Defending the Pick and Roll: Show and Recover

The defensive pair learns to guard the pick and roll with show and recover: the screener's defender steps out briefly to slow the ball handler and gets back to their player while the ball handler's defender fights over the screen. Communication with key words is stressed.

How to play

1. Explain the key words: the screener's defender calls out “screen left” or “right,” steps out sideways to slow the ball handler with “show!” and recovers when the teammate calls “got him!” (4 min).
2. 2-on-2 at half speed: the offense sets the screen on the wing and the defense practices show and recover while the offense does not try to score (6 min).
3. Live 2-on-2: the offense can shoot or roll; the defense scores a point every time the ball handler fails to get into the lane (7 min).
4. 3-on-3: the third defender on the weak side helps on the roll while the screener's defender recovers; 3-minute games, then switch defensive pairs (8 min).

Rules

• Showing is a sideways step with the body, never a push or grab on the ball handler.
• If a defender does not talk, the possession is replayed and the offense gets a point.
• The screen has to be legal; if the screener moves, it is an offensive foul.
• No taking charges in the 3-on-3: defenders stay on their feet.

Variations

Adaptations

• Hearing impairment: key words are replaced by a tap on the back and hand signals.
• Wheelchair user: guards the screener; the show is a chair turn into the dribble lane.
• Low fitness level: plays only the 2-on-2 phase and sits out every other rotation in the 3-on-3.

Learning goals

• Guard the pick and roll by coordinating two defenders.
• Communicate with key words while defending.
• Recover position and help the weak-side teammate.

Equipment for a class of 25

• basketballs: 6
• cones: 10
• pinnies: 14

Teacher tip

Talking is half the technique: reward the communication point. Take short breaks to draw each defender's position on the whiteboard when they get lost.

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