Level Pick and Roll

The level pick and roll is a strategic offensive concept where the screening action occurs horizontally across the floor at the same level rather than the traditional vertical alignment where the screener comes from the low post up to the perimeter. In this action, both the ball handler and the screener position themselves at roughly the same height on the court, typically along the wings or at the elbows, before executing the screen. This horizontal alignment creates unique advantages in terms of floor spacing, defensive manipulation, and offensive options compared to standard vertical pick and rolls. The level screen has become increasingly prominent in modern offensive systems, particularly those emphasizing ball movement and player versatility, as it provides distinct tactical benefits while requiring defenses to adjust their traditional coverage approaches. The geometric dynamics of the level pick and roll differ fundamentally from vertical screens in ways that impact defensive coverages and offensive advantages. When screens occur vertically, defenders can more easily navigate them by going over or under based on scouting reports and the ball handler's strengths. The vertical alignment also allows help defenders to position themselves with clearer reference points. Level screens disrupt these defensive principles by creating lateral movement that challenges traditional coverage techniques. The on-ball defender must navigate the screen while moving sideways, making it harder to maintain ideal positioning. The screener's defender faces difficult angles for hedging or dropping, as the traditional vertical reference points don't apply. This spatial complexity forces defenses to make more challenging decisions with less time to execute. The execution of level pick and rolls begins with strategic positioning that sets up the action for success. The ball handler typically receives the ball on one side of the floor, often at the wing or above the break, while the screener positions themselves at a similar height on the opposite side or moves laterally across to set the screen. The screen itself requires precise timing and angle, as the screener must create a solid barrier while the ball handler uses the screen to attack either direction. The lateral nature of the action means the ball handler has options to use the screen and continue toward the baseline, reject it and attack toward the middle, or even snake back depending on defensive positioning. This multi-directional threat makes level screens particularly difficult to defend with predetermined coverages. The strategic advantages of level pick and rolls manifest in several distinct ways that offensive coordinators exploit. First, the horizontal spacing creates better passing angles to the corners and opposite wing compared to vertical screens which can condense the floor. When the roller or popper comes off a level screen, they often have clear sight lines to weak-side shooters whose defenders must help, generating open three-point opportunities. Second, level screens naturally create better driving lanes to the basket because the angle of attack comes from the side rather than straight at the rim where help defenders typically position themselves. Third, the action fits naturally into offensive systems emphasizing constant player movement and positionless basketball, as any player can set level screens for any other player regardless of traditional position designations. Defending level pick and rolls requires adjustments to standard screen coverage principles. Traditional drop coverage becomes less effective because the screener's defender can't simply retreat vertically toward the rim; they must make lateral movements that can leave gaps. Hedging becomes more complex as the angles don't allow for simple high shows, requiring more aggressive commitments that can leave the screener open. Switching often becomes the preferred coverage against level screens, but this plays into the offense's hands by creating the mismatches they seek. Some defensive schemes employ what coaches call "flat hedging" where the big shows laterally rather than vertically, but this requires exceptional footwork and timing. The positioning of weak-side help defenders also becomes more complicated, as the lateral action means traditional help positions may not provide adequate support. The historical evolution of the level pick and roll reflects basketball's ongoing offensive innovation. Early pick and roll actions almost exclusively occurred vertically, with big men setting screens as they came up from the low post toward perimeter ball handlers. This vertical orientation dominated because traditional positional basketball kept big men near the basket and guards on the perimeter. As basketball evolved toward more positionless play and big men developed perimeter skills, horizontal actions became viable and eventually preferable in many situations. Modern offensive systems like those popularized by the San Antonio Spurs under Gregg Popovich and various European professional teams have showcased level screens as primary offensive weapons, influencing basketball at all levels globally. The personnel requirements for effective level pick and roll actions differ somewhat from traditional vertical screens. While vertical pick and rolls can succeed with a skilled ball handler and an athletic rim-runner, level screens benefit from having multiple players who can handle, pass, and shoot. The screener in level actions often needs