| Basic Shifts | vs Even Front | vs Odd Front | Chaser |
The most commonly used combination defense is the "Box and One." In this particular defense four defensive players play a box zone guarding areas while one player (the "Chaser") assumes an aggressive, full out pass denial position, and does not allow their opponent to receive a pass or grab a rebound. The chaser's sole responsibility is to deny their opponent the ball. The baseline defenders X4 and X5 movements are basically the same as 1-2-2 zone while the outside defenders X1 and X2 shifts are the same as a 2-3 zone.
Basic Shifts
Baseline 1-2-2 Zone Shifting
Outside 2-3 Zone Shifting
Basic 1-2-2 Zone Baseline Shifts
Ball in Corner
X5 on ball and X4 covers low post areaBasic 1-2-2 Zone
Baseline Shifts
Ball in Corner
X4 on ball and X5 covers low post area
Ball on Wing
X5 half way out and X4 in front of basket
Ball Out Front
X4 and X5 assume home positions above the blocks
Ball on Wing
X4 half way out and X5 in front of basket
Basic 2-3 Zone Outside Shifts
Ball in Corner
X2 denies return pass and X1 covers "Elbow" areaBasic 2-3 Zone
Outside Shifts
Ball in Corner
X1 denies return pass and X2 covers "Elbow" area
Ball on Wing
X2 on ball and X1 covers "Elbow" area
Ball Out Front
X1 or X2 takes ball forcing ball away from chaser's side
Ball on Wing
X1 on ball and X2 covers "Elbow" area
vs. an Even Front Offense
As X3 assumes a strong pass denial position against the opponent's star player, the on Ball defender X1 pushes the ball handler to the opposite side of the court. On the pass from O1 to O2, defender X2 moves out forcing O2 toward sideline push point. X4 and X5 slide over while X1 drops back to free throw line.
On the pass from O2 to O4 in corner, X5 assumes an on ball position pushing O4 to baseline push point. X4 moves over to block protecting the low post area. X1 drops down to take O5 while X2 drops back to the elbow. Chaser X3 maintains a strong pass denial position on O3.
On the skip pass back out to the open player O1, X1 closes out forcing O1 to opposite sideline. X4 and X5 return to their starting positions and X2 remains at the elbow ready to close out to O2. Chaser X3 maintains a strong pass denial position against O3.
Any time the chaser's opponent does receive the ball, the chaser has strong support from both sides against dribble penetration.
vs. an Odd Front Offense
Defender X1 Pushes the ball handler towards the opposite side of the court away from the star player as X3 assumes a strong pass denial position against X3. On the pass from O1 to O2, defender X2 moves out forcing O2 toward a sideline push point. X4 and X5 slide over while X1 drops back to free throw line against high post O4.
On the pass from O2 to O5 in corner, X5 assumes an on ball position pushing O5 to baseline push point. X4 moves over to block protecting the low post area. X1 drops down anticipating a weakside rebound while X2 sags back to elbow. Chaser X3 maintains a strong pass denial position on O3.
On the skip pass out to the open player O1, X1 closes out forcing O1 to opposite sideline. X4 and X5 return to their starting positions and X2 remains at the elbow ready to close out to O2. Chaser X3 maintains a strong pass denial position against O3.
Any time the chaser's opponent does receive the ball, the chaser has strong support from both sides against dribble penetration.
Defensive Chaser
The key element to the Box & One defense is the ability of the chaser(s) to deny their assigned opponent the ball. This strong denial will not only keep the ball out of the hands of the opponent’s star scorer, but will also completely disrupt and break down the opponent’s set plays and continuities.
