Attacking a Box & One Defense
"Horns"
When the star player is a ballhandler, a very effective way to isolate and free up the star player is to use the "horns" or double mid screen alignment. The double mid screens affords the star player the opportunity to go either right or left making it difficult for any "Chaser" to defend. Once past the mid screen, the star can drive hard to the basket creating an outnumbered situation.
| Double Mid Screens | Reads | Variation | Continuity | Implementation | Case for the Defense |
Offensive Fundamentals Required
Proper Execution of On Ball ScreensSchematic Sequence
Mid Screen Options
Screen Roll Left
If the star player is not able to drive to the basket, they have the options of feeding the screener rolling to the basket or making a kick out pass to either shooter in the corners spotting up for out side shots.
Screen Roll Right
Help Reads & Counters
Ballside Post Help
Weakside Post Help
When the ball side post defender steps up to help out on the drive, the Star player can simply make a drop pass to the shooter on that side cutting to the basket for an easy layup.
Screen & Pop Variation
Screen & Pop Left
Screen & Pop Right
When the Star player penetrates off the mid screen, the screener has the option of popping out off the screen rather than rolling to the basket. The other screen reacts opposite and rolls to the basket.
To learn more about Horn's Reads & Counters - Click Here
Single/Double Continuity
If a good shot is not available off the screen and roll action, Single/Double screen action can be quickly initiated by simply making a reversal pass out to the top of the circle. The two baseline players along with the screener that rolled form the single and double screen for the star to use.
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:
3-on-3: Horns (Double Mid Screens) Breakdown 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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