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A 'Box + 1' is a four-player 'BOX' zone defense, with a fifth defender playing player-to-player applying aggressive pressure on-ball (starting after the 1st pass by the offense). This defense also works great against a slow-breaking team with good outside shooters. Every player should know how to play every position in the defense (communicating who is playing where). If the ball is at the top position, the middle defender is playing 'on a string' and should close the gap. This defender must also play on a string (east-west) to the half-boards, especially on the strong-side. If the ball is at the shooter or crease positions, the closest defender in that part of the zone should pressure the ball and the defender in the middle should replace their position in the box, playing a 'tight' zone. Any players not pressuring should at all times be standing in passing and shooting lanes and ready to help. Defenders in “the box” should also follow cutters until they exit their zone, and be as physical as possible when an opponent is close by.