What is the 1-4 low offense in basketball
The 1-4 low offense, sometimes referred to as 1-4 flat, is a basketball offensive strategy that features one offensive player at the top beyond the three-point line and four additional players adjacent to the baseline, specifically near the low post blocks and corners areas on the left side and right side of the court.
Furthermore, the offensive players within the 1-4 low offense could utilize a variety of basketball cuts and basketball screens to ultimately generate scoring opportunities near the basket or near the perimeter areas of the court.
What is an example of the initial formation for the 1-4 low offense
In terms of the initial formation or setup, the 1-4 low offense typically begins with a point guard at the top, denoted as 1, who is also the primary play initiator.
Furthermore, the 1-4 low offense includes a shooting guard and small forward, denoted as 2 and 3 respectively, who are initially positioned in the corners.
Also, the 1-4 low offense features a power forward and center, denoted as 4 and 5 respectively, who are initially near the low post areas.
What’s more, the power forward and center, who are also referred to as post players as well as the frontcourt positions, would typically set screens, which would be followed by a roll to the basket or a pop towards the perimeter areas of the court.
Moreover, the point guard, shooting guard, or small forward, who are sometimes known as the backcourt positions, would typically use screens set by the post players or execute various basketball cuts to get open, which could lead to different scoring possibilities.
What are examples of basic scoring plays for the 1-4 low offense
Example 1 – Part 1
This is an example of a basic scoring play for the 1-4 low offense that uses different screening actions to create scoring opportunities near the basket or near the perimeter areas of the court.
To start, 1 dribbles toward the right side wing by way of an on-ball screen set by 5.
Afterwards, 5 rolls to the basket and as that occurs, 4 cuts to the top near the left slot.
It should also be mentioned that the actions between 4 and 5 are referred to as roll and replace because as 5 rolls following the screening action near the top, 4 immediately replaces near the top as well.
From that point, 5 could receive the ball from 1 and score via a layup or dunk.
However, if 5 is not open, then 4 could receive the ball from 1.
Additionally, after that, 1 could fill the right side wing area and 5 could self-replace at the initial right side low post block.
Example 1 – Part 2
Next, 3 could cut to the basket by way of a flex screen set by 5, receive the ball from 4, and score at the basket by way of a layup or dunk.
Nevertheless, if 3 is not open to receive the basketball, then 3 could continue to cut through the lane to the left side low post area.
Example 1 – Part 3
Following that, 4 could execute dribble handoff action with 2 and then 2 could dribble towards the middle of the high post area.
Furthermore, 3 could cut out to fill and replace at the left side corner that was just previously occupied by 2.
Moreover, 4 could cut towards the basket at an angle and while that happens, 1 could cut to the right side corner, particularly via a flare screen set by 5.
Next, 4 could receive the ball from 2 and score near the basket.
Also, 1 could receive the ball instead and take a three-point shot if that is available.
Alternatively, 2 could simply keep the ball and take a mid-range shot if that is open.
Example 2 – Part 1
This is another simple scoring play for the 1-4 low offense that seeks to create various opportunities near the basket or near the perimeter.
To begin, 1 dribbles toward the right slot area and as that occurs, 2 executes a baseline cut via screens set by 4 and 5.
What’s more, 4 also cuts across the lane to the left side wing area.
Following that, 2 receives the ball from 1 and afterwards, 2 could take the three-point jump shot if that is open.
If 2 does not take the jump shot, then 4 could fill and replace at the left side corner previously inhabited by 2.
Example 2 – Part 2
Next, 2 could dribble towards the high post or near the middle of the lane area via an on-ball screen set by 5.
Also, after that, 5 could roll to the basket, receive the ball from 2, and score via a layup or dunk.
Alternatively, 2 could pass the ball to one of the other teammates near the left side perimeter areas of the court or 2 could take the mid-range jump shot.
Besides that, 2 could also attack the rim for a layup or shoot a floater in the lane as supplemental scoring options.
Example 3 – Part 1
This is yet another basic scoring play that could lead to different opportunities from close-range or further away from the basket.
To start, 1 dribbles toward the left slot area and as that happens, 3 performs a baseline cut toward the left side wing via screens set by 4 and 5.
Furthermore, 2 cuts across the lane on the high side of the screens to the right side wing.
After that, 3 receives the ball from 1 and from there, 3 could take the three-point shot if that is open while 1 cuts back toward the top, specifically the middle third of the court.
Example 3 – Part 2
Next, 3 dribbles toward the baseline via the step-up screen set by 4 and while that happens, 2 cuts to the right side corner via the screen set by 4.
Following that, 2 could receive the ball from 3 via the drift pass and then take the open jump shot.
It should also be mentioned that the baseline drive on the strong side combined with the weak side corner cut and screen effectively means that this overall action is the hammer set play, popularized in recent years by the San Antonio Spurs of the NBA.