What is roll and replace in basketball
Roll and replace in basketball consists of action that happens when one offensive player rolls towards the basket from a perimeter area of the court after setting an on-ball screen while another offensive player replaces towards the perimeter from an area near the basket.
What is the primary benefit of roll and replace
Generally speaking, the roll and replace action diminishes the effectiveness of the overall defense, but it has an even greater effect on the replacer’s defender.
Basically, highly effective roll and replace action forces the replacer’s defender to pick one of two options.
For the first option, the replacer’s defender could stay near the basket and momentarily tag the roll man as a weak side help defender, especially if the screener/roller’s defender implements the hedge defensive tactic.
Unfortunately, choosing this option means that the replacer’s defender would potentially give up a wide open jump shot, especially if the replacer has an above average three-point shot.
For the second option, the replacer’s defender could stick with their original assignment and follow that offensive player towards the perimeter area of the court.
Nevertheless, by picking that option, it could result in the roll man being open for a possible layup or dunk.
What are additional details to consider about roll and replace
It should be noted that the replacer should not cut towards the perimeter too early as that give the opposing team an opportunity to counter with defensive switch rotations.
Basically, the screener/roller’s defender could switch with the replacer’s defender or if that is not feasible, another help defender on the weak side could switch with the replacer’s defender.
Similarly, the replacer should not cut towards the perimeter too late as that could give the replacer’s defender an opportunity to momentarily cover the replacer and the roller.
Additionally, when the replacer cuts towards the perimeter, it should always be on the opposite side of the roller’s path to the basket.
Essentially, if the replacer does not cut on the opposite side of the roller’s path, then it would result in inadequate spacing.
Furthermore, it would also make it much more easier for the replacer’s defender to slow down the offensive player rolling to the basket while still being able to effectively cover the replacer.
What are basic diagram examples of roll and replace action
Example 1
This is a basic example of roll and replace action within 3-on-3 play. To start, 1 dribbles toward the basket via the on-ball screen set by 5.
Additionally, as that occurs, X5 hedges the screen in an attempt to slow down the dribbling action of 1.
Immediately following that, 4 replaces from the dunker spot towards the left slot near the top.
As a result of that, X4 has to decide to either tag 5 rolling to the basket or chase 4 towards the perimeter.
If X4 tags the roller, particularly until X5 could recover, then 4 would be wide open for a potential jump shot.
On the other hand, if X4 chases after 4, then 5 would be open, at least momentarily to receive the ball from 1, which could lead to a layup or dunk at the basket.
Example 2
This is a basic example of roll and replace from a 1-4 low set. To begin, 1 attacks the rim via the on-ball screen set by 5.
Afterwards, 5 rolls to the basket while 4 replaces toward the left slot at the perimeter. Next, 5 could receive the ball from 1 and score via a layup or dunk.
Alternatively, 4 could receive the ball from 1 and take the jump shot if open or pass the ball to 5 via the high low action, which could also result in another scoring opportunity near the rim.
It is also important to note that offensive players not involved in the roll and replace action such as 2 and 3 should try to fill the corners whenever possible.
That makes it more difficult for the defenders who are covering those players to alternatively tag the roller or switch to the replacer.
Example 3
This is a basic example of roll and replace action during a transition offense sequence.
To start, it is assumed that the opposing team missed a field goal attempt, which allows 5 to gather a defensive rebound.
Afterwards, 1 receives the ball from 5 while 2 and 3 sprint to the corners and 4 becomes the rim runner. Furthermore, as that action occurs, 1 dribbles to the right slot area in the frontcourt and 5 sprints into the frontcourt as well.
Following that, 1 quickly dribbles to the basket on the left side via a drag screen set by 5 who also rolls to the basket.
When that happens, 4 immediately replaces to the left side wing area. Next, 5 could receive the ball from 1 and score by way of a layup or dunk. Alternatively, 4 could receive the ball from 1 and take a jump shot if open.