Pick-Up Communication is a defensive communication drill that teaches players how to defend 2v2 situations involving picks. The focus is on making the decision to stay or switch based on the positioning of the defenders and attackers.

Stay or Switch?

There are two options when defending a pick:

  • Stay: Fight through the pick and stay with your player.

  • Switch: Step back and switch players.

The decision should be based on the situation, not simply a team's preferred philosophy.

If Defenders Are on the Same Level

If the two defenders are on the same level, they can switch.

When the pick comes, the defenders can step back and switch because they are positioned beside each other and can defend either attacker.

If Defenders Are on Different Levels

If the defenders are on different levels, they should generally stay.

If one defender switches while the other is positioned differently, the attacker can become open behind the on-ball defender.

Instead, the defender should step back and create space so she can defend either player.

A key cue is:

If we are not on the same level, we cannot switch.

Communication Comes From the Off-Ball Defender

The off-ball defender needs to communicate the decision.

The on-ball defender is focused on the ball and may not know what is happening behind her.

The off-ball defender should communicate whether the team should:

  • Step up and stay

  • Step back and switch

The communication needs to happen as the pick develops.

2v2 Drill

Run the drill as a 2v2 and focus specifically on the defensive communication.

The goal isn't just to practice defending picks.

It is to make sure the defenders are communicating with each other and making the decision together.

The drill can be coached from the defensive side while the attackers work through their picks.

Key Coaching Point

The most important part of this drill is direct communication.

If the defender behind the ball doesn't communicate what she wants to do, the on-ball defender doesn't know whether to stay or switch.

The cue is simple:

Same level = can switch.
Different levels = stay.

The defenders should use the situation in front of them to decide what makes the most sense.