General information about the pick and roll
Basic meaning/definition of pick and roll
The pick and roll is a common offensive tactic that generally consists of a pick, also known as a screen, being set by a player for a teammate who has possession of the basketball and afterwards, the player who set the pick can roll to the basket, which could lead to a potential scoring opportunity.
Example: Simple pick and roll action
This is an example diagram of a very simple version of pick and roll action between two offensive players.
Also, for demonstrative purposes, the players on the diagram are simply denoted as player 1 and player 2. In other words, for this case, the players do not have specified roles at this time.
At any rate, player 2 cuts toward player 1 to set a pick. Additionally, the pick or screen on the diagram is signified by the T-like symbol extending from player 2.
Following that, player 1, who has possession of the ball, represented by the small black dot, uses the screen and dribbles toward the basket, indicated by the wavy arrow.
Immediately after setting the pick, 2 rolls to the basket, shown with the solid arrow, extending from the T-like symbol.
From there, 1 could pass the ball, denoted by the dotted arrow, with 2 as the recipient. Lastly, 2 could score around the basket, particularly with a layup or other close-range shot attempt.
Common abbreviation for pick and roll
A common abbreviation for the pick and roll term is PnR. The P is for “Pick”; the n is for “and”; the R is for “Roll”.
Another variation of the abbreviation is P&R. The P stands for “Pick”; the & (ampersand symbol) stands for “and”; the R stands for “Roll”.
General areas of the court where pick and roll action could occur
The general areas of the court where pick and roll action could possibly occur while an offensive player has possession of the basketball consists of the top, the wings, the corners, the high post elbows, and the slots.
What’s more, in some instances, pick and roll action may happen near the extended slot areas or extended wing areas that are closer to the sidelines and half court line.
The adjacent diagram above displays the general areas of the court in which a player in possession of the ball may execute pick and roll action with a teammate.
Additionally, the information below contains brief descriptions/definitions in reference to each relevant court area.
Top
The top, sometimes referred to as top of the key or point, is the general area located behind the three-point line in the middle of the offensive team’s frontcourt.
Wings
The wings consists of the court areas behind the three-point line that are adjacent to the nearest sideline, which is generally at or above the free throw line extended, an imaginary line expanded from the edges of the free throw line.
Corners
The corners comprise the areas behind the three-point line that are in the general vicinity of a sideline and its adjoining baseline.
High post + Elbows
The high post is the general area that covers the free throw line from one edge to the other as well as the adjacent area that is between the free throw line and the top of the three-point line.
Furthermore, the edges of the free throw line are typically known as the high post elbows or simply, the elbow areas of the court.
Slots
The slots, sometimes referred to as the lane line extended areas, are specific spots above the three-point line between the top and the wings.
Difference between screen and pick
Technically speaking, there is no difference between the terms screen or pick as those two can be used interchangeably.
However, screen is typically used to describe the two primary types of basketball screens known as the on-ball screen and the off-ball screen.
Conversely though, pick is generally used to denote the on-ball screen variation.
Nevertheless, as mentioned, the two terms are ultimately interchangeable so an off-ball screen could be called a “screen” or “pick” and at the same time, the on-ball screen could be referred to as a “pick” or simply as a “screen”.
The diagrams below show examples of the on-ball screen, which is commonly known as the pick as well as the off-ball screen, typically referred to simply as a screen.
Moreover, similar to the previous diagram, the players here are simply indicated as 1, 2, and 3 for demonstrative purposes and do not have specific roles on the court at this time.
Example: On-ball screen or “pick”
This is an example of a simple on-ball screen or pick occurring near the wing area.
For the initial setup, 1 is at the top in possession of the ball. 2 is near the right side wing and 3 initially takes up space near the right side low post area.
In terms of running the simple action, 2 receives the ball from 1 and afterwards, 3 cuts toward 2 to set the on-ball screen or pick near the wing area.
2 uses that screen and dribbles toward the middle/high post area. As that occurs, 3 rolls to the basket, receives the ball from 2, and scores around the rim.
Example: Off-ball screen or “screen”
This is an example of a simple off-ball screen near the corner area.
For the initial setup, 1 is at the top in possession of the ball, 2 is in the right side corner, and 3 is at the right side high post elbow area.
To start the basic action, 3 receives the ball from 1 and afterwards, 1 cuts towards the right side corner to set a wide pin down screen.
2 uses that screen via a curl cut by initially taking a step away from the screen at an angle to set up a defender (not shown) before curling around the screen towards the basket.
Following that, 2 can receive the ball from 3 and score at the rim via a layup.
Additionally, as a side note, this particular example is based on scoring options from the Point series of Princeton offense, specifically the Point Over action.
Alternative names for pick and roll
Ball screen
The pick itself is sometimes referred to as a ball screen or the slightly longer phrase, on-ball screen as mentioned earlier.
Moreover, pick and roll action is sometimes simply known as ball screen action.
Screen and roll
The pick and roll is sometimes called the screen and roll. This is generally because the pick itself is a type of basketball screen, and more specifically, a ball screen or on-ball screen as stated previously.
