How to Execute the Pick and Roll in Men’s Lacrosse

The pick and roll is a highly effective offensive play in men’s lacrosse, designed to create mismatches, open lanes, and scoring opportunities. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to execute the pick and roll, broken down into clear instructions.

Setting the Pick

• Pick Placement: The offensive player without the ball (often a midfielder or attackman) sets a pick on the defender marking the ball handler. Positioning is key: the picker must stand in the defender’s path, forcing them to navigate around.

• Angle of the Pick: The pick should be set at an angle that makes it hard for the defender to avoid it. Ideally, the picker stands at a diagonal to the defender, making it difficult for them to follow the ball handler closely.

• No Moving Picks: The picker must be stationary when setting the pick to avoid a moving pick penalty. The ball handler should wait for the pick to be fully set before making their move.

Ball Carrier’s Move

• Driving into the Pick: The ball handler should drive their defender into the pick, using the picker’s body to create separation. The ball handler must dodge hard toward the pick to maximize its effectiveness.

• Reading the Defense: As the ball handler comes off the pick, they should read how the defense reacts:

• If the defense switches: Look for a mismatch or potential opening.

• If the defense hedges or stays: Look for a shot, pass, or lane to dodge.

The Roll

• Rolling to Space: After setting the pick, the picker should roll toward the goal or an open area. The roll allows the picker to slip behind the defense if their defender stays with the ball handler.

• Stick Placement: The picker should always have their stick up and ready to catch a pass. Keeping the stick in a position where they can quickly shoot or pass upon receiving the ball is crucial.

Key Advantages of the Pick and Roll

• Creating Mismatches: The pick and roll often forces the defense to switch, which can lead to favorable matchups for the offense (e.g., a long pole on a faster midfielder or a short stick on a skilled attackman).

• Forcing Quick Decisions: The defense must communicate and react quickly to either switch or cover the rolling player. Poor communication or a slow reaction often leads to open shooting or passing opportunities.

• Stretching the Defense: The pick and roll forces defenders to leave their original assignments and help on the ball handler or the roller, creating space for other offensive players to cut or receive a pass.

Tips for Executing the Pick and Roll

• Timing is Everything: The success of the pick and roll hinges on timing. The ball handler must wait for the pick to be fully set, and the picker must time their roll to create separation from the defense.

• Communication: If the ball handler and picker can communicate (whether verbally or through eye contact), it will ensure that both players are on the same page. This is especially important if the defense adjusts unexpectedly.

• Using Proper Angles: Both the ball handler and the picker must work to use the correct angles. The ball handler should aim to dodge toward the goal or shooting lane, while the picker should roll to a position where they can either receive a pass or drag their defender away.

Why the Pick and Roll Works in Men’s Lacrosse

• Defense Communication Breakdowns: If the defense fails to communicate properly during a pick and roll, the offense can quickly exploit gaps and mismatches.

• High Efficiency: The pick and roll often results in high-percentage shots because it forces the defense to rotate or switch, leaving attackers with open lanes or the opportunity to shoot in front of the goal.

By understanding these key elements, players can use the pick and roll to disrupt the defense and generate quality scoring opportunities in men’s lacrosse. The play requires patience, precise execution, and good communication, but when done right, it can be one of the most dangerous offensive strategies on the field.