[jnolte]

When the ball is on the wing a 1-3-1 lines up and looks like a 2-3 zone.

Getting the ball to the flank is a big help against the 1-3-1 as the nail diver is often open for easy baskets. Either that or a pin and skip with the flank to nail works well.

I would start with running in the 4 out spots, however forcing the zone to match up and playing out of the 5 out spots can also open up players at it causes a natural overload or leaves a shooter open in the corner.

Hope that helps! It has been a couple years since I have coached so if others have some advice it is welcome!

[coachtygr]

Thanks so much! Yeah that helps a ton!

[jnolte]

I told you is has been a couple years since I coached. I was thinking about this the other day and realized I usually started with the 5 out, then stay on the interior for 2 passes and had success with that against the 1-3-1. I usually had my players fill the nail first and then the flank and then back to the perimeter. Because of the amount of player and ball movement that created we got lots of nail to flanks, flank to nails, or sometimes direct passes to open cutters in the middle of the zone for a close range look.

I would recommend starting with that and then making necessary adjustments as needed.

[Coach Ralph]

Coach tygr:

I love the 4 out with permanent SC against any zone. Have the SC move back and forth between the spots on any action. I promise you they will get lost as the ball rotates and players flash to the logo. Make sure the SC moves BEHIND the basket. When the ball gets passed or dribbled into the logo, they should flash to an open spot in front of the basket. When the ball is on the wing, they should be ready for a pass for a quick flank ‘em move.
You can experiment with a 1 or 2 guard formation. Traditional zone attacks say you should go even against odd, and odd against even. I think you should throw that out the window, especially if you have a good PG that penetrates well. A drive and kick when help comes would be one of many good options to get the possession started against a 1-3-1, forcing the defense to hep and recover with the ball and players moving. The additional advantage of the 1 guard formation is that it will result in more corner coverage automatically. When the ball goes to the corner, you should have the SC ball side, someone cutting to the logo, and someone filling the wing. You will have the defense outnumbered and someone will be open.
The biggest challenge against a 1-3-1 is not your half court action IMO. The problem is teams like to surprise you and extend their defense and trap at half or 3/4 court when they are in the 1-3-1. Here is what happens. While your PG is bringing the ball up, the other four players run to their spots in the 4-out formation. When the top “chaser” in the 1-3-1 forces the PG to one side or the other, the trap is sprung. Because the other four offensive players are on their spots, this creates some horrible, long passing lanes where passes are easily picked off and returned for touchdowns. They are hanging your PG out to dry.
The solution? RUN YOUR OFFENSE, but make sure your players come back and position themselves appropriately EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE NOT IN THE FRONT COURT. Please see the video “Press Break” on this topic. Pay special attention to the third chapter, “Player Positioning”, starting at the 16-minute mark. Watch Rick as he walks backward down the court.
I promise you, if several teams in your league run the 1-3-1, someone, if not all, will try and trap out of it. You need to be prepared.