Made famous by John Stockton and Karl Malone, the pick-and-roll is one of the most compelling plays in basketball. The dynamic couple from Utah used the concept to perfection and achieved extraordinary results, including several trips to the NBA Finals. Among other accomplishments, Stockton became the NBA’s all-time assisting leader, while Malone retired as the second leading scorer in basketball history. The play was so devastating that opponents couldn’t stop it, even when they knew it was coming.

Players can learn a lot from Stockton and Malone and must pick-and-roll with modern megastars in NBA Live 09. For the first time, EA Sports has allowed users to control both parts of the game, making it a efficient game. weapon against any adversary. The following tips will help you perfect your pick-and-roll game, giving you the upper hand when you hit the ground.

First, it is important to understand the way the pick-and-roll works. The play begins with a ball handler guarded by a defender. The ball handler then dribbles towards a teammate, who establishes the ‘pick’ by getting in the way of the defender. This creates a difficulty for the defender as he is forced to choose between chasing the ball handler or switching to the blocker. In addition, whoever is defending the blocker must help protect the ball handler, creating a wealth of options for the offense. This creates another potential advantage: if the defense chooses to switch, the shorter defender will defend the gigantic man, while the slower forward will get stuck on fast guard.

While the pick-and-roll is valuable in many situations, it can be maximized with the right personnel. The ball handler must be fast and must be able to knock down the open jumper. If the defense does not respect the ball handler’s shot, it will block the lane and take away the preferred option of driving or dealing the big man. For example, Steve Nash and José Calderón are great at executing the play because both players can pass, drive, or shoot after the pick is established.

Big men have more range when it comes to executing the pick-and-roll efficiently. Ideally, they should be athletic with the facility to finish inside and fire mid-range jump shots. Nash and Calderon can be paired with Amare Stoudamire and Chris Bosh, respectively, forming a pair of the most dangerous tandems in the NBA. It is important to know the strengths of your giant man and direct traffic appropriately.

To perform the pick-and-roll in NBA Live 09, hold down the left trigger (360) or the L2 button (PS3) to request a pick from your gigantic man. This is most efficient when the defense is too aggressive with the ball handler and the giant man is left open. By holding the trigger longer, your teammate will set up the screen and roll towards the basket in a more conventional manner. This option works when the evaluator is a good shooter and should create very open opportunities.

Yes, it is just one play, but the pick-and-roll can be used to make countless simple cubes. With the right personnel and a little practice, you can hamper opponents and score when necessary. Use one of the simplest plays in basketball to become the king of the hardwood.