Interesting Pick and Roll Sets

Photo Courtesy of mshsl.org

Introduction
The following are two pick and roll sets that I've seen this year playing or scouting. I'm not a big pick and roll guy, but I like the fact that these two sets have a little bit of a misdirection flavor  built into them.

Warrior Circle
The first play comes from playing Henry Sibley High School, one of our conference rivals. Coach James ran this play against us for a big basket late in the game and it caught us off guard. I thought it was really slick and a great call by Coach James of Henry Sibley. It looks like they are looking for a backcut or a drive off the PnR, but what they are really looking for is the backside wing circling over the top of the screen for a three. He ends up wide open because everyone is so worried about the pick and roll action.

The play starts in a 1-4 high. The post opposite the shooter (5) pops and sets the screen and roll. The guard (1) comes off the screen hard and dribbles at the wing (3) if he can't turn the corner. The wing (3) backcuts and fills to the opposite side. As the pick and roll is happening the other post 4, starts to follow the ball and then sets a screen away for the shooter (2) to come off to the top of the key for the pitch back and the shot.



Polar High-Low
I saw this set on a scouting report for our conference opponent North St. Paul. The Polars are struggling a little bit so far this year but Coach Janquart is doing a great job. He didn't run this set against us, but I think it's pretty basic yet effective - which I am a big fan of. It's a great play to use if you want to go inside to a player.  

The set starts with a 3-2 set with the point (1) starting slightly opposite the side of the stud post (5). The stud post (5) pops up and sets the ball screen. The wing (3), sinks to the corner as the point (1) comes off the pick and roll. As the point (1) comes off the ball screen, the opposite post (4) pops up to the elbow, receives the ball, and goes inside to the rolling post (5).

This set is hard to guard because if you deny the roll you are setting yourself up to get sealed by the roller for an easy basket.

Conclusion
Neither of these plays are complicated or high tech, but they are simple and effective. Would be great quick hitters to put in your back pocket for an end of game situation.