subject: Score inside and outside with the pick-and-roll in NBA Live 09 [print this page] Made famous by John Stockton and Karl Malone, the pick-and-roll is one of the most unstoppable plays in basketball. Utah's dynamic couple utilized the concept to perfection and achieved extraordinary results, including multiple journeys to the NBA finals. Among other achievements, Stockton became the NBA's all time assists leader, while Malone retired as the second-leading scorer in basketball history. The play was so devastating that opponents were powerless to stop it, even when they knew it was coming.
game-players can learn much from Stockton and Malone and should use the pick-and-roll with modern day megastars in NBA Live 09. For the 1st time, EA Sports has permitted users to control both parts of the play, making it an effective weapon against any opponent. The following tips will help you perfect the pick-and-roll game, giving you the upper hand when you take to the floor.
First, it is important to understand the way the pick-and-roll works. The play starts with a ballhandler being guarded by a defender. Next, the ballhandler dribbles towards a colleague, who sets the'pick' by standing in the way of the defender. This creates a problem for the defender, as he's compelled to select between chasing the ballhandler or switching onto the screener. Also whoever is defending the screener must help guard the ballhandler, creating masses of options for the offence. If the first defender tries to stick with the ballhandler, the screener can'roll' towards either the basket or the three-point line, to get a potential pass. If the defender instead switches onto the screening colleague, the ballhandler should be open for an uncontested shot.
The pick-and-roll is usually run by a short guard ( the ballhandler ) and a tall forward or center ( the screener ). This creates another potential advantage - If the defence chooses to switch, the shorter defender will then be protecting the big man, while the slower forward will be stuck on the speedy guard. These mismatches will continually lead to simple baskets.
While the pick-and-roll is useful in many situations, it can be maximised using the right staff. The ballhandler should be quick and must be ready to knock down the open jumper. If the defence doesn't respect the ballhandler's shot, they can block the lane and take away the preferred option of driving or dishing to the big man. For instance, Steve Nash and Jose Calderon are fantastic at running the play because both players can pass, drive or shoot after the pick is set.
massive men have more of a range when it comes to running the pick-and-roll efficiently. Ideally, they deserve to be athletic with the ability to finish within and shoot midrange jumpers. While this allows for options, most power forwards and centers, like Dwight Howard, prefer to play within, while some, like Andrea Bargnani, like the three-point line. Nash and Calderon can be paired with Amare Stoudamire and Chris Bosh, respectively, forming a couple of the most dangerous tandems in NBA. Both Stoudamire and Bosh can finish inside and hit jumpers outside, meaning defenders will be off-balance each time. It is important to be aware of your big man's strengths and direct traffic appropriately.
To run the pick-and-roll in NBA Live 09, press and hold the left trigger ( 360 ) or L2 button ( PS3 ) to call for a pick from your gigantic man. At about that point, you have three options : If you release the trigger early, your colleague will fake the screen and slip to the basket for a pass. This is best when the defence is overaggressive on the ballhandler and the big man is left open. By holding the trigger longer, your colleague will set the screen and roll to the basket more normally. This is best when you have a great within finisher to get the pass and score over the mismatch. Eventually, holding the trigger even longer will cause your colleague to roll to the fringe for an open shot. This option works when your screener is a good shooter, and it should create totally open opportunities.
Yes, it's just one play, but the pick-and-roll can be employed to create countless simple buckets. With the right staff and a little bit of practice, you can hinder NBA 09 game opponents and score when required. Use one of the most simple plays in basketball to become king of the hardwood.
