Use these tips to learn the pick-and-roll in NBA Live 09

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 multiple trips to the NBA Finals. Among other accomplishments, 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 the 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 an efficient weapon against any adversary. The following tips will help you perfect your pick-and-roll game, giving you the advantage when you take the court.

First, it’s important to understand how pick-and-roll works. The game begins with a ball handler being protected by a defender. The ball handler then dribbles to a teammate, who sets up the pick by getting in the defender’s way. This creates a difficulty for the defender, as he is forced to choose between chasing down the ball handler or switching to the blocker. Additionally, whoever is defending the blocker must help protect the ball handler, creating a multitude of options for the offense. This creates another potential advantage: if the defense chooses to switch, the shorter defender will defend the giant man, while the slower forward will get stuck on quick guard.

While pick-and-roll is valuable in many situations, it can be maximized with the right staff. The ball handler must be quick and must be able to take down the open jumper. If the defense disrespects the ball handler’s shot, it will block the lane and take away the preferred option of driving or shooting the big man. For example, Steve Nash and José Calderón are great for running the play because both players can pass, drive, or shoot after the pick is established.

The big men have more range when it comes to executing the pick-and-roll efficiently. Ideally, they should be athletic with the ability to finish inside and shoot midrange jumpers. Nash and Calderon can be paired with Amare Stoudamire and Chris Bosh, respectively, making a pair of the most dangerous tandems in the NBA. It’s important to be aware of your giant man’s strengths and direct traffic appropriately.

To run 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 giant man. This is most efficient when the defense is too aggressive with the ball handler and the big man is left open. By holding the trigger longer, your teammate will set up the screen and roll to the basket more conventionally. This option works when your screener is a good shooter and should create open chances.

Yes, it’s just one play, but the pick-and-roll can be employed to make countless simple cubes. With the right staff and a bit of practice, you can hinder opponents and score when necessary. Use one of the simplest plays in basketball to become the king of the court.