Teams have been playing junk defenses for decades. Heck, Rick Majerus made a living off of the "Triangle and 2." However, In part I of this report we are going to focus in on the Box and 1. First and foremost, you must identify whether you are going to get your star the ball, or use him/her as a decoy. We suggest that you use a combination of the two.
What is your philosophy?
Are you going to get your star the ball? Use him / her as a decoy? Both? You must also take into consideration which position they play. Do you have another shooter?
The concepts are going to be the same as a good zone offense. You still want to be able to work inside out, hit the gaps, etc.
Some things that help:
" Press the other team to create points in transition ----
It's like the old saying, "Press not to be pressed." Well in this case, press so that you don't end up in a situation where you have to run a set play. You can create an basketball for easy baskets. basketball have a chance for your star to get lost in transition and receive the ball in the open floor.
" Get to the free throw line ----
Since they are playing you with junk defense, you probably don't have other starters that shoot well. Still, most players can shoot freethrows (do NOT see the Shaquille FT Shooting Guide). Instill a mentality to get to the free throw line while implementing your game plan. In other words, attack the zone, don't be passive.
" Add an extra shooter to your lineup ----
You may want to insert an extra shooter to knock down some shots. This may be a chance to get a younger player in the game, as long as they hold up their end of the bargain on the defensive end. Just by aligning your offensive with an overload, this will free up your shooters. Knock a few shots down, and they will back to their base defense in no time.
" Attack the middle of the Box & 1 ----
If they are in a box, it only makes sense to get the ball to the middle of the zone. Then, everyone must collapse and help, and you can kick it to your shooters or draw contact and get to the line. The concept of working "inside - out" will work here. You can also run your star to that point, in order to tighten the defense when they help. There are some very effective sets in today's game against the Box & 1.
" HIT THE GAPS ----
This concept is simple, but not always executed. Just like any good zone offense, you must hit the gaps here also. A good point guard will really chew up junk defenses and make his/her teammates better.
" Screen the zone ----
One of the best weapons against any zone concept is to screen it. Walling off the bottom of the zone (for a corner shot) , or screening the top and turning the corner are two strategies that work. Against a shot blocking center, you can also run sets that draw the forwards out and screen the center.
" Work the baseline ----
If you have a good point guard, you can go with a four low concept. Have your point guard use the extra space to cause problems. By working the baseline, you are out numbering the bottom of the defense. At this point, you can "keep it simple" and run concepts rather than set plays.
All in all, junk defenses can cause problems for teams/coaches that are not ready for them. If you do not work against it in practice, than you are just relying on your athletes. Who's the best coach in your league? Why is it not you? More importantly, what are you doing about it! Don't let a junk defense stand in the way of a "W!"
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