English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
General

pick-and-roll

What does pick-and-roll mean?

An offensive play where a teammate sets a screen for the ball-handler and then rolls toward the basket for a pass.

"They ran pick-and-roll all game and the defense had no answer."

Origin

Fundamental play, a staple since the mid-20th century; perfected by Stockton-to-Malone.

Frequently asked questions

What is a pick-and-roll?
An offensive play where a teammate sets a screen (pick) for the ball-handler, then rolls toward the basket for a pass.
Who is famous for the pick-and-roll?
John Stockton and Karl Malone of the Utah Jazz perfected it, making 'Stockton-to-Malone' iconic.
Why is the pick-and-roll so effective?
It forces the defense to make a split-second choice, often leaving either the ball-handler or the roller open.
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Vocabulary Flow — saved to your collection.
Slang definitions: FreeDict original editorial.