Box and 1 defense rotations
Some youth leagues don't allow zone or junk defenses below a certain age. Check your league's rules before you put it in.
Box and 1 defense step by step
- 1
O1 is the best scorer and X1 chases O1 everywhere. O1 cuts to the far wing, and X1 follows while staying between O1 and the ball.
- 2
The box leaves O1 to X1. On the pass to the corner, X5 closes out, X4 slides to the ball-side block, X3 sinks into the gap, and X2 drops to the rim.
- 3
The ball comes back to the wing and the box returns to its spots. O1 flashes toward the ball, and X1 beats O1 to the spot.
- 4
X1 is still denying, so the offense has to find a shot from someone else.
When to use a box and 1 defense
A box and 1 makes sense when one opposing player scores most of their points and the rest of the team struggles to shoot from outside. The box protects the paint and the chaser makes the star work for every catch.
It is usually a change-up. Many coaches use it for a stretch of a game, late in a close game, or after the star has gotten hot. It asks a lot of the chaser, so pick a player with good feet and a lot of energy, and plan to give them a rest.
Box and 1 responsibilities by position
X1 (the chaser)
Guards the best scorer everywhere on the half court. Denies every catch, stays between the star and the ball, and fights through or around screens. When the star does catch it, X1 plays tight and makes them give it up.
X2 and X3 (top of the box)
Start around the elbows. The ball-side top defender takes the ball on the wing. The other one guards the high post and drops toward the rim when the ball goes to the corner.
X4 and X5 (bottom of the box)
Start on the blocks. The ball-side bottom defender closes out to the corner. The other one slides across the lane to cover the ball-side block. Both box out on every shot.
How to beat a box and 1
Use the star as a screener. When the best scorer sets screens for teammates, X1 has to choose between helping and staying attached, and the box has to deal with a cutter it didn't plan for.
Put shooters in the gaps of the box: the top of the key, the wings, and the corners. The high post and short corners are also soft spots, because four defenders can't cover every area of a half court.
Keep the ball moving. The other four offensive players have to be willing to shoot and attack when they are open, or the defense will keep sagging toward the star.
See also: 2-3 zone offense
Box and 1 drill: chaser and box
- Put four defenders in a box and one chaser on a designated offensive player. Offense lines up with five players around the perimeter and in the post.
- Offense passes around slowly. The box shifts on each pass, and the chaser denies the star on every catch.
- Add the star cutting and using screens. The chaser follows and communicates with the box when switching areas.
- Play live for three minutes. Keep score of the star's catches and the team's points separately.
- Rotate the chaser every few possessions so more than one player learns the job.
Coaching point The box talks to the chaser. Any time the star runs through the box, the nearest box defender calls it out and bumps the cutter so X1 can stay attached.
Common box and 1 defense mistakes
- The chaser helping on drives and losing the star. X1's only job is the star.
- The box sagging too far and giving the other four players open threes.
- Box defenders leaving their area to chase the star after a screen, which opens a gap in the box.
- Using a box and 1 against a team that has two or three good scorers.
- Wearing out the chaser. Denying for a full game is hard, so rest them or switch the chaser.
Box and 1 defense FAQ
What is a box and 1 defense in basketball?
It is a combination defense. Four players play a zone shaped like a box, with two near the elbows and two on the blocks. The fifth player guards the other team's best scorer man-to-man.
What is the difference between a box and 1 and a triangle and 2?
A box and 1 has four players in a zone and one chasing a single scorer. A triangle and 2 has three players in a triangle-shaped zone near the basket and two players guarding the other team's two best scorers man-to-man.
How do you beat a box and one defense?
Use the star as a screener, place shooters in the gaps of the box, and attack the high post and short corners. The other four players need to shoot when they are open.
Is box and 1 the same as box in one?
Yes. "Box in one" and "box and one" are the same defense. Some coaches also call it a box-and-chaser.