perimeter shooting ability, as they frequently pop to the three-point line rather than rolling to the rim. Similarly, the ball handler must be comfortable making passes to multiple locations since the action generates more varied looks. Teams with versatile forwards who can screen, shoot, and make plays excel at level pick and rolls, with players like Nikola Jokic, Draymond Green, and Pascal Siakam exemplifying the screener archetype that thrives in these actions. The spacing principles around level pick and rolls require careful consideration and coaching. The opposite corner must stay wide to keep the defense honest, while the weak-side wing needs to position where they can receive skip passes if their defender helps. The spacing is typically wider horizontally than in vertical pick and rolls, which stretches defenses laterally and creates longer closeouts when the ball moves. However, this horizontal spacing can sometimes reduce driving lanes if players position too close to the sideline. Elite offensive teams practice specific spacing rules for level screen situations, ensuring players maintain optimal floor balance while remaining ready to cut or relocate based on defensive rotations. The counters and variations within level pick and roll actions provide offensive creativity and unpredictability. The screener can slip the screen and cut to the basket if defenders show too aggressively. The ball handler can reject the screen and attack opposite, similar to vertical screens but with different angles. Some offenses use level screens as decoys to set up backdoor cuts or weak-side actions, taking advantage of defensive attention on the screen. The "re-screen" concept works particularly well with level actions, where the screener immediately sets another screen if the first one doesn't create advantage. These variations keep defenses off-balance and prevent them from settling into comfortable coverage schemes. The decision-making within level pick and roll actions tests the basketball IQ of both the ball handler and screener. The ball handler must read how defenders navigate the screen: if they go over, under, switch, or show. Each defensive choice requires a different offensive counter. The screener must recognize whether to roll, pop, slip, or re-screen based on their defender's positioning and the overall defensive reaction. This real-time processing separates elite pick and roll operators from average ones. Teams that invest in developing this decision-making through film study and practice repetition gain significant advantages in executing level screens against varying defensive looks. The integration of level pick and rolls into broader offensive systems requires thoughtful playbook design and player education. Some teams use level screens as their primary offensive action, building entire systems around the spacing and options it creates. Others employ level screens as one option within a motion offense, allowing players to choose between vertical and horizontal screens based on defensive positioning. The best offensive coordinators teach players the principles behind level screens rather than rigid play calls, empowering them to execute the action when the situation presents advantage. This conceptual approach fits modern basketball's emphasis on player empowerment and reading defenses rather than running predetermined plays. The teaching progression for level pick and rolls begins with fundamentals of screening and using screens, then layers in the unique aspects of horizontal actions. Coaches start with two-player drills showing proper angles, timing, and decision-making in simplified situations. As players develop competency, the complexity increases with defensive pressure, additional offensive players, and specific coverage scenarios. Film study highlights successful examples from professional and college basketball, helping players visualize what success looks like. The best development programs provide repetitions against various defensive coverages, forcing players to practice reading defenses and making appropriate choices rather than executing scripted actions. Statistically, level pick and rolls generate comparable or superior efficiency to traditional vertical pick and rolls when executed by appropriate personnel. The actions produce high-quality three-point attempts through kick-out passes and defensive rotations at rates exceeding many other offensive actions. Driving efficiency from level screens rates well because of the advantageous angles and spacing. The assistance percentages are typically high, indicating that level screens create open looks rather than contested isolation attempts. Teams that master level pick and roll actions often rank highly in offensive efficiency, points per possession, and assist rates, demonstrating the action's effectiveness within modern offensive systems. The level pick and roll exemplifies basketball's evolution toward sophisticated spacing concepts and positionless play. It challenges traditional defensive structures while creating diverse offensive opportunities through intelligent positioning and movement. As basketball continues developing tactically, level screens have established themselves as essential components of modern offense, requiring both offensive mastery and defensive adaptation. Teams seeking competitive advantages invest significantly in perfecting level pick and roll execution, recognizing its capacity to generate high-quality scoring opportunities against even the most disciplined defensive schemes.