What is a Pick and Roll in Basketball

A pick and roll is a two-player offensive play where one player sets a screen (pick) for the ball handler, then rolls toward the basket to receive a pass.

The pick and roll is one of the most effective and widely used plays in basketball at every level of the game — from youth leagues to the NBA. It is a two-man offensive action designed to create mismatches, open driving lanes, and generate easy scoring opportunities.

How a Pick and Roll Works

1. The Screen (Pick) — An offensive player without the ball moves to a position beside or in front of a defender who is guarding the ball handler. This player then sets a firm, stationary screen (called a "pick") by planting their feet and bracing their body.
2. The Dribble — The ball handler uses the screen by dribbling closely past their teammate, forcing their defender to navigate around (or through) the screen.
3. The Roll — After setting the screen, the screener pivots and "rolls" toward the basket, looking for a pass from the ball handler.

Why the Pick and Roll Is So Effective

The play creates a two-on-one situation against the defense. The defense must make an immediate decision:

• If they stay with the ball handler, the roller is open near the basket.
• If they switch or help on the roller, the ball handler is open for a mid-range jump shot or drive.

Pick and Pop Variation

A variation called the pick and pop occurs when the screener, instead of rolling to the basket, "pops" out to an open spot on the floor (usually the three-point line) to receive a pass for a jump shot. This is common when the screener is a skilled outside shooter (e.g., Dirk Nowitzki, Kevin Durant).

Famous Pick and Roll Duos

• John Stockton and Karl Malone (Utah Jazz) — arguably the greatest pick-and-roll partnership in NBA history
• Steve Nash and Amar'e Stoudemire (Phoenix Suns)
• LeBron James and various big men
• Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray (Denver Nuggets)

Defending the Pick and Roll

Common defensive strategies include:

• Hedge — The screener's defender steps out aggressively to slow the ball handler
• Switch — Defenders swap assignments entirely
• Blitz — Both defenders trap the ball handler
• Drop — The screener's defender sags back to protect the paint

When a pick and roll breaks down the defense and creates an open lane, it can immediately lead into a fast break opportunity if the ball handler pushes ahead before the defense can recover.