Coach ,

Let’s take a look at 4 teaching points that can immediately improve the way you guard Pick & Roll actions and can help you get more stops overall.

#1) Putting The Pressure On The Ball Handler

Most of the coaches focus mostly on guarding the screen, however, knowing how to put the pressure on the ball and force the ball to certain positions can make a big difference in how the screen is properly used. 

When the player guarding the ball relies too much on the screen defender, it opens up a lot of opportunities for the ball handler to refuse the screen and get wide open. 

Take a look at how Lehigh University Head Coach Brett Reed breaks down how to properly guard the ball handler as well as the screener and put yourself in a better position to eliminate Pick & Roll actions. (click on image for video)

  Guarding Ball Handler

#2) Point of Pick Up

Knowing where we pick up the ball handler can be as important as how we guard the ball. It all depends on what we want to do and what coverage we choose to guard, but knowing where we are picking the ball up and communicating with the big man helps us to eliminate the damage of the ball screen. 

Take a look at how McNeese Assistant Coach Brandon Chambers breaks down film on picking up the ball. (click on image for video)

PnR Tape: Transition drag

#3) Working on the Pick & Pop Defense

Knowing how to guard Pick & Pop can be at times very different than guarding Pick & Roll. The whole defense needs to be able to rotate and stun the ball and stop the stretch big from shooting from outside. 

The whole team needs to be involved to stop the drive and the opportunity to shoot, and outside wings need to be able to properly rotate. 

Take a look at how international Coach Liam Flynn explains how to properly rotate on Pick & Pop. (click on image for video) 

5v5 - PNR Defence - vs Pick and Pop

#4) Being Able To Recover - Veer

When our defender gets screened, he needs to recover as fast as possible without our big man dropping too low and allowing for an easy shot before the guard is able to get on the ball again. 

We need to work on Veer and the ability to recover from the screen, and especially when guarding experienced guards who know how to use the back dribble. Our defender needs to figure his way around and stop the ball as soon as possible. 

Take a look at how Alabama Assistant Coach Brian Adams breaks down the Veer (click on image for complementary video)

Veer Back

Pick & Roll certainly creates offensive opportunities. However, teaching these four points and increasing player understanding can help big time in shutting it down.

Never get out-coached, 

-- The Coaches Clinic Community of Coaches Helping Coaches