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Keys to Finishing the 2-on-1 Break
By Coach Randy Brown

Basketball begins 5-on-5 at the start of the game. As the game progresses many disadvantage situations occur. When a defender is eliminated, the offense has a much better chance to score. In this article we will break down the very common 2-on-1 break that happens many times during the course of a game.

The 2-on-1 break means that two offensive players are attacking the basket against one defender. This gives the offense an obvious advantage to score. This situation usually occurs at the end of full court fast break or after a turnover. If the two offensive players do not execute key skills they will come up empty handed.

These are the important keys to scoring 2-on-1 as you teach it in practice:

1. Offensive players start at half court, 12'-15' apart (both are outside the center jump circle). Each of them are about 4 feet outside the width of the lane.

2. On the move, they pass the ball twice. By now they are in the operational area (top of the key). At this point, the player with the ball takes it hard on the dribble. He does NOT pass or pick up his dribble unless the defense commits to him. Most defenders will "fake and drop", which means they will fake at the ball handler then drop to protect the basket.

3. Again, the two options for the ball handler are:

A. If the defense steps up to take away the driving lane by the ball handler, he should PASS to his open teammate.

B. If the defense uses the "fake and drop", the ball handler keeps the ball and drives in for a lay-up. I always tell the last ball handler to drive it in for a lay-up, unless the defender stops you.

The defensive teaching points are to make the offense pass the ball once or twice, if possible. The time it takes to make a pass or two will give your teammates time to join the play. The goal is to make the offense shoot a jump shot outside the lane. The offensive goal is to score a lay-up and the defense wants them to take a shot outside the lane. Once the shot is taken, the defender must block out the non-shooting player and rebound the missed shot. IF he can rebound the missed shot, he has had a big play for his team that may help them win the game.

The other disadvantage situations are 3-on-1, 3-on-2, and 5-on-4 and will be covered in future articles. If I can clarify these situations please email me and I will help you prepare to coach these skills to your team.