pick-and-roll

American  

[pik-uhn-rohl] / ˈpɪk ənˈroʊl /

noun

Basketball.

1. an offensive maneuver in which a player interposes their own body between a teammate with the ball and a defender, then cuts quickly toward the basket for a pass from that teammate.

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Usage

What does pick-and-roll mean? A pick-and-roll is an offensive play in basketball where a teammate screens off a defender and then breaks free so the ball-carrier can pass it to them.

Etymology

Origin of pick-and-roll

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

Those same NBA people said that the Clippers are looking for a pick-and-roll oriented point guard and that John Collins’ name has been mentioned as a trade candidate.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 28, 2026

Doncic praised Hayes for his improvement in the pick-and-roll, noting how the center is finding “the right pocket” while Doncic is handling the ball.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 3, 2026

Most of the choices are relatively small — what play to call out of a timeout, when to use a challenge, how to adjust a pick-and-roll coverage.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 9, 2024

Kleber isn’t quite the rim protector or pick-and-roll player that Lively and Gafford are, but offers a solid inside presence.

From Seattle Times • May 28, 2024

I know y’all think it’s time for the pick-and-roll, but 1 got something else in mind.

From "The Crossover" by Kwame Alexander