Pick and roll

A pick and roll is the ball handler, one screener and a read. The drawing should show the screen, the drive and what the screener does next.

Draw a tactic Tactical guides

A pick and roll is the ball handler, one screener and a read. The drawing should show the screen, the drive and what the screener does next.

Side or middle

A side pick and roll starts near the wing, with the screener between the ball and the sideline. A middle pick and roll starts above the top. Draw the screen so the contact side is obvious, then the ball handler’s path.

Roll, pop or slip

The roll is an arrow to the rim. The pop is an arrow back behind the three-point line. A slip is a cut before the screen is finished, used when the defense jumps out. Add the pass only after that read is clear.

The help defender

Mark the low defender who tags the roller. If you want a kick-out, draw a second arrow to the corner. The note should say which coverage this play attacks.

Frequently asked questions

How do you diagram a pick and roll?

Place the ball handler and one screener, mark the screen, then draw the drive and what the screener does next: roll, pop or slip. Add the kick-out only after that read is on the board.

What is the difference between a side and a middle pick and roll?

A side pick and roll starts near the wing, with the screener between the ball and the sideline. A middle pick and roll starts above the top of the key, with the screen in the middle of the floor.

How do you show drop, switch or hedge coverage?

Place the defender who is covering the screen and write the coverage in the notes. If a low defender tags the roller, mark that player and draw the kick-out to the corner.

Pick and roll

Side or middle

Roll, pop or slip

The help defender

Frequently asked questions

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