Additional pick and roll rules to consider
Set a valid pick to avoid an illegal screen violation
It is most likely obvious but the player setting the pick, also known as the picker or screener, should make sure that it is legal action.
To set a good legal pick, the screener should first position their feet about shoulder-width apart with their back straightened and knees slightly bent to form a solid base.
Furthermore, the screener should place their hands across their chest or across their lap and have their elbows kept within their own cylinder while remaining stationary.
In addition to that, the screener should make sure to give the defender enough time and/or distance to avoid the pick.
Doing that also make it easier for the recipient of the screen to use it effectively and it also reduces the chances of being assessed a violation by way of an illegal screen.
What’s more, when a potential screener is cutting towards a teammate in possession of the ball to set a pick, one particular method that the screener could use to avoid setting an illegal screen is to execute a brief hop before firmly planting both feet on the ground prior to setting the screen.
This can help ensure that the screener has established a solid base without moving while also giving the defender enough time/distance to avoid the screen if necessary.
Set the pick at an angle when possible
In most cases, the pick or on-ball screen should be set at an angle whenever possible.
The main objective there is to influence the on-ball defender, who is guarding the offensive player in possession of the ball, to fight over the top of the screen as opposed to going under it.
Generally speaking, when the on-ball defender can easily dodge the screen by simply going under it, that typically mitigates the overall effectiveness of the screen in the first place.
Nevertheless, it is possible for the offensive player who was using the on-ball screen to counter or “punish” the on-ball defender for going under it with a jump shot, especially from three-point range.
However, in terms of field goal percentage, the jump shot, on average, will almost always be a lower percentage shot when compared to a close-range shot such as layup or dunk that could be taken instead by the player (especially a post player) rolling to the basket.
The diagrams below demonstrate a pick that is not set at an angle as well as a pick that is set at a slight angle. Notice the difference of the on-ball defender’s movement patterns between the two screens.
Example: Basic pick near top, set without angle
On the diagram above, 2 sets a pick near the top but it is not set at an angle. This gives the defender, represented as X1, an opportunity to go under the screen more easily, to meet 1 on the opposite side.
When that occurs, the potency of the screen becomes less effective, specifically for 1 as it relates to attacking the rim.
In essence, when the offensive player in possession of the ball can’t drive to the basket, particularly at a good angle, it makes it more difficult to score points, either for themselves or via assists for other teammates such as the rolling player.
Example: Basic pick, set at angle
On the diagram above, 2 sets a pick near the top at a slight angle. As a result, it is generally more difficult for X1 to go under the screen swiftly and without resistance.
Instead, when that defensive under action is employed, X1 could get “caught” on the screen, represented by the gray arrow, which then gives 1 an opportunity to dribble towards the basket and score at the rim.
Types of screens that could be used within pick and roll action
This section focuses on the different types of possible screens that could be utilized when offensive players are executing pick and roll action.
Also, at this time, any offensive players on example diagrams will be based on standard basketball positions.
In essence, 1 represents the point guard position while 2 represents the shooting guard position.
3 signifies the small forward position while 4 denotes the power forward position. Lastly, 5 represents the center position.
Corner ball screen
The corner ball screen is set, typically at an angle, for the offensive player who has possession of the ball near a corner of the court, as the name implies.
The diagram below showcases a basic example of the corner ball screen between the point guard and power forward, denoted as 1 and 4.
Example: Simple corner ball screen
For the basic setup, 1 is located in the right corner while 4 is near the right side high post elbow area. Other players who do not take part in the play remain stationary in other areas of the court, most notably the top, left elbow, and left wing.
For this simple example, 4 cuts toward 1 to set a corner ball screen. 1 utilizes the screen while 4 rolls to the basket.
From there, 1 can take the open jump shot or pass the ball with 4 as the receiver, which can result in a scoring opportunity at the rim.
Drag screen
The drag screen consists of a pick that is typically set above the the three-point line near the top or slot area, especially during transition offense or secondary break action.
The drag screen can also be set with one offensive screener or two, depending on coaching philosophy and/or other circumstances that are happening within the game.
The diagrams below showcase different variations of the drag screen.
Example: Single drag screen
During the initial phase of action, 1 dribbles down the right sideline while 5 initially trails the middle and other players fill the corners and weak side wing respectively.
Next, 5 sets the drag screen near the slot area and then 1 uses that screen to dribble towards the left side of the court.
Afterwards, 5 rolls to the basket and could receive the ball from 1, which could lead to a scoring opportunity near the rim.
Example: Double drag screen
This is an example of double drag screen action, which includes two offensive screeners as opposed to one.
During the initial phase, 1 dribbles down the sideline while 4 and 5 trail into the slot areas.
After that happens, 5 and 4 set the double drag screen near the right slot and top area respectively.
1 uses those screening actions to dribble towards the left wing area while 4 pops to the top behind the three-point line and 5 rolls to the basket.
From that point, 1 could pass the ball to either 4 or 5 as receivers for potential scoring opportunities via jump shot or layup respectively.
Example: Drag screen set during transition offense
This is an example of a drag screen set during full court transition offense, particularly as a secondary break action.
