Pick and Roll Offense; Double On-Ball Screen Variation
The Pick and Roll Offense and its many variations are one of the most favourable plays currently being utilised around many of the world’s elite basketball competitions. It creates fantastic scoring opportunities out of a two-man game. To Challenge opposition defenders further this Double On-Ball Screen play allows for a pick and roll tactic to be executed on one side of the floor before being reversed to the opposite side if required.
As with any pick and roll situation there are a number of key points that will make or break a team’s execution. These include:
Dribbler must look to engage the defender in front of them; if the dribbler does not square up to the basket and look for a driving lane this will play into the hands of the defensive team by limiting the possible options needing to be guarded.
The screener’s back must be to the slip line; the screener must create the appropriate angle for the screen by ensuring they are facing the sideline and their back to the split line. This will enable the dribbler once they move past the shoulders of the screener to attack the basket through the most direct and shortest line to the rim.
Both dribbler and screener must ‘rub’ shoulders on the pick; by rubbing shoulders, the offensive players make it impossible for the defender guarding the dribbler to squeeze through the gap between the ball handler and screener. This means there must be separation between the match-ups and this helps create the opportunity for a mismatch.
Dribbler must execute from a minimum of two dribbles; two dribbles allow a satisfactory amount of distance and separation to occur between the dribbler and screener. This in turn creates better opportunities for a shot from the dribbler or a pass to the screener rolling to the basket.
A pick and roll offense while simplistic in analysis requires a healthy amount of time for teams to be able to execute it properly. Players must be presented with a full suite of options and reads to make when executing the pick and roll. Then players need to be allowed to make mistakes and supported as they become comfortable and experienced in utilising the tactic.
One (1) makes a pass to Two (2) on the wing. It is important that the wing receiver does not receive the pass outside his/her shooting range.
Four (4) on the pass to the wing moves to the weak side elbow extended.
One (1) executes a basket cut and if does not receive the pass moves into the strong side long corner.
Five cuts aggressively to the basket and then breaks to set an on-ball screen for Two (2).
Points of Emphasis:
- Initial cut is a scoring opportunity
- Sprint to set the screen
- Screen to be set no higher than foul line extended
Two (2) uses the on-ball screen to enter into the keyway.
Five (5) rolls to the basket after the dribbler has moved over his/her shoulder.
One (1) lifts to fill the vacant position behind the dribbler and becomes a pressure release receiver. Three (3) looks to backdoor cut while defender is in help position.
Scoring Options:
- Two on dribble
- Five on roll
- Four, one or three on perimeter
Points of Emphasis:
- Dribbler must rub shoulders of screener
- Dribbler is to look to score first and pass second
- 2 dribbles are a minimum before making the pass by the dribbler
After making a pass Two (2) moves to weak side long corner.
When Four (4) receives the pass there are three options, shot or create a scoring opportunity, high to low pass and reverse ball onto Three (3).
Three (3) lifts to area of broken circle to foul line extended.
Five (5) moves into position of weak side double block.
If pass is made to Three (3) Four (4) moves to set an on-ball screen.
Three (3) uses the on-ball screen to enter into the keyway.
Four (4) rolls to the basket after the dribbler has moved over his/her shoulder.
Five (5) will make a read of defender and move into receiver spot depending on help position established.
One (1) lifts to elbow extended as dribbler comes over shoulder of screener into perimeter pressure release or shooting position.
Play can be repeated on pass to One (1) for screening action again.
Scoring Options:
- Two on dribble
- Four on roll
- Five on step to receiver position
- One on perimeter lift
Points of Emphasis:
- Dribbler must rub shoulders of screener
- Dribbler is to look to score first and pass second
- 2 dribbles are a minimum before making the pass by the dribbler
Related articles
Share this:
Coach Riches has been working within the sport, business and education industries for many years. During this time he has built an extensive number of formal and informal qualifications. A firm believer in training and development designed to help people reach their full potential, relevant o their needs and functional to their industry environment.