What is a Spain pick and roll in basketball. How does it differ from a standard pick and roll. Why is the Spain pick and roll so effective in modern basketball offenses. What are the key components and variations of this play.
Understanding the Spain Pick and Roll: A Game-Changing Basketball Strategy
The Spain pick and roll has emerged as one of the most potent offensive weapons in modern basketball. This advanced variation of the classic pick and roll play has taken the NBA by storm and is now filtering down to college and high school levels. But what exactly makes this play so special?
At its core, the Spain pick and roll involves three key players working in coordination to create multiple scoring threats that are extremely difficult for defenses to contain. Let’s break down the mechanics and strategy behind this innovative offensive set.
The Origins and Evolution of the Spain Pick and Roll
Despite its widespread use in the NBA today, the Spain pick and roll has European roots. The play is credited to Sergio Scariolo, head coach of the Spanish national team, who utilized it heavily during the 2016 Olympic Games. This origin explains the “Spain” moniker attached to the play.
Following its success on the international stage, NBA teams quickly adopted and adapted the Spain pick and roll. The Phoenix Suns’ effective use of the play during their 2021 playoff run further cemented its status as a go-to offensive option for teams at all levels.
Why Has the Spain Pick and Roll Gained Such Popularity?
- Creates multiple scoring options
- Difficult for defenses to cover all threats
- Neutralizes common pick and roll defensive strategies
- Adaptable to various player skillsets
- Effective against both man-to-man and zone defenses
Breaking Down the Mechanics: How Does the Spain Pick and Roll Work?
To truly understand the Spain pick and roll, we need to examine the roles of the three key players involved:
- The Ball Handler
- The Screener (typically a big man)
- The Shooter (often a guard)
The play unfolds in a coordinated sequence:
- The Screener sets a middle ball screen for the Ball Handler.
- As this occurs, the Shooter sets a back screen on the Screener’s defender.
- The Screener then rolls to the rim.
- The Shooter pops out to the perimeter for a potential catch-and-shoot opportunity.
This choreographed movement creates a triple threat that the defense must account for simultaneously:
- The Ball Handler attacking off the dribble
- The Screener rolling to the rim
- The Shooter open on the perimeter
The Strategic Advantage: Why is the Spain Pick and Roll So Effective?
The Spain pick and roll’s effectiveness stems from its ability to neutralize common defensive tactics used against traditional pick and rolls. How does it achieve this?
In a standard pick and roll, defenses often employ “drop coverage,” where the screener’s defender sags back to protect the paint. The Spain pick and roll counters this by adding the back screen, which either frees the rolling big man or creates space for the perimeter shooter.
This play also puts immense pressure on help defenders. If they commit to stopping the roll, it leaves shooters open. If they stay home on shooters, it creates a numbers advantage near the basket.
Key Defensive Challenges Posed by the Spain Pick and Roll:
- Communication breakdown potential
- Multiple threats to cover simultaneously
- Difficulty in providing help defense
- Neutralizes traditional pick and roll coverages
- Creates mismatches and switching dilemmas
Variations and Reads: Adapting the Spain Pick and Roll
While the basic structure of the Spain pick and roll remains consistent, skilled offensive players can make reads and adjustments based on how the defense reacts. This adaptability is part of what makes the play so potent.
Shooter’s Options:
If the screener’s defender is already detached (e.g., in a hard hedge), the shooter may skip setting the back screen and immediately pop to the perimeter. This quick adjustment can catch the defense off-guard and create an open look.
Ball Handler’s Reads:
The ball handler typically has three primary options coming off the initial screen:
- Attack the rim or pull up for a jumper
- Pass to the rolling screener
- Kick out to the popping shooter
The choice depends on how the defense reacts and which option presents the best scoring opportunity.
Implementing the Spain Pick and Roll: Coaching Considerations
Coaches looking to add the Spain pick and roll to their offensive arsenal should consider several factors:
Player Personnel:
The play works best with a versatile big who can both screen and roll effectively, a quick ball handler with good decision-making skills, and a reliable perimeter shooter.
