Drop Coverage

Definition

In drop, the screener's defender retreats below the level of the screen, walling off the rim while the handler's defender fights over the screen to take away the pull-up three.

Why it matters

Drop is the league's most common pick-and-roll coverage because it eliminates the two most efficient shots — at the rim and behind the arc — and forces the offense into the least efficient shot, the mid-range two.

Examples

• Big drops to the dotted line, guard fights over, handler must pull from 15ft.
• Drop adjusted to deep drop vs. weaker pull-up shooters.

Practical application

• Match drop depth to the handler's shooting range.
• Coordinate with tag-down rotations on the roller.

Common mistakes

• Big jumping out too high and giving up the rim.
• Guard going under the screen against an elite shooter.