The pick and roll is a two-player offensive play that can create space for the ball carrier and give the offense a better chance to score.

How It Works

The play starts with two offensive players working together.

  • One player has the ball.

  • A teammate sets a pick for the ball carrier.

  • The ball carrier uses the pick to create space from her defender.

  • The player who set the pick then rolls into open space.

  • The ball carrier can attack, pass, or look for the rolling player.

Create Space

The goal of the pick and roll is to make the defense react.

When the defender tries to stay with the ball carrier, the pick can create an opening for the dodge. If the defense switches or helps, the player who set the pick can roll into the space that was created.

This gives the offense multiple options instead of relying on one player to beat her defender alone.

Read the Defense

The ball carrier needs to read what the defenders do after the pick.

Look for:

  • A lane to attack.

  • An open teammate after the roll.

  • A defender who has been pulled away from the play.

Don't force the pass. Take the option the defense gives you.

Timing Matters

The pick and roll works best when both players are on the same page.

The pick needs to happen at the right time, and the roll should happen as the defense reacts. Good timing can make it much harder for defenders to recover.

Key Takeaway

The pick and roll is a simple two-person game that can create space, force defensive decisions, and open up scoring opportunities. When the ball carrier and picker work together and read the defense, the play can create multiple ways to attack the goal.