Timing and Spacing:
Proper execution relies heavily on precise timing between all three players involved. Additionally, maintaining proper spacing (often with shooters in the corners) is crucial for maximizing the play’s effectiveness.
Practice and Repetition:
Given the complexity of the action, teams need to dedicate significant practice time to master the Spain pick and roll. Players must develop chemistry and learn to read defensive reactions quickly.
Countering the Spain Pick and Roll: Defensive Strategies
As the Spain pick and roll has gained popularity, defenses have begun developing specific strategies to counter it. What are some effective defensive approaches?
Switching All Screens:
One common tactic is to switch all screens involved in the action. This requires versatile defenders but can disrupt the timing and create mismatches the defense can exploit.
Top-Locking the Shooter:
By aggressively denying the shooter’s path to set the back screen, defenses can disrupt the play’s rhythm and potentially force the offense into a standard pick and roll.
Pre-Rotating Help:
Some teams opt to pre-rotate help defenders, anticipating the roll and shooter’s pop. This requires excellent communication but can effectively take away primary options.
The Future of the Spain Pick and Roll in Basketball
As basketball continues to evolve, how will the Spain pick and roll adapt? While defenses are becoming more adept at countering this action, offensive minds are constantly innovating new wrinkles and variations.
We’re likely to see teams incorporate the Spain pick and roll concept into more complex offensive sets, using false motion and dummy actions to disguise the play. This evolution will continue to challenge defenses and create exciting, high-level basketball.
The Spain pick and roll exemplifies the constant chess match between offense and defense in basketball. As a coach, player, or fan, understanding this sophisticated play enhances appreciation for the strategic depth of modern basketball.
Ball Screen Offense—Spain Pick and Roll Explained — Hooper University
Offense
Written By Chandler Sturtz
WHat is a Spain Pick and Roll?
If you watched the Phoenix Suns throughout the 2021 NBA Playoffs you undoubtedly watched them run a European-influenced ball screen action known as “Spain pick and roll” with great success. But what exactly is Spain pick and roll and how is it different than a typical ball screen?
Spain pick and roll is a ball screen set in the middle of the floor, while a guard is simultaneously setting a back screen on the ball screener’s defender before popping to the top of the key. The action has proven extremely difficult to guard and an effective set for offenses, which is why we are seeing it spike in popularity over the last few seasons.
The action itself is credited to Sergio Scariolo, head coach of the Spanish national team, hence the name.
Scariolo used the action heavily throughout the 2016 Olympic Games, and since then the Spain pick and roll has made its way into the NBA and is now filtering down throughout the college and high school levels.
spain Pick and Roll Basics:
Spain pick and roll is most easily understood when broken down into three parts—the screener, the shooter and the ball handler.
The screener, usually a big, will look to set a middle ball screen for the ball handler. As this is happening, the shooter will head hunt the screener’s defender and look to set a back screen as the screener rolls to the rim. The shooter will then pop to the perimeter looking for a catch and shoot opportunity. The ball handler will come off the initial middle ball screen with three potential scoring options—he can attack the rim or pull up off the dribble, hit the screener as he rolls to the rim or hit the shooter as he pops to the perimeter.
The two players not involved in the Spain pick and roll are more often than not located in the corners to keep proper middle ball screen spacing.:format(jpeg)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/31802873/20131226_pjc_sx3_336.0.jpg)
SPain Pick and Roll Reads:
The shooter does not always have to set the ball screen, especially if the screener’s defender is detached from the screener. For example, if the screener’s defender hard hedges the initial ball screen and slides himself out of the action, the shooter can simply sprint to space rather than setting the back screen first.
This works because with X5 hard hedging the initial ball screen, the shooter’s defender (X2 in the example below) is forced to tag or help on 5 rolling to the rim. By skipping the back screen and simply sprinting to space along the perimeter, the shooter forces his defender (X2) to make a decision—either help on the roll or stay with the shooter.
If X2 decides to tag or help on the screener rolling to the rim, which he is more than likely coached to do, then the shooter (2) will be wide open as he pops. If X2 decides to stay with the shooter, he risks leaving 5 open as he rolls to the rim, since 5’s defender will have to recover back after hard hedging the ball screen.
