Tactics & play
Pick-and-roll
A two-player basketball move where one player sets a screen for a teammate with the ball, then cuts toward the basket.
Tactics & play
Definition
In a pick-and-roll, one player stands still to block, or "pick", a defender so that a teammate holding the ball can get free. Immediately after setting the screen, that player "rolls" toward the basket to receive a return pass.
It is one of the most common set plays in basketball because it forces defenders to make a quick decision: stay with the ball-handler or follow the rolling player. Good spacing and timing between the two players are what make it effective.
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Skills
- DribblingThe skill of moving with the ball under close control to beat opponents or keep possession.
- ShootingThe skill of striking or releasing the ball toward the goal or basket to score.
- ServingThe skill of putting the ball or shuttle into play to start a point or rally.
- SettingThe volleyball skill of accurately placing the ball for a teammate to attack.
- ReboundingThe basketball skill of gaining the ball after a missed shot.
Tactics
- Pick and rollA two-player basketball action where one player screens for the ball-handler, then rolls to the basket.
- Fast breakPushing the ball up court at speed after a turnover or rebound to score before the defence sets up.
- Zone defenceA defensive system where each player guards an area of the court rather than a specific opponent.
- High pressA football tactic where a team hunts the ball high up the pitch to win it back close to the opponent’s goal.
- Serve and volleyAn attacking tennis tactic where the server follows their serve to the net to finish the point with a volley.
Positions
- Point guardThe point guard is basketball’s primary ball-handler and playmaker, running the offence and setting up teammates to score.
- CenterThe center is usually the tallest player on a basketball team, playing near the basket to score inside, rebound, and protect the rim.
- Shooting guardThe shooting guard is a perimeter player whose main role is to score, especially from mid-range and beyond the three-point line.
- Power forwardThe power forward plays near the basket in basketball, using strength to rebound, score inside, and defend the paint.
- GoalkeeperThe goalkeeper is the last line of defence in football and the only player allowed to handle the ball inside their own penalty area.
Scoring systems
- Basketball scoringBasketball is scored by shooting the ball through the hoop, with baskets worth one, two or three points depending on where the shot is taken.
- Tennis scoringTennis is scored in points, games and sets, using the distinctive 15–30–40 point sequence and a win-by-two margin at every level.
Rules
- Double dribbleA basketball violation for dribbling with two hands at once, or for dribbling again after picking up the ball.
- GoaltendingA basketball violation for interfering with a shot while the ball is on its downward path to the basket or above the rim.
- TravelingA basketball violation for moving illegally with the ball without dribbling it.
- Out of boundsThe rule that a ball or player leaving the marked playing area is out of play and possession is decided at the boundary.
- Handball offenceA foul in football committed when an outfield player deliberately handles or controls the ball with the hand or arm.
Equipment
- BasketballA large, inflated ball with a dimpled surface used to play basketball.
- Football (soccer ball)A round, inflated ball used to play association football and futsal.
- Tennis racquetA strung frame with a handle used to hit the ball in tennis.
- Pickleball paddleA solid, flat paddle used to hit the perforated plastic ball in pickleball.
- Cricket batA flat-fronted wooden bat used by batters to hit the ball in cricket.