Understanding the Pick and Roll in Women’s Lacrosse

The pick and roll is a versatile and effective offensive play in women’s lacrosse, just like it is in basketball. It leverages teamwork to create space and opportunities for attackers to break through defensive setups, either by forcing switches or by confusing the defense.

How the Pick and Roll Works in Women’s Lacrosse

1. Setting the Pick:

• One offensive player sets a pick by positioning themselves in the path of a defender who is marking a teammate. The goal is to block or slow down the defender without making contact (to avoid a foul), allowing the teammate to gain a step.

• Unlike in basketball, where physical contact is allowed, the pick in lacrosse is more about positioning. It requires timing and precise placement to avoid penalties.

2. Ball Carrier’s Move:

• The ball carrier (usually a midfielder or attacker) uses the pick to create separation from their defender. By driving off the pick, the ball handler can either dodge to the goal or create enough space to pass.

• This move forces the defense to react, potentially leaving the picker open or allowing the ball carrier to take advantage of the separation.

3. The Roll:

• After setting the pick, the picker immediately rolls (cuts) toward the goal. This action aims to create an open lane for a pass from the ball carrier, potentially leading to a quick scoring opportunity.

• The roll is particularly effective because the defender is often caught trailing, unable to recover quickly.

Key Advantages of the Pick and Roll in Women’s Lacrosse

• Creates Defensive Mismatches: Similar to basketball, the pick and roll can confuse defenders and create mismatches, especially when executed against teams that struggle with quick communication. This can force defenders to switch, often leading to favorable matchups for the offense.

• Multiple Scoring Opportunities: The pick and roll provides the offense with several options:

• The ball carrier can take a shot if they get past the screen cleanly.

• The picker, after rolling, can be open for a quick pass and shot.

• The rest of the offense can benefit from the space created by the play, making it easier for cutters to move into scoring positions.

• Improves Spacing: By forcing defenders to move and adjust, the pick and roll naturally spreads the defense. This creates gaps in the defense that other players can exploit by cutting through the middle or positioning for outside shots.

Execution Tips for Women’s Lacrosse

• Perfect Timing: The success of the pick and roll relies on perfect timing between the ball carrier and the picker. If the pick is set too early or late, the defense will easily adjust, and the opportunity will be missed. Both players need to communicate and move in sync to create optimal separation.

• Angles Matter: Setting the pick at the right angle is crucial. The picker must position themselves in a way that forces the defender to take a longer route around, giving the ball carrier an opportunity to either shoot or pass. This is especially true in lacrosse, where physical contact is limited, and space must be created with smart movement rather than brute force.

• Ball Carrier Decision Making: The ball carrier must be prepared to read the defense. If the defense switches, they need to identify whether they can exploit the new matchup or if the picker’s defender is out of position. Quick decision-making is key to capitalizing on the defense’s reaction.

• Defensive Countermeasures: Teams that face a well-executed pick and roll must be prepared to communicate effectively and switch or hedge quickly. Defenders need to be alert to avoid being caught in poor positioning, as the offensive players will aim to take advantage of any momentary lapses.

Why the Pick and Roll Works So Well in Women’s Lacrosse

• Player Skill Development: In women’s lacrosse, players are often highly skilled at both passing and shooting. The pick and roll play leverages these skills, providing opportunities for quick passes, fast dodges, and clean shots on goal.

• Tactical Advantage: Many teams, particularly at younger levels, struggle with defensive communication when facing screens. By employing the pick and roll, offenses can take advantage of this weakness, creating easy scoring opportunities through confusion and miscommunication on the defensive end.

The pick and roll remains one of the most powerful tools in lacrosse. It not only creates opportunities for the player with the ball but also for other teammates as the defense scrambles to adjust