This is an incredibly simple spread Pick & Roll yet highly effective because it simplifies the offense to a single read.
Switch defense is arguably the most overused strategy at the professional level, as it effectively counters offenses that rely on multiple screens within their flow. The main drawback of switching is that it often creates mismatches, but at lower levels, few players are skilled enough to fully exploit these opportunities. At higher levels, teams mitigate this risk by deploying lineups with versatile defenders who can guard multiple positions, effectively neutralizing potential mismatches. While attacking mismatches remains a common and viable option against Switch defense, there are also other effective strategies to counter it.
Blitz defense occurs when the on-ball defender and the screener’s defender immediately trap the ball handler during the screen action. The goal is to catch the ball handler off-guard and force turnovers. However, if the ball handler is prepared and knows how to counter Blitz defense, it can be easier to exploit than Hedge defense. This is because defenders are often less controlled and more aggressive when jumping out to execute the trap, creating opportunities for the offense to capitalize.
Hedge defense has long been a cornerstone of screen coverage, especially against offenses that lack strong floor spacing and shooting. By applying immediate pressure on the ball handler, Hedge forces them to either give up the ball early or struggle to initiate the offense effectively, disrupting the flow of the opposing team’s attack.
The goal of Weak defense is straightforward: to force the ball handler toward their weaker hand. Since the majority of players are right-handed, Weak defense typically means "forcing them left." To avoid confusion, many coaches simplify this by defining Weak as "left" and Strong as "right". Weak Defense is almost always paired with Ice coverage being used for side screen actions.
Ice defense, also referred to as blue, down, or push, is designed to force the ball handler toward the sideline. Many teams prefer to set screens that allow the ball handler to attack the middle of the court, where more scoring opportunities typically arise. Ice defense counters this philosophy by having the on-ball defender jump toward the screen, leaving the ball handler with no choice but to reject it and drive toward the sideline.
As teams began countering the Low Drop with a High Screen, a new defensive strategy emerged—the High Drop. This coverage addresses the spacing weaknesses of the Low Drop while continuing to protect the highest-percentage shot in basketball, the layup, through the "no man behind" defensive philosophy. Additionally, it still encourages the most inefficient shot in basketball: the long two-pointer. However, like any defensive scheme, the High Drop is not without its vulnerabilities. There are effective ways to exploit this coverage and turn it into an advantage for the offense.
In a Low Drop coverage, the screener’s defender drops deep into the middle of the paint to prioritize protecting the rim and contesting the highest-percentage shot in basketball—the layup—while deliberately allowing the least efficient shot: the long two-pointer. This strategy also offers additional benefits. It adheres to the defensive philosophy of "no man behind," enabling two defenders to handle the pick-and-roll without needing help from a tag man or a low man, thus keeping the rest of the defense intact.
Many coaches teach players to set screens at a 45-degree angle, with their back facing the corner of the court. While this advice is generally effective for on-ball screens, it often fails to explain why the 45-degree angle works so well.
This drill teaches 3 different passing options in a basic pick & roll. All the fundamental principles of 'Separation and Brush' apply here. Instead of finishing at the rim after using the screen, the ball handler will pass to the roll man to complete the play. Following the pass, the ball handler will backpedal to the three-point line for a catch-and-shoot opportunity.
This play starts with the ball handler drawing their defender into an initial ball screen, then quickly pivoting to receive a second screen from the opposite side. It’s tough to defend because the defense must navigate two screens in rapid succession.
The foundational concept of the horns offense emphasizes floor spacing, creating an ideal setup for a traditional pick-and-roll action with a backdoor cutting option toward the basket. Corner wings play a critical role by maintaining proper spacing to stretch the defense. If the wing defenders collapse to help, the wings must be prepared to capitalize on a kick-out for a high-percentage three-point opportunity.
Princeton Point - Over is one of the basic actions of the Princeton Point Series.
This is an adaptation of principles from the Princeton Point Offense into 5-Out Offense
The Mavs run this play in different variations. Powell off-ball screens for Luka to get the ball and immediately turns around and sets another screen for a pick&roll attack on the rim.
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