Attacking a Box & One Defense
"Flash/Back Door"
Since the Box & One defense is vulnerable in the middle, by flashing one of the baseline post players into the middle, it creates severe match up problems for the defense. When a good shot is not available on the post flash, High/Low post action is initiated along with back door action by the wing.
| Post Flash/Back Cuts | Continuity | Variations | Implementation | Case for the Defense |
Offensive Fundamentals Required
Developing a Strong Inside GameSchematic Sequence
Post Flash/Back Cut Option
Post Flash (Left)
Post Flash (Right)
Ballhandler O1 splits the defense as post O4 flashes into the middle. O4 looks for shot or for wing O2 back cutting to the basket when defender X4 challenges the shot.
High/Low Feed (Left)
High/Low Feed Right
If defender X5 defends O4's post flash, if opens up a drop pass or fake shot pass to O5.
Single/Double Screen Continuity
Single/Double Action (Left)
Single Double Action (Right)
When a good shot is not available off the post flash or back door action, Box & One "Flash" can flow directly into the Single/Double Screen continuity.
To learn more about "Single/Double" reads & counters - Click Here
Variations
Base Screen
Post flash action can be initiated with a baseline screen for the star player. Post O4 steps out to wing as post O5 sets a base screen for the star player. Either O1 or O4 looks to feed Star player.
Post Flash
When star player does not receive a pass from O1 or O4, they continue out to corner. O1 or O4 then looks to feed post O5 flashing into the middle and wing O2 back cuts to basket.
Base Screen Action (Left)
Single/Double Continuity
Point Back Door Variation
Back Cut (Left)
Back Cut (Right)
Post flash action can also be initiated by ballhandler O1 making an entry pass to wing O2 and cutting to the corner. Ballside post O4 breaks up to the "Elbow" for pass from wing O2 and feeds O1 back cutting to basket.
Implementation
Like any offense, the key to the success of the "Box & One - Chase" Offense is in its execution and coordination. Players need to be well prepared to execute mid screens, base screens and strong post ups. In addition, players have to think and function as one unit. This requires proper defensive recognition, non-verbal communication, timing and experience.
Breakdown Drills:
Game Strategies
Scout your opponent if possible. Players need to know what reads to expect during the game. Opponents will generally use only a primary and secondary defense technique in defending screens and post ups. In addition, to their defensive schemes, observer their player match ups. Educate and explain the anticipated defensive reads and their counters. When scouting is not possible, scout your opponent during the game.
Be conscience and alert to any defensive changes or adjustments, especially after substitutions and timeouts. Don't hesitate in deploying various alignments and entries during the game so that defenders cannot focus on defending just one set. Move players around and attack the weakest defenders.
Box & One Defense
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.
To learn more about the Box & One Defense - Click Here
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Return to Offensive Strategies - Click Here
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