Has the pick and roll technique changed over the last 20 years? I was always taught to pick and open up to the ball. Now as I watch college and pro basketball, it appears that most screeners roll the other way. They lose sight of the ball momentarily. Is there a right way to teach the pick and roll to young players?
Thanks!
Tom

I taught open to the ball also ... here are 2 links that shows that way too..

http://www.coachesclipboard.net/PickandRoll.html Go down to the video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwT15tI3H70

Depends on the picker and how the defense plays it. If the screener is a great shooter, they might be better off popping for the outside shot.

I've noticed the exact same thing. I think the "new" way to run the pick and roll might be a tad bit quicker to get to the basket and that is the reasoning. However, these are higher level players so their reasoning could be based on the speed and skill set at the higher levels. I really don't know.

I still teach to reverse pivot and open up to the ball. If they switch, try to keep the defender on your back and roll to the basket.

However, I deal mostly with youth and high school players.

And here are some pick and roll tips on execution:

http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/fundamentals/pick-and-roll.html

I dealt with high school playes too Joe.... and as I think more about this, Just maybe in todays game its all about what is the best way of keeping the defender on your back....we see more post players slipping the screen because of the early help.

Yeah. I teach the slip as well. I tell the screener if they see the defender in the corner of their eye on the high side as they are moving to set the screen, a slip is probably the best read.

We get smarter all the time Joe. :-)