Kings 1-4 High Pick and Roll Play

One of the key plays in the first half of the Kings surprising win over the Jazz was a couple of scores by Mikki Moore of the Kings to close out the half and stay within striking distance of the Jazz. I've highlighted one of the plays, it's just a simple 1-4 high pick and roll but it's how the defense breaks down that makes it such a great play. If you've read this blog for any length of time, you'll know that I like the 1-4 high set, like this one from Michigan State. It just opens up the basket underneath for a bunch of backdoor plays that go for open layups like this one tonight. Watch the video and read my thoughts below,



1-4 High Pick and Roll:

Have your 2 forwards start at the elbows, your off-guard and shooting guard free-throw line extended to start.

O4, Mikki Moore comes up to set the pick for O1. Now what you'll notice in the clip is that X4 over-commits, attempts to trap the ball-screen. O1 decides not to use the screen and drives hard to the right side instead. O3 has cleared to the corner for spacing. O4 rolls to the net right away after the ball-screen.

Easy Score:

From here, it's an easy score. Since X4 is caught way out of position, the only defender in the vicinity of Mikki Moore is X5 but help side and not really in position to defend.

The lob goes into O4, Mikki Moore who finishes easily underneath the basket.

The 1-4 high set is just a really versatile set to use. If you have some good shooters, you can really take advantage of the corners for 3 pointers. Plus once any of your forwards gets the ball at the elbow, it's 1-on-1 to the basket with no help defense really. I'm surprised I don't see that much of it at the high school level.

If your interested in any high-post offenses or the like, take a look at Geno Auriemma's DVD on the high-post offense. Don't forget to check out the X's and O's Basketball Forum to discuss this and any of your favorite basketball topics..