Pick & Pop
Screen for the ball, then pop out for an open shot instead of rolling.
What this drill teaches
The screener as a scorer. By popping to space instead of rolling, the screener learns that a good screen earns THEM a shot — and the ball-handler learns to drag two defenders before giving it up.
In games: Stops ball-screen offence being one-dimensional — when defences sag to stop the roll, your team has the counter, and a shooting big becomes a genuine weapon.
- Real screen contact before the pop, not a drive-by
- Screener stepping out balanced, hands ready to shoot
- Ball-handler waiting until two defenders commit before passing back
U14: groove the timing with no defence — the pop often comes too early. U16: expect the pop to be a read against hedge or drop coverage, not a script.
Equipment
1 ball, 1 hoop
Setup
A ball-handler up top and a screener beside them who can shoot.
Steps
- 1Screener sets a solid on-ball screen.
- 2Ball-handler drives off it to draw both defenders.
- 3Screener pops back out to open space instead of rolling.
- 4Ball-handler passes back for the catch-and-shoot.
Coaching points
- Screener: make real contact, then step out with balance.
- Pop to a spot where you're ready to shoot.
- Ball-handler: draw two defenders before you pass.
Why kids love it
The counter to the roll — once a team can pick-and-pop, ball-screen defence becomes a guessing game.
Variations
No defence — groove the timing and the catch-and-shoot.
Defenders hedge the screen so the pop is truly open.
Tell the big to drop instead of hedging so the pop is wide open at the top.
Score two for a made pop shot and one for a rim finish so they hunt the pop.