The two high box defenders position themselves at the free throw line extended. Your weak-side high defender must always be ready to deny any pass into the high post - this is crucial. Low box defenders should each have a foot in the lane on their respective blocks, ready to front any post player on the strong side.

The box and 1 is a combination defense where four players form a box-shaped zone while one defender (X1) plays man-to-man against the opponent's best scorer (1). This position is called, "The Chaser".

Think of it as putting handcuffs on their star player while your other four defenders protect against everything else. The goal here is to frustrate the star and force role players to take on new and uncomfortable positions.

The high post flash is one of the most common attacks against the box and 1, and we handle it with our "Pinch and Front” coverage.

We use “Pinch” coverage when the ball is at the top of the key and the high post is in the middle of the free throw line. Both top defenders pinch together to deny high post entry while maintaining position that allows them to sprint and close out to the wing on a pass.

• Strong-side low box defender closes out (no baseline drive!)
• Weak-side low box defender slides to help position
• Weak-side guard drops to gap
• Strong-side guard can either sag or deny reversal

• Strong-side high box player closes out to defend
• Weak-side high box player slides to middle to protect high post
• Strong-side low box player fronts post
• Weak-side low box player moves to split line
• Chaser maintains complete denial