Pick-and-Roll Actions
Ages 16+
Pistol Action
A modern side ball-screen entry that starts with a dribble-at toward a lifting guard before a big steps up to screen, forcing the defense to defend two actions in one possession.
Reads & options
- 1. If O2's defender jumps the dribble-at, O1 can pull the ball back and immediately attack the vacated space or find O2 cutting backdoor.
- 2. If the screener's defender switches onto O1, look to attack that mismatch off the dribble.
- 3. O3 stays available at the top the entire time as a safety valve for a ball reversal.
Coaching points
- · The first action (the dribble-at) is designed to probe the defense before the real action (the ball screen) even happens — teach players to read it, not rush through it.
- · The screener should time the screen to arrive just as the ball handler needs it, not too early.
- · Keep the weak side spaced so the ball handler has room to turn the corner off the screen.
Draw and animate your own plays
Build sets like Pistol Action in the interactive Play Designer — drag players, chart cuts, screens, and passes, then watch the play run.
Start freeMore pick-and-roll actions
Empty Side Ball Screen
A ball-screen action run with the strong side cleared out, giving the ball handler a wide-open driving lane and the screener a clean roll to the rim.
Spain Pick-and-Roll
A modern ball-screen action where a shooter sets a back screen on the roller's own defender, springing a lob or open rim run as the screener rolls to the basket.