When you're player down, the defense will typically run a backer. There are usually six defenders on the outside in a shell, with one defender following and backing the ball. The backer can pressure out onto the ball and help teammates.

The goal of the player-down offense is to occupy the backer and create an even opportunity on the backside.

Engage the Defense

Instead of trying to dodge through both your defender and the backer, engage the defense and make them commit.

A good setup is to put a player in the middle and create a 2-man game where the backer is.

The 2-man action is not necessarily meant to score. It is designed to occupy the backer and get the defense to commit to the ball.

Move the Ball to the Backside

Once the defense commits, move the ball quickly away from the backer.

Stretch away from the pressure and look for the even opportunity on the backside.

The offense can then:

  • Drive into space.

  • Cut through.

  • Pass to the backside.

  • Continue moving away from the backer.

The key is not to immediately bring the ball back toward the backer.

Use Movement to Create Space

The offense can also use an infinity-style cutting pattern.

As the ball is passed out, the cutter should leave the middle where the ball came from.

This pulls the defender away and forces her to decide whether to stay in her zone or follow the cutter.

Another player can then move into the space and create an opportunity in the middle.

Even though the offense is technically player down, the movement can create an even situation.

Keep Attacking

The overall philosophy is:

Engage the defense → Handle pressure → Move the ball quickly → Get to the backside → Find the even opportunity.

If the offense can make the defense shift and create space away from the backer, it can find opportunities to attack rather than simply holding the ball.