1-3-1 Set vs Man: Get Deep Post Position for Your Center
Goal:
The 1-3-1 post play is designed to give your best post player the space they need to establish positioning down low, making it easier to receive an entry pass and operate effectively in the paint. This play uses effective movement and spacing to create the best possible post-up opportunity.
Setup:
Formation: The offense starts in a 1-3-1 alignment, with three players spaced around the perimeter, one on the weak side block and the other on top of the key.
Key Players: Point guard, post player, and wing player.
Spacing: Ensure that players are spaced properly around the perimeter to open up driving lanes and passing lanes for both the point guard and post player.
Step-by-Step Execution:
1. Start in 1-3-1 Formation
The play begins with the team in a 1-3-1 setup, with three players spaced around the perimeter, one on the weak side block and the other on top of the key.
2. Wheel Action to the Post Side
The point guard initiates the play by passing to the post side wing (Player 2). As this pass is made, the post player (Player 5) begins to battle for position in the paint.
It’s critical that Player 5 works to get deep post position while the ball is being passed around the perimeter. This allows for a more effective entry pass and makes it easier for the post player to establish a good spot in the post.
3. Post Player Battles for Position
Player 5 (the post player) must work hard to get the best possible positioning early in the play. The timing of this is crucial, as it will make the entry pass much more effective.
The post player’s battle for position should start as the point guard makes the pass and continues until the ball enters the post. This movement should be quick and strong, as Player 5 needs to position themselves in a way that prevents the defense from denying the ball.
4. Entry Pass to the Post
Once Player 5 has good positioning, the point guard makes the entry pass to Player 5 in the post.
Player 5 should be ready to receive the ball in a strong, balanced position to go straight into a post move.
5. Backscreen for Point Guard
After the ball is passed into the post, the high post player (Player 4) sets a back screen for the point guard (Player 1), who cuts and spots up in the opposite corner.
This backscreen action creates confusion for the defense and offers the point guard a chance to get an open look from the corner if the defense overcommits to the post.
6. Spacing and Rebounding
The offense must maintain good spacing, with three players on the perimeter: Player 2 (wing), Player 3 (wing), and Player 1 (point guard).
The other post player (Player 4) should remain available to crash the boards if there is a miss, and be ready to play off the ball in case of a double team on Player 5.
7. Read the Defense and Make the Pass
The point guard should assess whether Player 5 is open for an easy shot or if the defense has collapsed on them. If a double-team comes, Player 5 should look to pass out to the open shooter or other available player on the perimeter.
Coaching Tips:
Early Positioning: Emphasize the importance of Player 5 fighting for deep positioning early. The post-up play won’t be effective if the post player doesn’t get proper position first.
Timing and Spacing: Good timing and spacing are essential. Make sure the wings are spaced out on the perimeter and not too close together. This spacing will make it harder for defenders to help and collapse on the post.
Backscreen Execution: The backscreen set by Player 4 for the point guard should be executed with precision. Player 1 should cut sharply and quickly to the opposite corner to use the screen.
Quick Passes: When the ball enters the post, the point guard should be ready to make a quick pass, ensuring Player 5 gets a high-percentage shot. If the defense collapses on the post, the point guard must look to swing the ball to the open shooter.
Rebounding Position: Players, especially the other post players, should crash the boards immediately after the shot is taken. This ensures there’s a second-chance opportunity if the initial shot doesn’t fall.
Drills to Improve Execution:
Post Positioning Drill:
Focus on Player 5 getting deep post position before the pass is made. Work on quick and strong footwork to seal the defender early.
Backscreen Drill:
Practice the backscreen action with Player 4 and Player 1. Make sure the backscreen is set at the right angle and that Player 1 cuts hard to the opposite corner.
Passing and Finishing Drill:
Work on post-entry passes and finishing at the rim. Simulate game situations where the post player either scores directly or passes out to the open man.
Full Breakdown:
This play is designed to get Player 5 an easy opportunity in the post. The initial battle for position is key to establishing good post position early, ensuring that the post player has the space they need to operate. The backscreen action and the off-ball movement from the point guard add a layer of misdirection, making it more difficult for defenders to anticipate the next move. Spacing is crucial to prevent double-teams and ensure that the ball handler has multiple options when attacking the defense.
The play is also flexible in that if the defense collapses on Player 5 in the post, there are multiple passing outlets available. The point guard can pass to the open shooter on the wing or look for a cutter. If Player 5 is double-teamed, the offensive movement creates easy passing lanes to exploit.
This 1-3-1 set play works well for teams that have a dominant post player who can score in the paint but also for teams that need to create open shots on the perimeter. The quick passes and precise off-ball movement ensure the defense is always on their heels, making it difficult to predict where the next shot will come from.
Final Thoughts:
The 1-3-1 set vs. man post-up play is a great way to create easy scoring opportunities for your center. With the right positioning, screens, and ball movement, it provides a simple but effective offensive strategy. By focusing on early post positioning, setting strong screens, and maintaining good spacing, this play can generate high-quality scoring chances both in the post and on the perimeter.
