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1-4 High Pick and Roll Offense

What is 1-4 high pick and roll offense in basketball?

1-4 high pick and roll offense comprises various actions, particularly on-ball screens from a 1-4 high set, that emphasize creating scoring opportunities near the basket or around perimeter areas of the court.

How to understand the player roles and diagrams on this page

In reference to any diagrams below, each of the offensive players are generally represented by the standard basketball positions, unless otherwise noted.

In essence, 1 is the point guard; 2 is the shooting guard; 3 is the small forward; 4 is the power forward; 5 is the center.

Moreover, in terms of a brief legend for the diagrams:

  • Black Dot or Small Circle: The black dot or small circle represents the basketball.
  • Solid Arrow: The solid arrow indicates movement or a cut on the basketball court.
  • Dotted Arrow: The dotted arrow represents a basketball pass.
  • Wavy Arrow: The wavy arrow indicates dribbling.
  • T-Shaped Symbol: The T-shaped symbol signifies a screen, also known as a pick.
  • Double pipe symbol: The double pipe symbol denotes handoff action.

What is an example of 1-4 high pick and roll offense featuring back screen action?

This is an example of 1-4 high pick and roll offense featuring a back screen as one of the initial actions and first scoring option.

Part 1: Back screen

An example of a back screen within part 1 of a 1-4 high pick and roll offense.

To start, 2 receives the ball from 1. Afterwards, 1 cuts to the basket via a back screen set by 4 looking to receive the ball again from 2, which could result in a potential layup.

If 1 is not open, then 1 continues to cut through to the vacant right side corner.

Moreover, as that happens, 3 shifts down to occupy the empty left side corner while 4 pops out to fill and replace at the left side wing area.

Part 2: Pick and roll

An example of side ball screen action within part 2 of a 1-4 pick and roll offense.

Next, 2 dribbles toward the middle of the lane via the side pick set by 5 who also rolls to the basket.

Following that, 2 could take a mid-range field goal attempt or perhaps a close range shot such as a floater or layup in the lane.

Alternatively, 2 could pass the ball to one of the other teammates, which could lead to possible scoring opportunities as well.

What is an example of 1-4 high pick and roll offense featuring Iverson cut action?

This is an example of 1-4 high pick and roll offense that also features an Iverson cut as one of the first initial actions.

Part 1: Iverson cut

An example of an Iverson cut within part 1 of a 1-4 pick and roll offense.

To begin, 2 executes an Iverson cut from the right side wing towards the left side wing.

As that happens, 3 cuts underneath the other players and across the lane area towards the right side corner area.

Following that action, 2 receives the ball from 1 and has an opportunity to take a three-point shot if that is available or possibly attack the rim if feasible.

Part 2: High post screen

An example of a high post screen within part 2 of a 1-4 high pick and roll offense.

If 2 doesn’t shoot or drive, then 4 could cut to the basket by way of a high post screen set by 5.

From there, 4 could receive the ball from 2 and score by way of a layup or dunk at the rim.

However, if 4 is not open, then 4 could cut to the empty left side corner while 1 cuts to the vacant right side wing area.

Furthermore, 5 could fill the space near the left side high post elbow area, previously occupied by 4.

Part 3: Pick and roll

An example of ball screen action within part 3 of a 1-4 high pick and roll offense.

Next, 2 could begin to dribble towards the middle of the lane via the on-ball screen or pick that is set by 5.

Additionally, 5 could roll to the basket while 4 shakes up towards the left side wing, previously held by 2.

From there, 2 could attempt to score via the mid-range or layup at the rim or pass the ball to one of the other teammates for potential scoring opportunities.