Offensive teams use a variety of ways to get players open, from dribble penetration to running cutters to the basket. One of the more common, and effective, ways offensive players get open is by setting picks for each other. Picks put pressure on the defense, creating mismatches that can lead to easy points for the offense. Teaching your players how to defend against picks is key for a strong defense.
Communication
The most important skill for defending against picks is communication. The player being picked has to know a pick is on its way to avoid it. The defender whose man is going to set the pick alerts his teammate by yelling, "Pick coming, pick coming." For on-ball picks, it is important that the person being picked knows which direction the pick is coming from so he can get in proper position. Again, the person whose man is setting the pick alerts his teammate by telling him a pick is coming, including the direction, such as, "Pick left, pick left."
On-Ball Picks
Hedge on-ball picks, forcing the offensive player with the ball away from the basket. As the offensive player goes to set a pick, the defender guarding him trails behind. Once the pick is set, the help defender "shows" himself by squaring up to the offensive player with the ball. As the offensive player attempts to dribble around the help defender, the defender must slide his feet and force the offensive player to take a wide path around. As this is happening, the player who was picked gets through the screen and hustles back into guarding position. When the guard no longer requires help, he yells, "I got him," so the help defender can quickly return to his man.
Down Picks
As the offensive player is preparing to set the pick, the defender who is being picked chests up his offensive opponent, leaving no room between them. When the pick is set, the defender chases the offensive player around the screen. The help defender -- the man whose offensive counterpart set the screen -- sags in the key to prevent the offensive player from curling into the key for an easy pass and layup. The defense can also switch the pick. In this case, the help defender calls out the screen and at the last minute, jumps into the offensive player's path and assumes guarding responsibility.
Back Picks
To defend a back pick, do not let your opponent cut in front of you. You must make him go behind you so you can stay between him and the basket. When the pick is set, step with your top leg -- closest to the ball -- around the picker, turn 180 degrees and sprint back in position between your man and the basket. The help defender sags off his man to provide basket cover until you are able to get back into position. You can also switch back picks the same as down picks, but be aware of mismatches in the post.
References
- The Coach's Clipboard: Basketball Defense - Tenets of Team Man-to-Man Defense
- Breakthrough Basketball: Basic Basketball Screens
- "Lessons From the Legends: Defense: The Authoritative Reference on All Aspects of Defense From the Most Respected Coaches in America"; Jerry Krause and Ralph Pim; 2005
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