Basketball · Screens & pick-and-roll · Decision-making

Pick-and-roll 2v2

A ball handler and a screener play 2v2 off a ball screen, reading the defence to drive, pass or roll.

O1O2X1X2
Start / 5
Time
15 min
Players
4–12
Age
U13+
Area
Half court
Equipment
2 basketballs6 bibs

Setup

  1. A ball handler at the top, a screener on the wing, each with a defender.
  2. Waiting pairs line up at halfway.

How it runs

  1. The screener sprints up and sets a ball screen on the handler's defender.
  2. The handler uses it tight; if the screener's defender steps up, the screener rolls to the rim.
  3. Play live until a score or a stop, then the next pair attacks and the attackers defend.

Coaching points

  • Legal screen: feet set and still, arms in, a step of space from the defender.
  • Handler: wait for the screen, then go shoulder to shoulder off it.
  • Screener: once the handler clears, roll hard to the rim with a target hand.
  • Read the big defender: if they step up, pass; if they drop, keep driving or shoot.

Common mistakes

  • Moving screens: the screener leans or sticks a hip out.
  • Handler leaving early, before the screen is set.
  • Screener rolling too slowly or drifting away from the rim.

Say it: “Set it, use it, roll hard.”

Make it harder

  • Defence chooses how to guard the screen each time.
  • Add a third attacker in the corner to read the help.

Make it easier

  • Defenders play at half speed for the first round.
  • Screener always rolls; handler always passes.

Pairs well with

Reviewed by the Sportdify coaching team.