Contact Help center
Basketball Basketball
HOME Basketball Answers Basketball COACHING Q&A

Can someone explain the pick and roll in basketball?

Can someone explain the pick and roll in basketball?

Can someone explain the pick and roll in basketball please? Thanks

Anna Maria GattTeacher, Malta
ANSWERS
Matthew GuymonCoach, England

The pick and roll is arguably the most used play in modern basketball, it involves a screen being set for the ball handler, which the ball handler looks to dribble off of to create an opportunity for themselves or teammate.

There is a number of different types of pick and roll and their are many different ways of attacking off it which changes depending how the defensive team guards the screen.

Ian MarshCoach, England

Hi Anna, this video does a great job of showing how the pick and roll works.

Attached Youtube video through add a sketch.

The Phoenix Suns' pick-and-roll attack

DESCRIPTION
The fuel behind Phoenix's offensive juggernaut.

The Phoenix Suns' pick-and-roll attack

DESCRIPTION
The fuel behind Phoenix's offensive juggernaut.
Login or Join Now for FREE to post your answer

JOIN SPORTPLAN FOR FREE

  • search our library of 650+ basketball drills
  • create your own professional coaching plans
  • or access our tried and tested plans
LATEST COACHING TRENDS
Basketball Basketball Trends Team Chemistry: Building Winning Culture
Team Chemistry: Building Winning Culture

Team Chemistry: Building Winning Culture

Talent wins games, but chemistry wins championships. Building a positive team culture, establishing shared values, and developing trust creates teams that exceed the sum of their parts.

December 2025
|
Sportplan Coaching
 Basketball Basketball Trends Finishing Around the Rim: Euro Step and Creative Finishes
Finishing Around the Rim: Euro Step and Creative Finishes

Finishing Around the Rim: Euro Step and Creative Finishes

Getting to the rim is only half the battle. Converting against shot blockers and help defenders requires a toolkit of creative finishes. The best scorers have multiple ways to score at the basket.

November 2025
|
Sportplan Coaching
 Basketball Basketball Trends Positionless Basketball: Building Versatile Players
Positionless Basketball: Building Versatile Players

Positionless Basketball: Building Versatile Players

Traditional positions are becoming obsolete. Modern basketball rewards versatile players who can handle, pass, shoot, and defend across multiple positions. Developing these skills creates valuable, adaptable players.

October 2025
|
Sportplan Coaching
VIEW ALL COACHING TRENDS

View more questions

Sportplan App

Give it a try - it's better in the app

SPORTPLAN USES COOKIES

Sportspeople like cookies too! By continuing to browse, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. More info

Privacy Policy
We are committed to privacy and support current industry initiatives to preserve individual privacy rights on the Internet. Protecting your privacy on-line is an evolving area and this website will constantly evolve to meet these demands.


Cookies
Some of our web pages utilise "cookies". A "cookie" is a small text file that may be used, forexample, to collect information about web site activity. Some cookies and other technologies may serve to recallPersonal Information previously indicated by a web user. Most browsers allow you to control cookies, includingwhether or not to accept them and how to remove them.

Some cookies are necessary for the operation of our website, if you choose to block them some aspects of the site may not work for you. Non necessary cookies are only set when you have given your explicit consent to their use. Such cookies included those set by our statistics package Google Analytics.

We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you've provided to them or that they've collected from your use of their services.

More info
Basketball POPULAR SEARCH TERMS
3 man weave basketball chest pass defense dribbling drills fast break football give and go handball javelin pass lay up layup motion offense netball pass passing pick and roll rebounding rugby session plans set shot shooting shooting drills tennis v cut v cut drill volleyball warm up weave
YOUR SESSION IS STARTING SOON... Join the growing community of basketball coaches plus 650+ drills and pro tools to make coaching easy.
LET'S DO IT