To start, let’s assume that the opposing team missed a field goal attempt. That leads to 4 getting the defensive rebound near the basket in the offensive team’s backcourt.
From there, 1 gets open with a small V-cut and receives the ball from 4. As that happens, 2 and 3 immediately start sprinting down to the right and left corners respectively.
5 also begins sprinting into the frontcourt down the left slot area while 1 dribbles down the adjacent right slot area.
From this point, let’s assume that the defensive players (not shown) were able to sprint back to protect the basket and stop further dribble penetration with their transition defense.
Therefore, as a counter, 5 can set a drag screen for 1 as the secondary action following the primary break opportunity.
1 utilizes that drag screen and dribbles toward the left side wing area while 5 rolls to the basket. 4 can also trail into the vacant left slot area as well.
Following that, 5 could receive the ball from 1 and score at the rim with a close-range shot such as a layup or dunk.
Horns screen
The Horns screen consists of action derived from the Horns offense strategy in which two offensive players positioned near the high post elbow areas set separate picks for an offensive player who has possession of the basketball near the top and/or above the three-point line.
Essentially, the offensive player in possession of the ball has the option to use either screen, or in some instances, both screens, which is then followed up by additional actions such as rolling to the basket and/or popping to spots near or beyond perimeter areas on the court.
The diagrams below demonstrate different variations of the Horns screen.
Example: Basic Horns screen near the top
This is an example of a basic Horns screen set near the top area of the court.
As for the initial phase, 1 is at the top in position of the ball while 2 and 3 fill the left and right corners respectively.
What’s more, 4 and 5 occupy space near the left and right high post elbow areas.
From there, 4 and 5 can take a step out from above the elbow areas to set separate picks for 1 who can choose either screen and dribble towards that side.
For this example, 1 uses the pick set by 5 and begins to dribble towards the basket from the right side of the court.
As that happens, 5 rolls to the basket while 4 pops back to the top area. Next, 5 could receive the ball from 1 and score via a layup or dunk.
Example: Double Horns screens
This is an example of double Horns screens set near the top and slot areas of the court. The initial phase and overall setup is similar to the previous diagram, except this time, 1 begins near the right sideline.
To begin the action, 4 and 5 set double picks out of the Horns series near the top and right slot areas respectively.
1 uses those screens and dribbles toward the left side wing area. Also, as that occurs, 5 rolls to the basket while 4 pops to the top area.
5 receives the ball from 1 and scores at the rim, particularly via a close-range shot such as a layup.
Example: Horns elbow get
This is an example of Horns elbow get action near the high post area of the court.
Essentially, instead of the two high post players setting picks for the player near the top, one of the screeners will set a pick for the opposite high post player after that same player receives the ball.
On the diagram, 4 receives the ball from 1 near the left side high post and then immediately faces up in the direction of the basket.
This is an automatic cue for a pick set by 5. Also, notice that 5 still sets the screen at an angle in the area that the defender (not shown) would most likely be located if 4 were to face up.
Next, 4 uses that pick and begins to dribble towards the rim from the right side of the court while 5 rolls to the basket.
Following that, 5 could receive the ball from 4 and score around the rim with a high percentage shot such as a layup or dunk.
Alternatively, 4 could keep the ball and drive it to the basket to score themselves or even take the short-range jump shot.
Side screen
The side screen consists of a pick that is set for a player in possession of the ball near a sideline.
This type of screen is sometimes referred to as a wing ball screen as well because it is typically set near one of the wing areas of the court for a wing player such as a shooting guard or small forward.
In this case, however, the player receiving the screen is the point guard.
The diagram below showcases an example of a basic side screen.
Example: Basic side screen
In terms of the basic setup, 1 has possession of the ball near the right side wing. 2, 3, and 4 occupy spaces on the weak side of the floor while 5 fills the right side low post area.
To begin the action, 5 lifts up from the low post area to set a side screen for 1 who uses that screen to get dribble penetration near the middle high post area.
5 rolls to the basket after the pick, receives the ball from 1, and scores via a layup or dunk.
Spain screen
The Spain screen, also known as Spain pick and roll, occurs when the player setting the initial pick receives a screen themselves from another teammate.
Essentially, it is a screen the screener action that seeks to free up the player rolling to the basket, particularly by setting a back screen on that same player’s defender.
The Spain screen can also be highly effective against certain ball screen defensive tactics, most notably, as a counter to drop coverage, in which the screener’s defender stays below the screening action to guard the lane, especially in an attempt to lessen the effectiveness of the roll.
The diagram below displays a basic example of the Spain screen.
Example: Basic Spain screen
For the initial setup, it is a simple 1-4 low set with 1 at the top followed by 4, 3, 5, and 2 positioned across the corners and low post areas.
From there, 5 lifts up to set a pick for 1 who dribbles toward the right side of the floor.
Additionally, as the on-ball pick is being set, 3 lifts up to set a back screen on the defender (not shown) who would be guarding 5.
Assuming the back screen is successful, 5 would be free to roll to the basket, receive the ball from 1, and score at the rim with a layup or dunk.