Mastering the Basketball Relay Pass: Breaking Down Aggressive Defenses

The relay pass is becoming an increasingly important weapon in modern basketball’s pick and roll offense. This guide explains what a relay pass is, when to use it, and why it’s particularly effective against aggressive defensive coverages.

What is a Relay pass? 

When can we use the relay? What defensive coverage could trigger the relay solution? Why is the relay an effective coverage solution vs teams with a heavy MIG?

A relay pass is an offensive solution used against aggressive defensive coverage in basketball. In a side pick and roll situation, the ball handler makes a pass ahead to a teammate positioned in the opposite 45-degree angle or slot area. As the picker slips to the basket the pass is “relayed” in, as seen below.

Why Use the Relay Pass?

This offensive strategy offers several key advantages:

1. This is a much easier pass to make vs trying to make a pocket pass while being heavily guarded. 
2. It removes the MIG, lowest defender, in this case Malcolm, out of the paint. Observe how he sprints to guard Ntilikina once the first pass is made out of the PnR.

The relay pass is most effective against aggressive defensive coverages, including:

• Switching defenses
• Show coverages
• Trap situations

Important Note: The relay pass is not effective against conservative defensive schemes like drop coverage. This is because in drop coverage, the defensive big man stays back to protect against both the ball handler and roller, eliminating the advantage that the relay pass aims to create.

Advanced Applications: Clear Pick and Roll

The relay pass can be particularly effective in “Clear” pick and roll situations, where three offensive players position themselves on the weak side while the ball is driven middle from the pick and roll action.

Key Execution Points

• The dunker lifts to become a passing target
• This creates a 2-on-1 advantage until the screen defender recovers
• Quick decision-making is crucial for exploiting the defensive disadvantage

Additional Considerations

For middle pick and roll situations, the relay pass is executed differently – the ball should be relayed BEHIND rather than ahead as in side pick and roll scenarios.

Practice Tips

To effectively implement the relay pass in your offense:

• Practice with different defensive coverages
• Work on timing between the initial pass and the relay
• Emphasize quick decision-making from all players involved
• Ensure proper spacing to maximize the advantage

Is the Relay Pass Your Missing Offensive Tool?

The relay pass might seem like a simple concept, but its strategic implementation can transform your pick and roll offense. Against the right defensive coverage, it creates advantages that more direct passing options can’t match. Is your team ready to add this weapon to its offensive arsenal?