What is 2 on 1 in basketball
2 on 1 is a situation that occurs when two offensive players have an opportunity to score points, typically during the primary fast break within the transition phase of a basketball game, while only one defender is available at that moment to limit or prevent the offensive scoring possibilities.
What is the main defensive action during 2 on 1
When a 2 on 1 situation occurs, the solo defender should typically sprint into the lane area to protect the basket. By doing this, the solo defender could potentially diminish offensive scoring options, especially by way of high percentage shots such as layups or dunks.
Also, during the 2 on 1 situation, the solo defender should not move out of the lane and/or away from the basket, particularly to defend or stop an offensive player in possession of the ball.
If the solo defender were to do that, then the other off-ball offensive player could receive the ball and then easily score via a layup or dunk with little to no rim protection.
What are common offensive actions during 2 on 1
When a 2 on 1 opportunity presents itself, the offensive player in possession of the ball should almost certainly attack the rim in most cases. Additionally, the off-ball offensive player should typically cut toward the rim as well most of the time.
When the offensive player with the ball dribbles toward the basket and at the same time, the off-ball offensive player cuts toward the basket, this puts a large amount of pressure on the solo defender.
Essentially, the offensive player in possession of the basketball could pass it to the other off-ball player who could quickly score at the rim before the solo defender is able to properly react.
Additionally, if that second offensive player receives the ball but scoring at the rim is not a viable option at that time, then that same player could pass the ball back to the first offensive player that initially had the ball.
From there, the first offensive player could then immediately attempt to score before the solo defender is able to provide adequate basket protection.
In a nutshell, the solo defender would have to try and stop the scoring opportunities of two offensive players, which is usually very challenging to accomplish for most defenders.
Nevertheless, in certain cases, a solo defender could potentially take up the challenge of guarding against two offensive players, especially if that solo defender specializes in rim protection around the basket.
An example of that could be a defensive center with a large wingspan and significant height advantage over both offensive players.
In that case, it is more than likely practical for the offensive players to execute alternative scoring actions because if one or both of them attempt to score against the defensive center, particularly around the rim, it could result in a blocked shot or a lower quality contested layup.
To give an example of a possible alternative scoring option during a 2 on 1 situation against a rim protector such as a tall and long center, let’s say that the offensive player in possession of the basketball initially attacks the rim by dribbling into the lane area.
However, as that occurs, let’s also say that the rim protecting solo defender backpedals towards the basket, ultimately to prevent high quality shot attempts such as layups or dunks at the rim.
As a result of the defensive backpedal action, the offensive player in possession of the ball could simply counter by executing a floater in the lane over the outstretched arms of the solo defender.
Additionally, instead of executing a floater, the offensive player with the ball could stop and pop for a mid-range shot near the perimeter areas of the court inside of the three-point line.
To give a secondary alternative scoring option during a 2 on 1 situation. let’s say that instead of cutting towards the basket, the off-ball offensive player cuts toward a perimeter area, preferably behind the three-point line.
In that particular instance, the offensive player in possession of the ball could initially dribble into the lane area near the rim protector but immediately execute a kick pass towards the other off-ball offensive player.
Afterwards, that second offensive player could take a wide open three-point shot before the rim protector or any other defenders are able to execute a defensive closeout.
What are basic diagram examples of 2 on 1 action
Example 1
This is a basic example of 2 on 1 action during full court transition. To start, 5 crashes the boards for the defensive rebound.
After that, 2 receives the ball near the right sideline by way of an outlet pass by 5, which also initiates the transition offense.
Next, 2 begins to attack the rim while 3 cuts toward the rim on the opposite side of the court.
While that action happens, X2 has already sprint back into the lane during the transition defense to protect the basket, especially against 2.
Following that, 3 receives the ball from 2 and quickly scores at the rim before X2 can react.
Example 2
This is another basic example of 2 on 1 action during transition, similar to the previous one. To start, 5 grabs the defensive rebound and then 2 receives the ball via the outlet pass.
Next, 2 begins to attack the rim but this time, 3 receives the ball somewhat early while still cutting towards the basket. From there, 3 begins to dribble towards the basket as 2 sprints towards the lane.
Afterwards, X2 attempts to protect the basket, particularly against 3. However, as that happens, 2 receives the ball again from 3 and scores at the rim before X2 has an opportunity to react.
Example 3
This is an example of 2 on 1 action against a rim protector. To start, 4 collects the defensive rebound and following that, 1 receives the ball via the outlet pass.
Next, 1 dribbles toward the lane area while 2 cuts toward the left side corner behind the three-point line. After that, 1 dribbles into the lane while X5 protects the basket.
From there, 1 could score points by way of a floater in the lane over X5 if that is possible. Alternatively, 2 could receive the ball from 1 via the kick pass and then take the open jump shot.