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’s wizardry in the pick-and-roll makes him an athletic rim-running center’s dream as the crafty point guard drops passes from every imaginable angle.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 19, 2025

“Whatever I needed to learn about basketball, he was studying,” Skyy said, “so if it was something about shooting, something about pick-and-roll, he was watching videos and learning everything he could to teach me.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 18, 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