Basketball players often use clever tactics to outplay the other team. But, what happens when a player forgoes running back on defense to stay near the opponent’s basket, waiting for an easy score?

This tactic, known as cherry picking in basketball, is as controversial as it is effective. Let’s explore this divisive basketball strategy that’s sparked debates from local courts to professional arenas.

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Key Takeaways

• Cherry picking in basketball is when a player stays near the opponent’s basket, skipping defense, to try for an easy score.
• While it can result in quick points, cherry-picking can leave the player’s team short on defense.
• Referred to as the “lazy man’s offense,” cherry-picking is often debated in terms of sportsmanship and fairness.

While I personally am not a fan of cherry picking, I can’t deny that sometimes it gives a team an edge. In this article, we’re going to look closely at cherry picking in basketball, including why players cherry pick, how it’s done, and why it’s a debated tactic.

Understanding Cherry Picking in Basketball

Cherry picking in basketball is when a player stays near the opponent’s basket instead of moving back to defend their own. They do this to get an easy opportunity to score once their team gets the ball.

It’s a simple yet strategic move to grab an easy field goal.

History of Cherry Picking

The term ‘cherry picking’ didn’t start in basketball. It comes from ‘cherry picking’ from cherry farming, where the easiest cherries to reach are picked first. In basketball, it describes a similar idea: players taking the easiest chances to score.

Cherry picking was more common in basketball. The game was less organized then, and players would use any method they could to score.

As basketball developed into a more structured sport, cherry picking became less common. Nowadays, it’s more often seen in informal games rather than professional matches. Still, some players use this tactic, mainly to gain a fast advantage in the game.

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The Strategy and Execution of Cherry Picking

The goal of cherry picking is to position yourself all alone on the offensive side of the court so you can catch a pass all alone once your team gets possession and get an easy score.

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Cherry picking in basketball is mainly done in two ways: Camping out and bolting.

Camping Out

Camping out is when a player stays near the opponent’s basket after an offensive ball position. They don’t join their team in defending their basket.

Instead, they wait for a teammate to pass the ball to them for an easy score. This method relies on the player’s ability to remain unnoticed by the opposing team and the accuracy of their team’s long passes.

Bolting

Bolting is slightly different. Here, a player starts on defense but, instead of actively defending, quickly runs (bolts) toward the opponent’s basket when it seems their team will regain the ball.

This method requires timing, speed, and some luck. The player must judge the right moment to leave their defensive position and sprint to the other end of the court, hoping to receive a pass in a fast break situation for an easy basket.

Pros and Cons of Cherry Picking

Cherry picking in basketball is smart but comes with downsides, which is why it’s not very common. Both camping out and bolting have their good and bad points.

Advantages of Cherry Picking:

1. Easy Scoring Opportunity: The biggest plus is the chance for easy scores. A cherry picker can surprise the defense and score easily.
2. Psychological Edge: This tactic can make the other team nervous, always keeping an eye on the cherry picker.
3. Energy Saving: Cherry pickers save energy by not running back to defend. This can help in games that move very fast.

Disadvantages and Criticisms:

1. Weaker Defense: The main problem is weaker defense. If a player doesn’t help defend, their team is short-handed.
2. Becoming Predictable: If used too much as a tactical advantage, the other team might expect it and come up with ways to stop it.
3. Sportsmanship Questions: Some think cherry picking is lazy or not in the spirit of the game, like taking a shortcut instead of playing the whole game.
4. Impact on Team Dynamics: Constant cherry picking can disrupt team dynamics. It may lead to imbalance on the court and can affect the team’s strategies.

Cherry picking can be useful for quick points, but it also makes the team less strong in defense and is sometimes seen as not the best way to play.

Cherry Picking in Professional Basketball

Most of the cherry picking in basketball takes place in recreational leagues and on amateur courts like gyms and parks. It’s not common in college basketball or professional basketball leagues like the NBA and WNBA, but it does happen.

In professional leagues, cherry picking is a risky move because opponents are good enough to make you pay for trying it. Leaving one player near the opponent’s basket can be a big risk. However, there have been instances where players like the NBA’s LeBron James and the WNBA’s Diana Taurasi have used this tactic successfully.

Most often, the instances of cherry picking in the NBA or WNBA happen after a player is slow to get back on defense because they’ve fallen during their team’s offensive possession or are staying back to argue a no-call with a referee.

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Tactics to Counter Cherry Picking

Cherry picking usually doesn’t work well as an offensive play in college or professional basketball. Teams that are well-coached and organized will quickly adjust to stop it.

Primarily, teams will take advantage of their player numbers. If a player is cherry picking, it means their team is temporarily short-handed on defense. Good teams will adapt their offense to exploit this by attacking where they’re weak.

Here are other practical defensive tactics teams use to defend against cherry pickers:

• Stay Alert: Defenders keep an eye on where all opposing players are, especially if one seems to be hanging back for cherry picking.
• Assign a Defender: If a player keeps cherry picking and it’s working, the team might put a defender on them or shift their safety further back so they’re ready to guard them. This stops the cherry picker from being free to score.
• Quick Transition: A team can switch from offense to defense quickly. Fast reactions can prevent cherry pickers from getting easy opportunities.
• Communicate: Teammates talk to each other, calling out when they see someone trying to cherry pick.
• Pressure the Ball Handler: If the opposing team’s ball handler is under pressure, it’s harder for them to pass to the cherry picker.

By being aware and changing their game plan, teams can counter cherry picking.

Ethical and Sportsmanship Considerations

Coaches, players, and fans mostly view cherry picking as a shortcut that goes against the hardworking nature of basketball. Players who do it are often called out by others, just as is the case with players who are always flopping in basketball.

One such example is former NBA star Gilbert Arenas, who recently criticized NBA rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama (“Wemby”). This quote suggests that he thinks that cherry pickers, which in his mind includes Wembanyama, one of the tallest NBA players today, are taking a shortcut when they camp out or bolt.

And LeBron James once joked about using cherry picking as a strategy for rest since he’s now the oldest NBA player. This shows that he views cherry picking as a lazy player tactic.

FAQs

Why is it called cherry-picking in basketball?

Cherry picking in basketball is named after the way people pick cherries – choosing the easiest ones to reach. In basketball, it refers to a player taking the easiest scoring opportunities without playing defense.

Is it illegal to cherry pick in basketball?

No, cherry picking is not illegal in basketball. There are no specific rules against it. However, it’s generally not favored in professional play due to its impact on team strategy and sportsmanship.

Is cherry picking bad practice?

People have different opinions on whether cherry picking is a bad practice. Some see it as a smart tactic to score easily, while others view it as going against teamwork and fair play. It’s not common used and often seen as unsportsmanlike in professional basketball.

Is there an NBA rule preventing cherry picking?

There is no specific NBA rule that prevents cherry picking. However, due to the fast-paced and team-oriented nature of NBA games, cherry picking is not a common strategy at this level.

Related:

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• A Guide to Traveling in Basketball

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