Why is 1 v 1 So Important?

We're going to be spending a bit of time over the next few weeks talking about how players can improve their 1v1 game. Some who know me might ask why would I spend time on a topic like this considering my philosophy on the game is so team orientated? My answer to that question is simple. The most basic part of the game is being able to break down the player covering you. It is such an important element to the game because if you have players on your team who can successfully break down their player, you automatically have the odd man situations which are at the heart of our offensive philosophy.

Think about it this way. Our offensive philosophy is about putting pressure on the defense. We try to do this through penetration. This penetration will happen either by dribble entry or pass entry to the post. Dribble entry can happen through ball screens, dribble handoffs, or through dribble penetration. Ball screens and dribble handoffs require 2 of our players to be involved while dribble penetration requires only 1 thus giving us a better chance of creating odd man situations after the penetration.

In addition, the game of basketball always presents situations where the offensive player with the ball will have an opportunity to take on an opponent 1v1 in transition or some other situation.

In a nutshell, what I'm trying to say is that even though 1v1 is viewed as a selfish style of play, it is an important part of basketball and the elements of how to break down your opponent should be worked on regularly at practice.