Contain. Communicate. Compete. The pick-and-roll is the most commonly used action in basketball at every level—from middle school to the NBA. It’s simple, effective, and designed to create mismatch opportunities or break down defensive structure. So if you want to build a great defense, you have to start with how you guard the pick-and-roll. Whether you’re coaching a youth team or prepping for a playoff run, here’s how to defend the pick-and-roll like the pros—with clarity, toughness, and team execution.

Create space. Create advantage. Create buckets. If you want to unlock your offense in today’s game, it starts with one word: spacing. Spacing is more than just where your players stand—it’s how you stretch the defense, create driving lanes, and allow your team to play with flow and freedom. Whether you’re coaching at the youth level or at the varsity or college level, understanding the science of spacing can elevate your team’s efficiency and basketball IQ.

Watch it. Teach it. Rep it. Great teams don’t just play the game—they study it. Incorporating film into your basketball practices is one of the most powerful ways to teach, correct, and grow. When done right, film sessions turn into real-time learning experiences that connect directly to on-court improvement. But here’s the key: Film study should be intentional, focused, and actionable. Let’s break down how to bring it into your practices effectively—without boring your players or wasting time.