Pick and Pop

The pick and pop represents a crucial offensive variation of the traditional pick and roll action, where the screener, instead of rolling toward the basket after setting the screen, "pops" out to an open area on the perimeter to receive a pass and attempt a jump shot, typically from mid-range or three-point distance. This tactical adjustment creates different defensive challenges compared to the pick and roll, exploiting the shooting ability of big men and creating spacing that can be particularly difficult for traditional defenses to counter. The pick and pop has evolved from being a occasional changeup to the standard pick and roll into a fundamental offensive action in its own right, particularly as more big men have developed reliable perimeter shooting skills and as analytical approaches have emphasized the value of generating three-point attempts. The basic mechanics of the pick and pop begin identically to a standard pick and roll, with a screener establishing position and setting a solid screen on the ball-handler's defender, creating temporary advantage as the ball-handler uses the screen to separate from their defender. The critical divergence occurs immediately after the screen is set, as the screener, reading the defense's reaction, chooses to pop out to the perimeter rather than rolling to the basket. This decision might be predetermined based on the offensive play call, or it might be a read made in real time based on defensive positioning and capabilities. The most effective pick and pop players possess specific skill sets that make them dangerous in this action, including reliable shooting from mid-range or three-point distance, the ability to catch and shoot quickly, good hands for receiving passes in traffic, and the basketball IQ to read defensive coverages and find open spots. Players like Dirk Nowitzki, Karl-Anthony Towns, Kevin Love, Al Horford, and Brook Lopez exemplify the modern pick and pop big man, combining size that makes them effective screeners with shooting ability that makes them threats when popping to the perimeter. Dirk Nowitzki in particular built much of his legendary career around his devastating effectiveness in pick and pop actions, with his 7-foot height and exceptional shooting touch making him nearly unguardable when receiving the ball after popping to his spots. The strategic advantages of the pick and pop complement and contrast with those of the pick and roll. While the pick and roll creates vertical pressure on the defense and potential opportunities at the rim for the rolling big man, the pick and pop creates horizontal floor spacing and forces defenders to make longer rotations. When the screener pops to the three-point line, the defense must decide whether to have the screener's original defender chase out to contest the three-point shot, potentially leaving driving lanes open for the ball-handler, or to rotate a different defender, creating a scramble situation where the offense might find an open shooter or cutter. The mathematical efficiency of generating three-point attempts from pick and pop actions has made this play particularly valued in analytics-driven offensive systems, as a big man shooting three-pointers at even moderate percentages creates better expected point values than many other offensive outcomes. The defensive challenges presented by the pick and pop differ from those of defending the pick and roll. Traditional "drop coverage," where the screener's defender retreats toward the basket to protect against the roll and lobs, becomes less effective against pick and pop because it concedes open perimeter shots to the popping big man. Defenses must decide whether to "show" or "hedge" more aggressively on the ball-handler, or to switch the screen entirely, with each approach creating potential advantages for the offense. Switching can be effective but creates potential mismatches if the ball-handler can exploit a big man defending them on the perimeter or if the offense can quickly reverse the ball to attack the guard who is now defending the popping big man. Some defenses attempt to "ice" or "down" the screen, forcing the ball-handler toward the sideline and away from the screen, but this requires precise positioning and communication. The footwork and timing required for effective pick and pop execution demands practice and repetition. The screener must set a solid screen with proper technique, immediately read the defense's reaction as the ball-handler comes off the screen, and move decisively to an open spot on the perimeter while maintaining balance and being ready to receive a pass. The concept of "spacing to the shot" describes the screener popping to a location where they are comfortable shooting and where passing angles are available, typically moving to spots like the wing, the slot, or above the break depending on their shooting range and the defensive coverage. The ball-handler must read the defense's coverage of the pick and pop, deciding whether to attack the basket if the screener's defender commits to the pop, to deliver the pass to the popping screener if their defender drops or hesitates, or to keep the ball and attack if the defense switches. The timing of the pass is crucial, with the ideal delivery coming as the popping screener is catching their balance and ready to shoot, rather than while they are still moving or before they have established position. Advanced pick and pop actions incorporate deception and misdirection to create even better opportunities. The screener might fake a roll toward the basket before popping back out, selling the roll action and potentially causing the defender to commit in the wrong direction. The ball-handler might use the screen and initially attack as if looking for their own shot or a pass to the roller, then delivering a late pass to the popping screener once defensive rotations have committed. Some systems incorporate multiple screeners, with one rolling and one popping, creating simultaneous threats that force defenses into impossible decisions about where to provide help. The evolution of the pick and pop reflects broader trends in basketball toward versatility, spacing, and the premium placed on shooting.