
Zip Past Defenses With ‘Road Runner’
Flood one side of the floor, then seal the other side to set up a dribble drive for an attacking layup or a kick-out pass for a 3-pointer against a 2-3 zone. MORE
As the defense rushes to close out on multiple shooters, a ball screen and roll is a simple action to create a high-percentage opportunity near the hoop.
WHY USE IT
This set’s initial actions look like the defense may start cheating toward the perimeter. Add in a ball screen and watch the roller come free heading toward the basket.
SET UP
All five players are higher than the free-throw line with 2 and 3 deeper than 4 and 1 on the wings, and 5 in the middle of the floor.
HOW TO PLAY
1 passes across to 4, then runs off a screen set by 5. 1 moves to the left-block area. 4 then swings the ball to 2 and runs off a screen from 5 to relocate near the right block [diagram 1].
After setting the two screens, 5 pops high and receives a pass from 2. 2 and 3 now set down screens for 1 and 4. 1 and 4 curl hard to the perimeter. 5 passes to 1 [diagram 2].
Instead of shooting, 1 immediately dribbles right and uses a ball screen from 5. 5 then rolls to the basket as all defenders are on the perimeter. 1 passes to 5 for the layup [diagram 3].
TECHNIQUE
1 also has the option to throw a pass to 2 heading to the corner. If you run the pick and roll a few times, expect 2’s defender to cheat low, which leaves 2 wide open in the corner.