1-2-2 Set vs Man: Back Door Cut for Post
Setup: 1-2-2 Set vs Man-to-Man Defense
In this variation of the 1-2-2 set, we’re using misdirection to create a backdoor layup opportunity for the post player. If you’ve previously run this play to free up your shooting guard on the wing, this variation flips expectations—and punishes over-aggressive man-to-man defense.
Initial Alignment:
1 (PG) at the top with the ball
2 (SG) on the right wing
3 (SF) in the left corner
4 (PF) at the right elbow
5 (C) on the left block
All players start beyond the three-point line or just near the paint to maximize spacing and disguise the play’s final action.
Execution Steps:
Step 1: Fake the Floppy Look
The play begins as if it’s a standard floppy or single-double set for your best shooter.
2 cuts baseline to the opposite corner, using 5's stationary screen for misdirection.
This movement signals to the defense that the shooter (2) will be the target.
Step 2: Freeze the Defense
At the same time, 3 sets a screen for 4, who acts like he’s going to receive the pass from 1 at the elbow.
1 starts dribbling left, as if to initiate ball reversal or feed 4 at the top.
Step 3: Execute the Backdoor
Instead of delivering the pass, 1 pivots hard, turns right, and throws a bounce pass behind the defense.
4 quickly plants and cuts backdoor after using the screen from 3.
This leads to a wide-open layup if the defense bites on the misdirection and denies the pass up top.
Step 4: Screens Away and Spacing
5 clears the paint by sealing or holding positioning post-screen.
3 relocates slightly to be available as a safety valve on the perimeter.
Coaching Points:
For the Point Guard (1):
Must sell the initial pass with authentic body language and a hard pivot.
Keep the ball protected and low before the fake, then deliver the bounce pass with pace and timing.
If the backdoor isn’t there, flow into another action (e.g., dribble handoff or swing reversal).
For the Post Player (4):
Needs to disguise the cut with believable intent to receive the ball at the elbow.
Use sharp footwork and explode backdoor immediately after the screen.
Catch clean and finish through contact.
For the Screener (3):
Screen must be stationary—no leaning or movement to avoid offensive fouls.
Should quickly space out to become a passing option if the defense overreacts to the backdoor.
Helpful Youth Basketball Drills to Reinforce This Action:
1. Passing Under Pressure Drill
Train your point guard to recognize and execute bounce passes off a pivot against closeouts or pressure defense.
2. Backdoor Read & Cut Drill
Use cones or defenders with pad resistance to teach post players to read overplays and explode into a backdoor lane.
3. Screen-Timing Reps
Pair 3 and 4 together in two-man screen/cut reps to fine-tune angles, contact, and timing.
4. Progressive Finishing Drills
Add finishing against contact or a trailing help defender to simulate the in-game challenge for your post players.
Why This Play Works:
Deception + Discipline
Man defenses rely heavily on anticipation and predictability. This play takes advantage of defenders who:
Jump the passing lanes
Overhelp on expected shooter movement
Get caught in off-ball watching
Misleading Motion
By mimicking a floppy-style set, you lull defenders into prepping for a shot on the perimeter. Meanwhile, the real action is happening behind them.
Limited Use = Maximum Impact
This backdoor option should be a changeup, not your go-to. The more it's disguised by using it occasionally, the more effective it becomes.
Teaching Tips for Youth and High School Coaches:
Repetition builds confidence. Teach players to read the defense—especially whether the top or wing defenders are playing in denial.
Teach both ends. Defenders will eventually catch on, so teach your offense to counter with alternate reads (e.g., dribble handoffs, flare screens).
Film session helps. Walk through this set using dry runs and footage from games or scrimmages so your team understands the why—not just the how.
Final Word for Coaches:
This 1-2-2 variation offers high efficiency and low risk when taught correctly. Whether you’re coaching a youth basketball team or running high school varsity, it’s an excellent tool to punish aggressive man-to-man defenses and give your post player a featured scoring role.
Use it selectively, disguise it with previous looks, and drill the fundamentals around it. Like any great offensive play, the success is in the detail and timing.
