Lionel Hollins: The Encyclopedia of Running & Defending the Pick & Roll

• The PNR has and continues to be a staple play for NBA teams since the league began. 
• When a PNR is run properly your team is guaranteed to get a good shot.
• Able to run various types of PNR sets from various spots, involving various numbers of players being involved in the initial screening action

Coach Lionel Hollins has been a part of the NBA either as a player or coach since 1975. During that time, he has been coached by or has coached with some of the all-time NBA legends. These experiences are evident in this video with the numerous versions of the PNR shown. Coach Hollins demonstrates that where the PNR is run will determine what options you will have. Coach provides not only the options but the counters for each PNR action.

Offensive Pick & Roll Actions/Sets

In this segment 13 variations are presented. These sets can utilize dribble hands off, double screens, ghost screens, and back screens. Common spots on the floor these sets are run from are the elbows, top of the 3-point line, and of course the wing. Where you run it from may determine how the defense needs to guard it and therefore who should be getting a shot. Double Stack Drag is an excellent set for getting the big shot or Regular Stack to get a great shot for the shooter or a lob for the big based on how the defense responds to the initial screen. Three Side is a set used to prevent the defense from bringing help. Coach Hollins believes "V" is the toughest of the actions/sets to defend if you have a good passing guard. Coach explains through each set  - such as: what to do if the defense switches everything or how to deal with teams that use drop coverage. At the end of the game Target is a great PNR to run to ensure your best player has the other team's weakest defender guarding them. 

Guarding the Pick and Roll

Since the PNR is so common it is important not only for your team to be able to run it, but they should know how to try to defend it or make it more difficult. In this segment Coach Hollins explains situations where the player guarding the ball must position themselves, how to chase hard off a screen, and the technique of the rear contest. For the defender guarding the screener he explains ways they need to show, how to stunt, and when an X switch may be needed. If you are forced to switch, he demonstrates how to do a Veer Switch which allows the original defender to get back to the ball handler they were originally guarding when the pick and roll started. 

How to Defeat a Team That Always Switches

As a terrific bonus segment Coach Hollins shows how the Denver Nuggets made the Miami Heat pay for switching on every screen!

This is an excellent video that provides not only several different types of PNRs your team can run but also adds depth to each type allowing you to teach your team how to counter any defensive action. 

The best part is how easy it is to add whatever one you want based on the players you have. This is easily one of the best videos for coaches that value what the PNR brings to the game! 

62 minutes.  2024.