The Pick and Roll Spacings Every Coach Needs to Know

If you were to search for pick and roll spacings, the internet would give you a myriad of different spacings. We wanted to keep this blog simple and present four of the most common spacings in the modern game.

Why Clinical Spacing Matters in the Pick-and-Roll

✅ Creates driving lanes for the ball handler
✅ Forces defenders into tough decisions (e.g. to tag or stay home)
✅ Opens up easier passing angles into the roller
✅ Provides clarity for cutting and re-spacing concepts

Transforming Terminology for Pick and Roll Spacings

1. Rub Spacing: a pick and roll set in the middle with the ball going towards the single side, away from the two-person side.

2. Side Spacing: A pick and roll set on the side with the ball handler going towards the two person side, and away from the single side. A drag is an example of a pick and roll in side spacing.

3. Clear Spacing: a side pick and roll but with the strong side corner emptied and three players on the weak side. The pick should be set lower on clear spacings to stretch out the last defender on the loaded side, making them shift over to cover the roll threat as well as making it easier for the handler to turn the corner without meeting a stunt defender.

4. Angle Spacing: a pick and roll set on the side with the ball handler going towards the corner. An example of angle spacing is a step-up, or a drag screen where the screener flips the screen.

Rub Spacing:

Side Spacing:

Clear Spacing:

Angle Spacing:

In a future blog, we will go into detail as to why naming your pick and roll spacings is so critical if you want your team to make use of effective coverage solutions.

Want to see how to teach all these coverage solutions in the most effective way possible? Be sure to check out our course on the “pick and roll offense.” This is the world’s most comprehensive course for developing these coverage solutions with your team: https://transformingbball.com/course-the-pick-and-roll-offense.