination and spacing from the rest of the offense.
Spain Pick and Roll
A third player sets a back screen on the roll man's defender just as the roll begins, freeing the screener for an easier finish at the rim. This is a more advanced variation used heavily in international and professional basketball.
How to Defend the Pick and Roll
There's no single correct way to defend a pick and roll; the right choice depends on personnel and game situation. Switching works best when both defenders can comfortably guard either offensive player. Hedging works best with a mobile big man who can recover quickly. Some teams instead choose to "ice" the screen, forcing the ball-handler away from it entirely rather than letting the pick happen at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the pick and roll so common in basketball?
Because it creates a genuine two-on-one decision for the defense in a confined space, and almost every defensive answer opens up an advantage somewhere, whether that's a mismatch, an open shooter, or a free run to the rim.
What's the difference between a pick and roll and a pick and pop?
In a pick and roll, the screener rolls toward the basket looking to finish inside. In a pick and pop, the screener instead steps back for a jump shot, which works well for screeners who can shoot from outside.
Can youth teams run the pick and roll?
Yes, and many coaches introduce it early since it teaches fundamental concepts like screening angles, reading help defense, and timing, all of which transfer to more advanced sets later on.
Plan your sets and practice the pick and roll with your team using the free basketball lineup builder, or read our guide to basketball positions and 5-on-5 lineups for more on player roles.