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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

pick-and-roll

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

One of the league’s pick-and-roll savants, Doncic should help Ayton rediscover the dominance he flashed while helping the Phoenix Suns reach the NBA Finals in 2021 and post a franchise-record 64 wins in 2022.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 30, 2025

Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic ran a pick-and-roll, opening Murray up for a clean look at a three-pointer with 5.6 seconds left.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 15, 2025

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

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