The general rule of thumb for the shooter/back screener is if the screener’s defender becomes detached from the screener, just pop to the top of the key and forget the back screen.
spain pIck and Roll Sets & Atos:
With Spain pick and roll becoming more and more popular, defenses are coming up with coverages to neutralize the action. To combat this, teams have become very clever in masking the Spain pick and roll action with false motion, dummy actions, etc. Check out some of our favorite sets in which teams mask the Spain pick and roll action to catch the defense off guard.
Chandler Sturtz
Spain Pick and Roll in Basketball : Concepts and Examples
Table of Contents
What is Spain pick and roll in basketball
Spain pick and roll is a basketball offensive tactic that occurs when one particular player sets an on-ball screen and afterwards, that same player receives a back screen while rolling to the basket for a potential high percentage scoring opportunity.
Spain pick and roll is also comprised of screen the screener action because one particular offensive player cuts to an area of the court to set a screen (specifically an on-ball screen in this case) for a second offensive player and afterwards, the first offensive player receives a screen (specifically an off-ball back screen in this case) from a third offensive player.
Why is Spain pick and roll potentially effective
Spain pick and roll is potentially effective because it can neutralize the opposing team’s ball screen defensive tactics, most notably, the drop coverage tactic.
Essentially, when the offensive team executes a ball screen, or more specifically, pick and roll action, the defensive team would typically try to limit or prevent the effectiveness of that ball screen by implementing certain types of ball screen defensive tactics.
For example, let’s say that within a 5-on-5 basketball offense strategy, there is a separate two-man game consisting of two offensive players, denoted as player 1 and player 5, which would be the point guard and center, based on traditional basketball positions.
Let’s also say that there are two defenders guarding each of those offensive players, specifically with man to man defense, denoted as X1 and X5, which for this instance, are the defensive point guard and defensive center positions, respectively.
Also, for simplistic purposes, let’s say that the other three offensive and defensive players are on the court but they are not currently involved in this initial two-man action.
From there, let’s say that player 1 has possession of the basketball at the top and then player 1 calls for an on-ball screen from player 5 while being guarded by X1.
When that occurs, X5, who is the defender that guards player 5, has a few options to mitigate the effectiveness of the on-ball screen.
X5 could perform a defensive hedge to slow down possible dribble penetration of player 1 before recovering to player 5, who rolled to the basket.
In this scenario, if X5 performs a defensive hedge tactic, especially a hard hedge, then one of the weak side defenders that is generally not involved in the two-man action could tag the roll man (i.
e. cover player 5) until X5 is able to recover back to player 5.
X5 could also execute the drop coverage tactic by staying slightly above or slightly below the free throw line area while the on-ball screening action occurs.
The drop coverage could be employed if X5 is too slow to recover quickly enough as utilized with the defensive hedge.
Also, if X5 knows or at least feels very confident that player 5 is most certainly going to roll to the basket and player 1 is not going to take a jump shot near the perimeter areas of the court, then X5 could implement the drop coverage in that case as well.
The drop coverage is useful because when player 5 rolls to the basket, X5 is already near the pathway of that rolling action.
Therefore, even if player 5 receives the ball from player 1, it would basically become a 1-on-1 occurrence between X5 and player 5.
Additionally, X5 could execute a defensive switch with X1 to cause the pick and roll action to become ineffective.
The drawback to the defensive switch, in this case, is that it essentially creates defensive mismatches between X1 and X5.
That is to say, X5 would most likely not be fast enough to contain the speed and quickness of player 1 and X1 would probably not be tall enough or strong enough to stop player 5 from scoring near the basket after the roll action.
In either situation, the defensive team, particularly X5, the screener’s defender will try to restrict the use of the roll action.
Spain pick and roll could be utilized as a counter to the defensive tactics mentioned above by adding a third offensive player, who would target the screener’s defender (e.g. X5) with a back screen to free up the roll man (e.g. player 5).
In other words, if X5 executes a defensive hedge, then the back screen attempts to slow down or completely stop the recovery that occurs after the hedge action.
If X5 performs drop coverage, then the back screen gives the roller, player 5, an opportunity to continue the cut deep towards the basket as opposed to being contained by X5 prior to the completion of the roll.
