How to Read a Pick-and-Roll in 3 Seconds

The one question

When the ball-handler comes off the screen, where is the big?

• At the level of the screen → hedge
• Below the screen, in the paint → drop
• Above the screen, with the on-ball defender → blitz / trap
• On the ball-handler's hip, picked up immediately → switch

What each one gives up

• Drop gives up the pull-up. Counter: shoot it.
• Hedge gives up the short-roll. Counter: pocket pass to the roller.
• Blitz gives up the 4-on-3 behind it. Counter: hit the open man on the weak side.
• Switch gives up the mismatch. Counter: attack whichever mismatch you got.