Spread Pick and Roll Offense

The pick and roll has been a staple piece of basketball mechanics. 

What is it? And why is it so effective? 

The offensive play of the pick and roll is the action of a teammate putting their body in front of the defender who guards the player coordinating the offense. The player with the basketball moves towards the pick once the pick has been set, so the defender cannot follow them. Resulting in a lane to the basket or pass to an open teammate. 

However, pick and rolls are commonly thought of as screens. Although there isn't a significant difference, when referring to an on-ball screen, the term pick is generally used, whereas the term screen could refer either to an off-ball screen or to an on-ball screen.

Its success came from the mid 1950’s when a vast majority of players were able to create a mismatch and drive to the basket or settle for a mid range jump shot. That's all there was to do, it wasn't until the three point shot was introduced in the 80’s. Fast forward to today's game, and you’ll quickly learn it's become a shooters league. Although the pick and roll is still widely used, teams seek to shoot behind the three point line. Creating the Spread Pick and Roll. 

The Spread Pick and Roll is essentially the same. As the three off-ball players are all outside the three-point arc, a 'spread pick and roll' involves using a ball-screen action to create the opening. ... Defenders will have difficulty getting off their player in this variation without giving up an open three-point shot. When teams have 3 players who are able to shoot the basketball at a high percentage around the pick and roll, this tactic is very effective. 

In this lesson, Coach Matt McCall discusses the 4 main points to make the spread pick and roll offense work. He teaches transitions and goes over numerous scenarios where the offense can get easy points. The spread pick and roll offense is a continuity offense that relies on ball and player movement, looking to get a result of two players on the ball and/or a two on one advantage situation for the offense.