How to Play One-on-One Basketball
Basketball, typically, is a team sport. The traditional game is meant to be played with two teams of five individual players on each. However, basketball is unique, as compared to other sports, in that the game can be played with less than ten total players.
For instance, a game of basketball can be played with two teams of four players, three players, or even two players. Many times, particularly on recreational courts, you may see individuals playing one-on-one. Below, we are going to discuss how to play one-on-one basketball and explain some of the basic defensive and offensive skills you may utilize to win a one-on-one game.
Why Play One-on-One?
Basketball, traditionally, is a team sport. However, many times, it may be difficult to find ten ready, willing, and able players looking to start a game. As-such, players may opt to start a game with eight, six, four, or even two players.
Playing one-on-one is vastly different than playing with a full team.
For starters, playing one-on-one requires you to lead both offensive and defensive charges. You will not be able to look to a teammate for assistance on either the offensive or defensive end and will need to find the expertise within you to play efficient on both ends.
A major reason why so many players opt to play one-on-one games is that playing one-on-one is typically a good determinant of your own basketball skills.
Due to the fact that you will be unable to utilize a teammate for either offensive or defensive assistance, you will need to summon the strength to compete on both ends.
Another reason so many players choose to play the one-on-one game is due to the fact, that many times, it is difficult to find the full number of players needed to start a game.
If you go to a basketball court and see that there is only one other person there, it may be more worthwhile to engage in a friendly one-on-one than to not play at all.
Lastly, so many players choose to play a one-on-one game for the glory of the game and the reputation as the best player on the court.
A one-on-one game challenges an individual players own strengths and weaknesses and can fully show which player is better than the other.
If you are looking to showcase or showoff your basketball skills, then a one-on-one game may be your best option to show off your skills and claim the rank of best on the court.
Who Gets the Ball First?
This is definitely one of the more contentious aspects of the one-on-one game. Typically, in a regular game, the team to begin with the ball will have won the tip-off. However, there is no tip-off in a one-on-one game.
Rather, in a one-on-one game, the player to begin with the ball will either be determined by sportsmanship, i.e., allowing one player to begin with the ball out of friendly competition.
Alternatively, a player may shoot for possession of the ball from the three-point line. If they make the shot, they will begin the game with the ball. However, if they miss the shot, the other player will begin with the ball.
How Does the Game Start?
Once it has been determined which player will begin with the ball, the ball will be “checked-in” to start. Checking in the ball ensures that both players are ready to start the offensive and defensive scheme and ensures that no player takes advantage of the other players distraction.
To check-in the ball, the player on offensive will pass the ball to their defensive counterpart directly in front of them. The defensive player will then pass the ball back to the offensive player. Once the offensive player has received the ball, the ball is considered live.
Scoring in a One-on-One Game
When it comes to playing a one-on-one game, the most important aspect of the game, and winning the game, will come from scoring. While a regular, five-on-five game, will include both two and three-point shot opportunities, the one-on-one game will not.
Rather, typically, you will be playing utilizing a one and two-point scoring system. Any basket attempted and made within the three-point line will be counted as one-point. Similarly, any basket attempted and made past the three-point line will be counted as two-points.
How to Win a Game of One-on-One
Winning a game of one-on-one is not as simple as the traditional game. Whereas, in a traditional game, the team with the higher number of points at the end of regulation is the team that wins, in a one-on-one game, the player to reach a set number of points will be determined as the winner.
Typically, in a one-on-one game, the game will be determined by the first player to score 9, 11, 13, or 15 points total. However, many one-on-one games require that the winning point be determined by a minimum of 2-points.
For example, if you are playing a one-on-one game to 15-points, your opponent must have 13-points or less when you reach 15-points in order for you to be declared the winner.
How Are Points Tracked in a One-on-One Game?
Unlike a traditional game, points in a one-on-one game are kept track of by each player. Typically, a player will verify the current score after each made basket, ensuring that both players are keeping track of the score and are in agreement on the current score of each player.
How Are Fouls Determined in a One-on-One Game?
Again, unlike in a traditional game, fouls are determined based on an honor system. Either player may call a personal foul against them during play. While there may be some disagreement, calling a foul is typically honored and will result in the ball being “checked-in” again.
However, if an offensive player is fouled in the act of a shot, and the shot is made, then the foul will be disregarded, and the bucket will count to their overall score.
Which Player Receives the Ball After a Made Shot?
This is another contentious subject with many players disagreeing on the proper course of action. However, typically, the ball will be awarded to the player that successfully scored the basket.
This means that scoring the ball will not only reward you with the ball again but will keep the ball away from the opposing player for longer amounts of time.
Which Defensive Schemes Should I Employ in a One-on-One Game?
Most players will play a heavy one-on-one game against their opponent in a one-on-one matchup. As there are no other players to guard, the defensive scheme typically calls for strict man-to-man matchup.
However, more adept players will play strategic defense against their opponent. For instance, if the opposing player has a weak three-point shot, you may give them some space to attempt one, understanding that probabilistically their shot will result in a miss.
Alternatively, if the opposing player has a strong three-point shot but a weak driving game, it would be more suitable to play tough man-to-man to force a contested shot.
Again, each situation and game will be different, and you will have to determine the right defensive scheme depending on the ability of the other player.
Determining a Clearing Spot
While a traditional basketball game will require the offense to move the ball to the opposite side of the court to begin their offensive scheme, that is simply not possible with the one-on-one game as the game will typically be played on one-half of the court.
As-such, determining a clearing spot at the start of the game is of utmost importance. A clearing spot is simply a point on the court that the offensive team must pass to begin their offensive sequence.
For example, if the clearing spot is the three-point line, then once a player has secured the defensive rebound, must dribble out to the three-point line in order for the ball to be considered live.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to play a one-on-one basketball will not only increase your overall basketball knowledge but will also help you to meet new players on the court and have fun.
One-on-one, particularly with similarly skilled players, can be a lot of fun and can help you to train both your offensive and defensive abilities.
When it comes to playing a game of one-on-one, the most important thing to remember is to have fun. These games are typically friendly in nature and are recreational at best. As-such don’t take it too seriously. Enjoy yourself and try your best and may the best man win.