Variations of Pick and Roll Defense
As offenses continue to become more effective over time, the amount of defensive coverages has grown with it as well. Pick and Roll defense is absolutely crucial for successful basketball teams and this is especially true at the NBA level. Here are examples of some of the ways teams like to guard ballscreens along with teams that have executed the schemes with great success.
Blitz/Trap/Red
The Miami Heat were deadly in the big three era using this coverage. By constantly looking to make the guard as uncomfortable as possible, the remaining three defenders would jump into passing lanes which only leaves the weakside corner skip pass available. It requires maximum effort and requires the screeners defender to be very mobile and aggressive.
Ice/Blue/Down/Push
The 2008 Boston Celtics and previous iteration of the Chicago Bulls executed this defense incredibly well. The common link being current Minnesota Timberwolves Head Coach Tom Thibodeau. The goal here is to prevent the dribbler from using the screen by forcing them down towards the baseline. It takes advantage of large post players that arent very mobile and also allows the team to overload the strong side of the floor.
Switch/White
Dub Nation has slowed down opposing offenses with the versatility of their roster to be able to defend multiple postions. Golden State has mastered switching on the weakside of the floor as well to avoid defending a major mismatch for too long. The key to this coverage is for all of the defenders to communicate constantly as well as be aware of their body position on the floor by staying in the help areas. It is also important to take away any slips to the basket during off ball screening actions.
Drop
As the name states, the screeners defender drops back to essentially play a one man zone by protecting the paint and forcing a midrange jumpshot. The guard will usually chase over the top of the screen to funnel everything toward the post player. The Indiana Pacers were skilled at this with Roy Hibbert and David West protecting the interior.
Feel free to contact me with questions about how to teach these coverages as well as how it fits your teams defensive principles. You can Email me at KJTHESCOUT@outlook.com or via Twitter at KJ_THE_SCOUT.
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