What is side pick and roll offense?
Side pick and roll offense comprises practical actions to create one or more scoring opportunities via the use of an on-ball screen that is set by one particular offensive player generally facing towards a sideline for a teammate who has possession of the basketball near a wing area.
How to understand the player roles and diagrams on this page
In relation to any diagrams below, each of the offensive players are generally represented by the standard basketball positions in number format, 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.
Furthermore, 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 side pick and roll offense initiated from a 1-4 low set?
An example of side pick and roll offense initiated from a 1-4 low set could include a back screen followed by the ball screen action near the wing area.
The diagrams below demonstrate this in greater details.
Part 1: Back screen
To start, 5 lifts up toward the left side high post elbow to receive the ball from 1.
As that occurs, 4 lifts up as well toward the right side high post elbow to set a back screen for 1 who uses it and cuts to the basket. From there, 1 could receive the ball from 5 and score via a layup if that is open.
Otherwise, 1 could cut out towards the left side corner while 3 lifts up to the left side wing area to receive the ball from 5. Additionally, 4 could space out towards the right side wing following the back screen action.
Part 2: Side pick and roll
Continuing the action, 3 dribbles toward the middle of the lane via the on-ball screen near the side by 5 who also rolls to the basket.
Also, as that happens, 1 could execute the shake action by lifting and replacing towards the left side wing. From there, 5 could receive the ball from 3 and score around the basket.
Conversely, 3 could pass to one of the other teammates around the various perimeter areas for possible three-point shot opportunities.
Furthermore, 3 could simply keep possession of the ball and attempt to score as well via a jump shot or by possibly attacking the rim.
What is an example of side pick and roll offense initiated from a 1-4 high set?
An example of side pick and roll offense initiated from a 1-4 high set could include a dribble entry followed by the wing ball screen action.
Part 1: Dribble entry
To begin, 1 simply executes a dribble entry towards the right side wing. As that occurs, 2 cuts through the lane towards the left side short corner area near the baseline.
Furthermore, 3 follows suit and cuts through to the right side corner behind the three-point line.
Part 2: Side pick and roll
Next, 1 uses an on-ball screen set by 5 and then dribbles towards the middle of the lane. 5 also rolls to the basket after setting the screen.
Additionally, as that happens, 2 cuts to the left side wing area via a down screen set by 4. Moreover, 3 shakes up to the right side wing from the adjacent corner area.
From there, 5 could receive the ball from 1 and score around the rim. Alternatively, 2 or 3 could receive the ball instead, which could lead to three-point shot opportunities.
Lastly, 1 could simply keep possession of the ball and take the mid-range jump shot.
What is an example of side pick and roll offense initiated from 3 out 2 in motion?
An example of side pick and roll offense initiated from 3 out 2 in motion could include dribble weave action as well as a ram screen, which could result in different scoring options.
Part 1: Dribble weave
To start, 1 dribbles toward the left side wing to perform a dribble handoff with 3 as the recipient.
Afterwards, 3 back towards the top and then towards the right side wing to execute a dribble handoff with 2. Following that action, 2 simply dribbles the ball back towards the top.
The general purpose of this dribble weave is to occupy the defense and to create offensive movement, albeit via false motion for the time being.
Part 2: Ram screen
Next, 1 receives the ball from the pass by 2 at the top. From there, 5 cuts toward the left side wing to set an on-ball screen, initially through a ram screen set by 2.
Additionally, as 5 sets the on-ball screen towards the sideline, 4 can lift from the low post to set a step-up screen as well. Furthermore, 2 can pop out towards the right side corner after setting the initial ram screen.
At that point, 1 has the option to go baseline or middle. If 1 goes baseline, then 4 could replace at the left side wing while 1 continues to attack the rim and possibly throw a drift pass with 2 as the recipient.
However, if 1 goes middle, then 4 could still replace at the left side wing while 5 rolls to the basket. After that, 5 could possibly receive the ball, which could lead to a scoring opportunity around the rim.
Alternatively, 1 could pass the ball to one of the other teammates for potential three-point shots or keep possession for a mid-range shot if feasible.
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