Moreover, if X5 implements defensive switching, then X1 (or perhaps, another defender in this event of a three-man switch) would be the target of the back screen, which still gives player 5 an opportunity to roll deep towards the basket.
It should also be noted that Spain pick and roll action could possibly be more potent than it already is if a perimeter player such as a point guard, shooting guard, or small forward executes the back screen while a post player such as a power forward or center rolls to the basket.
That is to say, when a post player uses a screen that was set by a perimeter player, it causes switching to become an even greater challenge for the defensive team.
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What are examples of basketball plays that feature Spain pick and roll
Example 1
This is a very basic example of a quick hitting basketball play that features Spain pick and roll action, initiated from a 1-4 low alignment.
To start, 1 dribbles toward the right side wing via an on-ball screen set by 5. Following that, 5 rolls to the basket by way of a back screen set by 2. Afterwards, 5 could receive the ball from 1 and score at the rim via a layup or dunk.
Example 2 – Part 1
This is an example of a basketball play that demonstrates Spain pick and roll action, which seeks to produce several scoring options.
It is also based on insights derived from Great Pick and Roll Plays by Lason Perkins.
To start, 2 receives the ball from 1 near the right side wing and following that, 1 cuts to the basket via the back screen set by 5 near the high post area.
From there, 1 could receive the ball again from 2 and score by way of a layup if that is open. If 1 cannot receive the ball from 2, then 1 could continue to cut towards the left side low post block.
Example 2 – Part 2
Next, 3 could cut to the basket by way of a flex screen set by 1, receive the ball from 2, and score at the rim with a layup or dunk if that is open.
Also, immediately after the flex screen, 1 could cut back to the top via a down screen set by 5, which also completes screen the screener action.
Moreover, as a secondary scoring option, 1 could receive the ball from 2 and take the three-point jump shot if open.
Furthermore, if 1 receives the ball but an open jump shot is not available, then 3 could continue to cut through to the right side low post block while 4 fills the vacant left side corner area.
Example 2 – Part 3
After that, 1 could dribble towards the basket via the on-ball screen set by 5. Additionally, following the dribble penetration, 5 could roll to the basket and receive a back screen from 3.
Next, 5 could receive the ball from 1 and score around the rim with a layup, dunk, or low post move.
How to choose a vegetable net in a roll?
Polypropylene vegetable net is a convenient and practical solution for storing and transporting fruits and vegetables. It is a roll of polypropylene, in which there is a mesh made of a thin strong thread.
The product has several advantages over other types of packaging. Firstly, the packaging provides good ventilation, which allows you to keep food fresh for a long time. Secondly, it allows you to easily determine the contents of the package without opening it. Thirdly, the mesh protects vegetables and fruits from mechanical damage and helps to keep their shape.
Polypropylene vegetable net in a roll can be used both for home food storage and for transportation and sale in the market or in a store. It is easily cut to the desired size and can be used to pack various types of vegetables and fruits.
View our assortment and retail prices ↑
Types of nets for packing vegetables in a roll
Net for vegetables in a roll made of polypropylene is a convenient and practical solution for storing and transporting vegetables and fruits. But besides this, there are several types of grids that differ in color and purpose.
It can be made in different colors such as green, red, yellow, etc.
This mesh is used to pack different kinds of fruits and vegetables so that they can be easily distinguished from each other. For example, a green mesh can be used to wrap cucumbers and a red mesh can be used to wrap tomatoes.
In addition, there are nets with different thread densities. For example, a denser net is used for packing heavier vegetables such as potatoes or squash, while a less dense net is used for packing lighter vegetables such as onions or garlic.
The choice of net for vegetables on a roll depends on the purpose and type of products. But in any case, it is a reliable and practical package for storing and transporting fruits and vegetables.
Where to buy a vegetable net in a roll wholesale and retail?
If you are looking for a convenient and practical packaging for storing and transporting fruits and vegetables, then polypropylene roll packaging is what you need. But where can you buy it?
Nowadays, there are many stores that offer vegetable nets on a roll.
