Basketball Drills: Pick and Pop Series with Greg Stiemsma

Dr. Dish Basketball was fortunate to be joined by Former NBA Player, Greg Stiemsma, in the Dish Lab to demonstrate a few concepts and basketball drills that he learned while playing Division 1 basketball and in the NBA.

In this series, Greg demonstrates 3 different reads that result in a Pick and Pop action after a common wing ball screen.

Let's dive into each option!

Option 1: Basic Pick and Pop Action

If you have a player that can shoot (post or guard), a great way to get them open and put pressure on the defense is to make them into a screener. This is often overlooked as many people think that you need to screen FOR shooters to get open. Many times, the most open player on the court is the one that sets a solid screen. 

Greg explains the importance of setting a great screen and get an angle that allows the ball handler to get downhill. Once the offensive player attacks and draws the screener's defender, it allows the screen to pop out into open space using big long strides - in this situation it's towards the baseline. As Greg says, the biggest thing is to create separation.

When catching the pass, the number one option should be to take the shot. But, if the defender is able to close quick, it's important to be able to attack off the bounce or go right back into a DHO (dribble hand-off), or swing the ball back into the offense.

Option 2: Re-Screen into Pop Action

If the initial screen is not effective, many times the on-ball defender will be able to slide underneath and get back into a solid guarding position. In this case, it can be very difficult for the same defender and the screener's defender to immediately cover another ball screen going back the other way. 

Again, Greg stresses how important it is to set solid screens and how it will help to ultimately get the screener open down the road. With the re-screen, many times the screener's defender will have to give extra help on the ball handler which opens up the screener for an open pop action into a jumper around the elbow action.  

Option 3: Attacking the ICE Action

The ICE/Down/Blue defensive coverage is trickling down from the NBA and becoming more prevalent at all levels. Many times, the soft spot of this coverage involves the screener to pop in that elbow range for an open jumper or to put more pressure on the defense to rotate. 

All three of these drills and concepts are great options to work on with Dr. Dish shooting machines to increase reps for both the screener and the ball handler. As the game continues to evolve and spacing becomes more critical, these options are important to master. 

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Always remember to train hard, train smart, and train with a purpose!