What is 1-4 set high post offense in basketball?
1-4 set high post offense comprises actions, initiated from a 1-4 high alignment, that focuses on creating potential scoring opportunities near the basket or around the perimeter areas of the court after an offensive player within the high post area receives possession of the basketball.
How to understand the player roles and diagrams on this page
In reference to any diagrams below, each of the offensive players are generally represented by the standard basketball positions, unless otherwise noted.
In essence, 1 is the point guard; 2 is the shooting guard; 3 is the small forward; 4 is the power forward; 5 is the center.
Moreover, in terms of a brief legend for the diagrams:
- Black Dot or Small Circle: The black dot or small circle represents the basketball.
- Solid Arrow: The solid arrow indicates movement or a cut on the basketball court.
- Dotted Arrow: The dotted arrow represents a basketball pass.
- Wavy Arrow: The wavy arrow indicates dribbling.
- T-Shaped Symbol: The T-shaped symbol signifies a screen, also known as a pick.
- Double pipe symbol: The double pipe symbol denotes handoff action.
What is an example of 1-4 set high post offense featuring a back screen?
This is an example of 1-4 set high post offense that features a back screen as the primary scoring option for a post player.
Part 1: Iverson cut
To begin, 2 performs an Iverson cut from the left side wing to the right side wing via screens set by 4 and 5.
As that happens, 3 also cuts through the lane to the left side low post area from the right side wing.
This particular action is simply motion to keep the defenders occupied before setting up the scoring opportunity.
Part 2: Back screen
Next, 4 receives the ball from 1 at the left side high post elbow area. Following that, 3 cuts into the lane to set a back screen. After that, 5 uses that screen and cuts to the basket.
5 can then receive the ball from 4 and quickly score via a layup at the rim.
What is an example of 1-4 set high post offense featuring a flex screen?
This is an example of 1-4 set high post offense that features a flex screen among other actions to create one or more scoring possibilities.
Part 1: High post handoff
To begin, 1 enters the ball into the high post elbow area on the left side, which is received by 5.
Afterwards, 1 follows that pass and could receive the ball again via a handoff. If that occurs, 1 could simply dribble towards the rim and score via a layup.
Otherwise, 1 could simply cut through to the right side low post area if the handoff is not available. Also, in that same sequence, 3 could flatten to the right side corner for the time being.
Part 2: Flex screen
Next, 3 cuts to the basket via the flex screen set by 1 and could receive the ball from 5, which could result in a layup.
Alternatively, 1 could cut to the right side wing via the down screen set by 5, receive the ball from 5 via the skip pass and take the three-point shot.
If neither player is open, then 5 could keep possession for the time being while 3 continues to cut through to the left side corner and 4 replaces at the right side corner.
Part 3: Dribble handoff
After the flex screen occurs but no one was able to get open, 5 could perform dribble handoff action alongside 2 near the left side wing and subsequently roll to the basket.
2 could dribble towards the middle of the high post area and while that happens, 3 could lift from the left side corner to the adjacent wing, similar to shake action within pick and roll.
From this point, 2 could pass to any of the other teammates, depending on whoever is open, or simply keep possession of the ball and take the mid-range shot.
It should also be noted that 2 could always execute backdoor cut action to the basket instead of receiving the ball via dribble handoff if that is being denied by the defender covering 2.
In that instance, since the other offensive teammates are stationed alongside the perimeter areas, the basket should generally be open for a potential layup, assuming the defenders who would be guarding/checking the other offensive teammates don’t camp in or around the lane.
Related: Flex Offense Plays From the 1-4 High Set – YouTube
What is an example of 1-4 set high post offense featuring a stagger screen?
This is an example of a 1-4 set high post offense that features a stagger screen among other actions to create one or more scoring opportunities.
Part 1: Backdoor cut
To start, 4 receives the ball from 1 at the right side high post elbow area. Next, 2 immediately backdoor cuts to the rim. From there, 2 could receive the ball from 4 if that is open.
Otherwise, 2 simply continues the cut through to the left side low post area for the time being. Additionally, 1 fills and replaces at the vacant right side wing area.
Part 2: Stagger screen
Next, 4 performs a dribble handoff with 1 near the right side wing. 1 gains possession of the ball and dribbles it towards the middle of the high post area while 4 pops away to the right side corner.
At the same time, 2 cuts through to the left slot area by way of a stagger screen set by 3 and 5. Moreover, 5 could slip to the basket following the screening action.
From there, 2 could receive possession of the ball and take the three-point shot if open.
Alternatively, 1 could pass the ball inside to 5 for a close-range scoring opportunity or throw a kick pass with 4 as the recipient, potentially leading to another three-point shot.
Finally, 1 could simply keep possession of the ball and take the mid-range shot.
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