You can find them at farm equipment stores, grocery stores, and those that specialize in packing supplies. When choosing a store, pay attention to product quality, prices and delivery terms. Also be sure to check what types of nets are offered and what sizes are available.
If you want to buy wholesale nets for vegetables, it is better to contact manufacturers or large suppliers. They can offer you favorable conditions and discounts when buying a large number of goods. In any case, before buying nets for vegetables in a roll, study the market and choose a reliable supplier who will offer you a quality product at an affordable price. So you can get a convenient and practical packaging for your vegetables and fruits.
How to choose a mattress in a roll – article – Mattress Factory – Moscow
In furniture stores you can find mattresses of all kinds with any level of softness or firmness and in various sizes. Among sleeping accessories, mattresses folded in the form of rolls stand out.
In terms of performance and quality, twisted anatomical mattresses are not inferior to conventional products and are suitable for comfortable sleep, however, there are still some nuances. Today we’ll talk about what you need to pay attention to in order to choose a high-quality and comfortable mattress in the form of a roll.
Why are mattresses packed in rolls?
Most mattresses are dimensionally shaped so they are easy to store and transport. Rolled and rolled springless mattresses can be easily taken home on your own, they fit in the car and do not take up much space in the trunk. The mattress, which is in a roll, is covered with a vacuum shell and quickly takes its usual shape when unpacked. A roll-up mattress, similar to a roll, retains its performance characteristics, orthopedic qualities and functionality. Consider Mattress Dimax Practice Chip Roll 14.
The main difference between roll-up mattresses and ordinary ones is the filler. Twisted models are most often made of soft, but durable filler – natural and artificial latex, polyurethane foam fabric or a material with a “enveloping effect” – memoryform.
Mattresses made of materials with anatomical properties keep their shape well. They are durable, perfectly breathable, provide comfort during sleep and retain orthopedic properties. We offer you Mattress Promtex-Orient Roll Standart 14 Memory M.
Can spring mattresses with coconut coir be rolled up?
It is not uncommon for roll-up mattresses to have a load-bearing base. Under a strong vacuum press, all the air is pushed out, the springs of the block take a compressed form. The rolled spring mattress remains in this state until the moment of purchase and unpacking. Don’t worry, consumer performance will not be affected, and you will get the mattress you dreamed about. In the same way, models are folded in which there is a plate with coconut fibers. Flexible and resilient coconut can be rolled if the layer thickness does not exceed 2 cm. Consider Sontelle Libre Roll 12 keep Mattress and Dimax Optima Premium Foam Hard Mattress.
When buying orthopedic comfortable mattresses, in our case, rollable samples, you need to pay attention to:
Rigidity, as well as softness of products, depending on your wishes;
Guarantees provided by specific manufacturers;
Orthopedic characteristics of a certain model.
Choose a mattress that is comfortable and can be rolled up according to your preferences. It is necessary to determine in what conditions the quality of your sleep will be high. Many models are equipped with additional features (options), which also positively affect the quality of sleep. Modern mattresses often have a built-in ventilation system – aeration, a wide range of types of filling is provided.
Some models have built-in stiffness zones responsible for orthopedic support of various parts of the body. The more such zones a mattress is equipped with, the more comfortable it will be to sleep on it. We offer to consider Agreen Clean Torres Mattress.
How much weight can the folded models support?
Rolled mattresses are strong enough to withstand heavy loads. However, the service life of the models directly depends on the load. For example, if a person’s weight exceeds 120 kilograms, then the life of the mattress will decrease, and orthopedic support will not be as effective as the manufacturer claims.
We recommend Mattress DENWIR BEST FOAM S1000.
How to unpack the mattress?
Unpacking a rolled up mattress is easy:
It is necessary to lay out the rolled model on the bed;
Carefully remove the film so as not to damage the fabric;
Carefully unfold the roll and leave for a certain time.
If the unwrapped mattress doesn’t take shape right away, don’t panic. Many models need an average of several days to restore shape. This information is usually found on the product label.
When the mattress returns to its original shape, you can use it for its intended purpose.
As a rule, products can be kept on a roll without loss of functionality from one to three months. If the label indicates that the models can be twisted for no more than a month, then the countdown day starts from the date the product was twisted.
