Pick and Roll 3-on-3: Roll, Pop or Skip to the Weak Side

Students study the three options after a pick and roll: the screener rolls to the rim, the screener pops out to shoot, or the ball goes to the third attacker on the weak side. Defenders secretly get a card with their coverage, and the offense has to recognize it and pick the right option.

How to play

1. Explain a legal screen: screener stands still, feet shoulder-width apart, arms close to the body; the ball handler brushes the screener's shoulder coming off it (5 min).
2. 2-on-0 at each basket: ball handler and screener repeat the screen on the wing with a roll to the rim, then with a pop to the three-point line (5 min).
3. 2-on-2 with cards: defenders secretly choose to go under, hedge hard on the ball handler or switch; the offense reads: if they go under, the ball handler shoots; if they hedge, roll; if they switch, the screener posts up the smaller defender (8 min).
4. 3-on-3 with a shooter on the weak side: if help comes to stop the roll, the screener or ball handler swings it to the weak side; 4-minute games with 2 points for a basket off the screen (10 min).
5. Each team explains which card was hardest to read (2 min).

Rules

• A screen is illegal if the screener moves or sticks out their arms: the offense loses possession.
• Defenders may not push or grab to get through the screen.
• Cards are shown at the end of each possession to check the read.
• Each group uses half a basket and does not invade the next group's lane.

Variations

Adaptations

• Wheelchair user: plays screener with a stationary chair, very effective, or ball handler; everyone else keeps a safe distance from the chair.
• Autism: cards with drawings of the defensive move and an explanation ahead of time of what happens in each case.
• Lower-limb injury: acts as an observer who records whether the offense chose the right option.

Learning goals

• Set and use a pick and roll legally.
• Recognize the screen coverage and choose the right option.
• Involve the third attacker when the defense helps.

Equipment for a class of 25

• basketballs: 6
• cones: 12
• pinnies: 14
• cards: 12

Teacher tip

Demand legal screens from the start, since this is where most fouls happen. The debrief is key: ask students to explain what they saw using the technical terms.

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