"Attacking a "Box & One" Defense"
"Shuffle Cut"
Since a Box & one offense(s) is a secondary offense, it is important to keep it simple and easy for players to learn. It may just require practicing a current offense against a Box & One defense. It is also helpful, if the offense being used is similar to an already used offense. Since the Box & defense is primarily deployed to deny and limit the "touched" of an outstanding, any offensive attack must be designed to counter this overplay and free up the scorer.
One of the easiest and most effective ways to attack the Box & One defense, is to isolate the star player one on one in the middle. Normally, the chaser of the Box & one defense is very skilled in pass denial but ill prepared for post defense. In addition, it is very tough for even the best post defenders to defend against four outside feeders.
| Shuffle Cut | Base Screen | Weakside 2 Game | Continuity | Implementation | Case for Defense |
Offensive Fundamentals Required
Proper Execution of On Ball ScreensSchematic Sequence
Shuffle Cut Entry
Shuffle Cut (Left)
Shuffle Cut (Right)
The first option of the "Chase" Box & One offense is for the high post to set a back screen for the Star player. Ball handler O1 dribble penetrates as post O4 steps out creating a hole in the middle of the box defense.
Learn more about Shuffle Cut "Reads & Counters" - Click Here
Screen & Roll (Left)
Screen & Roll (Right)
When the Star player does not receive a feed from O1 or O4, O1 continues out to the weakside as screen O3 rolls to basket for shot.
Base Screen (Left)
Base Screen (Right)
If O3 does not receive the ball on roll to the basket, O3 continues and sets a base screen for O5. O1 or O4 look to feed O5.
Back Screen Action
Back Screen (Left)
The Star player continues out on weakside receiving a reversal pass from O1. Post O5 steps up and initiates weakside two game action.
To Learn More About the Weakside Two Game - Click Here
"Give & Go" Entry
Ballhandler O1 passes to O4 stepping out, instead of the reversal pass to the Star player for weakside two game action, O1 and makes a basket cut. If O1 is not open on the "Give & Go" cut, O1 sets a base screen for O5. High Post O3 sets a screen high post screen on X3. O4 has options passing to O1 on "Give & Go" cut or feeding O5 on base screen or Star player coming off O3's high post screen.
Single/Double Continuity
Back Cut/ Double Screen
Single/Double Screen Action
If O1 cannot make a reversal pass to the Star Player, the Star player back cuts to the basket as O3 and O5 set a double screen. If the Star does not receive a feed on the back cut off the double screen, the "Chase" box & 1 offense flows directly into Single/Double continuity.
To Learn More About Single/Double Reads & Counters - Click Here
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:
4-on-4 Shell: On Ball Screen Drill
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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