Here we are going to talk about reading the pick and roll, using this diagram above. We’re going to be going through different looks the defense can give you and how to react to them.
5s defender comes up and 1s defender is behind: This is the simplest read and the look that most offenses are trying to get off of PNRs. 1 should throw a bounce pass in between the defenders and the 5 should finish. However if the 5 gets covered by the 4s defender after catching the ball, 4 should cut to the opposite dunker spot for an easy layup/dunk.
Same situation as above, 2s defender helps on the roller: In this situation when someone helps on the roller the 1 should hit whoever the defender left which in this case is the 2 who should then shoot the ball or attack his close out. 4 should also cut to the hoop especially if his defender is watching the screen
Defender goes under and they don’t switch: Simplest read of all, just shoot the ball. 5 start rolling and then crash the glass.
Pick and Roll defenders switch: This probably created a mismatch, so the 1 should either try and blow by the big or the 5 should post up on the block. Offense should do whatever they can to get the ball the ball, pass it around for the 5 to get the best positioning on their mismatch.
Big Man rolls towards right side and right side defender helps on the roller: This pass happens a lot less because it’s usually not open but if the one looks the other way and makes it seem like their going to hit the roller. Then the 3 can slide into the corner for a wide open 3, or they can drive baseline and finish or swing to the opposite corner.
Players guarding the corner are ball watching: A lot of reads in the pick and roll are made by the PG, however just because you’re not involved in the PNR does NOT make it a play off. If you are in the corner and your player is just ball watching cut right to the hoop. PGs if you see this hit the cutter as well as you can.
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