James Chang
Published 24 December 2024

Simple Spread Pick & Roll

This is an incredibly simple spread Pick & Roll yet highly effective because it simplifies the offense to a single read.

Setting a Screen for the Ball Handler
54321

#5 comes up and sets the screen towards the side with two offensive players (#3 and #4)

Weak Side Off Ball Screen
54321
  • It’s crucial for the screener to roll on the single side of the court. In this case, the screener (#5) will roll on the same side as #2.
  • Since the ball handler (#1) will be driving towards the double side, there’s a chance #4’s defender might stunt to slow down the drive. To counter this, #4 will set a down screen for #3, creating a simple off-ball action to keep the defense occupied.
  • As the ball handler (#1) comes off the screen and the screener (#5) rolls to the basket, #2 — positioned in the single-side corner — will "lift" to the 45-degree angle. This movement forces #2’s defender to make a decision: either tag the roll man (#5) or follow #2’s lift.
Options
54321

If #5’s screen is effective, it creates a 2-on-1 situation, with #5’s defender guarding both #1 and #5. At this point, #1’s read becomes simple:


  • If #2’s defender tags the roll man (#5), it leaves #2 open for a 3-pointer at the 45.
  • If #2’s defender follows the lift, #1 can either attack the basket or dump the ball off to #5 in the 2-on-1 situation.
Draw Your Own Plays

Draw Your Own Plays. It's easy!

Play Creator App

Create plays within seconds with an intuitive drag & drop interface.
Your plays will be animated automatically!

© 2025. The Hoops Geek