It's one of the most effective plays in basketball history—and also one of the simplest. For all the Lykkers who want to raise their hoops IQ and play like pros, this guide is your smooth entry into the world of pick-and-rolls.

At its heart, the pick-and-roll is about teamwork, timing, and reading the defense. When you understand how to set it up and respond to your defender's choices, you open the door to clean shots, sharp passes, and smart decisions. Whether you're the ball handler or the screener, this guide will help you run it with confidence and flow.

Part 1: Running the Pick-and-Roll as the Ball Handler

Set It Up with Space

Before the screen even happens, create space between you and your defender. You might take a few dribbles back or to the side—enough to give your teammate room to set the screen and force the defense into a decision.

As the screen arrives, stay patient. Wait for the screener to get fully set (no moving feet!), then use the screen by brushing your shoulder close to theirs.

Read the Defense

Now comes the fun part—what's the defender going to do? If they go over the screen, you can drive downhill. If they go under, pull up for a jumper if that's in your game.

Keep your eyes up. The big defending the screener might switch, hedge, or drop back. Your job is to stay calm, read the rotation, and make a move—drive, dish, or take the shot.

Keep the Defender Behind You

After using the screen, keep your dribble low and try to "snake" around the screen so your defender is trailing behind. This puts them in a tough spot while giving you time to react.

Use hesitations or stop-start moves to control the pace. You don't have to be fast—just smart and deliberate.

Make the Pass at the Right Moment

If the screener rolls to the basket and the defense collapses on you, hit them with a bounce pass or a quick lob, depending on the space.

But don't force it. If nothing opens up, reset the offense or kick it out. Playing the pick-and-roll is about making the right decision, not the flashy one.

Part 2: Executing the Pick-and-Roll as the Screener

Set a Strong Screen

Your screen sets everything in motion. Stand still, feet wide, and give your teammate a clean path. The tighter they can come off your shoulder, the harder it is for the defender to keep up.

Don't lean or move your feet early—let the ball handler do the work while you stand your ground.

Roll with Timing

As soon as your defender starts reacting—whether switching or stepping out—you've got to decide: roll or pop?

If you're near the basket, roll hard to the rim. Stay low, hands ready, and look for the pass. If you're comfortable shooting from mid-range or beyond, you can pop out instead and stretch the defense.

Seal Off Your Defender

On the roll, turn your body to shield the defender. Use your position to create a path to the hoop or carve out space for a clean catch.

It's not about being the biggest—it's about being the smartest with angles and timing.

Stay Active After the Roll

Even if you don't get the ball, keep moving. Drag the help defender, crash the boards, or reset for another screen. Movement creates confusion, and confusion creates chances.

The more you stay involved, the more options your team has on every play.

The pick-and-roll works so well because it forces the defense to make fast choices—and every choice has a counter. When both players understand their roles, communicate, and stay sharp, the offense becomes fluid and tough to guard.

So Lykkers, whether you're setting the screen or using it, focus on timing, space, and reading the play. Be patient, stay connected, and use every action to create an opportunity.

Smart plays beat loud ones—and the pick-and-roll is the smartest of them all.