NBA 2K27 Pick and Roll Combo Drill: Key Steps & Scoring

The NBA 2K27 Pick and Roll Combo Drill tests your ability to read the defense and execute a ball screen, then finish or pass out of the action. You control the ball handler while the CPU controls the screener and defenders, and you earn points for each successful possession. The drill is scored on a 0-100 scale based on your decision-making, timing, and shot quality, with bonus points for assists and high-percentage finishes.

Formula

The drill score is not a single formula but a composite of several in-game metrics. The core scoring components are:

• Shot quality (0-60 pts): Based on whether the shot is open, contested, or heavily contested. A wide-open dunk or layup scores highest.
• Decision-making (0-25 pts): Rewards correct reads — passing to the roll man when the defense drops, keeping the ball when the defense traps, or kicking out to the corner when the defense rotates.
• Execution (0-15 pts): Timing of the pass, the speed of the move, and whether you avoid a charge or travel.

There is no public formula, but the game evaluates each possession against a decision tree. For example, if the defender goes under the screen, the expected action is a pull-up three; if the defender switches, the expected action is to attack the mismatch. The score is a weighted sum of how often you make the “correct” play.

Worked Example

Assume you run the drill three times and get these scores: 82, 75, and 91. The average is (82 + 75 + 91) / 3 = 82.67, which rounds to 83. That is your drill score. The game uses a similar averaging over your attempts, but it also factors in consistency — a high variance (one 50 and one 95) may cap your final grade.

How the Drill Works

The drill places you at the top of the key with a screener (usually your center or power forward) and three defenders: the on-ball defender, the screener’s defender, and a weak-side helper. You have a limited number of possessions (typically 5 or 10) to score as many points as possible. Each possession starts with you calling for a screen, and the defense reacts in one of three ways:

• Drop coverage: The screener’s defender stays low, giving you space for a mid-range or three.
• Hedge: The screener’s defender jumps out to stop your drive, then recovers.
• Switch: The defenders swap assignments, leaving you with a bigger or slower defender.

Your job is to read the coverage and choose the right counter: shoot, drive, pass to the roll man, or kick out to the corner shooter. The drill ends when you run out of possessions, and your score is tallied.

Key Steps to Score High

1. Call the screen early — hold the screen button (typically L1 on PlayStation, LB on Xbox) about two steps before you reach the defender. This gives the screener time to set properly.
2. Read the coverage at the screen: Watch the screener’s defender. If he stays low (drop), you have space to shoot or drive. If he jumps out (hedge), you should attack the gap between him and the screener.
3. Use the right stick for dribble moves: A quick hesitation or behind-the-back move can freeze the defender, giving you a cleaner look.
4. Decide in under 2 seconds: The drill rewards quick decisions. Holding the ball too long results in a lower execution score.
5. Pass to the roll man when he’s open: If the screener’s defender stays with you, the roll man is usually open. Use the lob or bounce pass to hit him in stride.
6. Kick out to the corner when the defense collapses: If the weak-side helper rotates to the roll man, the corner shooter is open. A quick pass and catch-and-shoot earns bonus points.
7. Finish with a dunk or layup when possible: These are worth the most points in shot quality. A wide-open dunk is better than a contested three.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Most players lose points on three recurring errors:

• Holding the ball too long: The drill penalizes hesitation. If you don’t make a move within 2-3 seconds, the defense recovers and your shot quality drops.
• Forcing the pass to the roll man: If the defense drops, the roll man is often covered. Passing into traffic leads to turnovers and a zero for that possession.
• Shooting contested threes: A contested three is worth fewer points than a layup. If the defender is close, drive or pass instead.

To improve, watch the defense’s hips — if they are turned, you can drive; if they are squared up, you should shoot or pass. Also, use the screen’s direction: set the screen to your dominant hand to give yourself more options.

How to Choose Your Settings

Before the drill, you can adjust the difficulty (Rookie to Hall of Fame) and the defensive coverage (Auto, Drop, Hedge, Switch). For practice, start on Pro with Auto coverage to see all three defensive reactions. Once you master the reads, switch to Hall of Fame and set the coverage to Switch to force faster decisions. The drill does not have adjustable time limits, but you can change the number of possessions in the drill settings menu.

Comparing to Other Drills

The Pick and Roll Combo Drill is one of several skill drills in NBA 2K27. Unlike the Shooting Drill, which focuses purely on timing your release, this drill combines shooting, passing, and decision-making. It is closer to the 3-on-3 Scrimmage but with a narrower focus. The score you get here contributes to your player’s badge progression, particularly for playmaking and finishing badges. A score above 85 is considered excellent and will unlock bonus badge points.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good score in the Pick and Roll Combo Drill? A score of 80 or above is considered good, 90+ is excellent. Scores below 70 indicate you are forcing shots or missing reads. The game does not publish a percentile, but most players see improvement within a few attempts.

Does the drill affect MyCareer progression? Yes, drill scores contribute to badge progression. Higher scores give more badge points, which help unlock and upgrade playmaking and finishing badges. It also counts toward your teammate grade if you complete it during a practice session.

Can I use any player in the drill? The drill uses your MyPlayer or the player you select in the drill menu. You can choose a different player from your roster, but the scoring is based on that player’s attributes. A player with high passing and finishing will score higher on the same reads.

Why do I get a low score even when I make shots? The drill rewards shot quality, not just makes. A contested mid-range shot that goes in scores lower than a wide-open layup. Also, passing to the roll man when he is open is worth more than a self-created shot. Focus on the process, not just the result.

Is there a way to practice without the score? You can run the drill in a private practice mode, which does not record a score. This is useful for learning the reads without pressure. Go to the practice facility and select “Free Play” or “Drill Practice” from the menu.

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in t | Finish time | min | 50 | 0
in d | Distance | km | 10 | 0 | 100000
out pace | Average pace | min/km | t / d | 2
out speed | Average speed | km/h | d / (t / 60) | 2