In the beater screen article I discussed how 1-2 passing can draw the attention of the defending beaters. In this article I will examine how 1-2 passing opens up shooting angles for offensive chasers.
What is a 1-2 Pass?
1-2 passing is a concept common in many sports including soccer, basketball and hockey.
The basic concept is two quaffle players use one quick pass to pull the point defender out of position then take advantage with another quick pass.
First, the quaffle carrier allows the point defender to key-in on them.
The receiver moves next to and slightly in front of the quaffle carrier.
The quaffle carrier passes to the other quaffle player.
The new quaffle carrier holds the quaffle allowing the point defender to cover them. At the same time, the other quaffle player slides forward.
As soon as the point defender is committed, the quaffle carrier quickly lead passes to their teammate.
The new quaffle carrier is now uncovered by the point defender.
Example 1-2 Passing Play
This play’s formation is centered top, two flat back, with the quaffle in the centered top position. The three receivers are five zone positioned, counter-clockwise.
The quaffle carrier passes to the left to set up a 1-2 pass.
The top quaffle player slides forward as the defense adjusts. The quaffle carrier holds their position to draw the defense’s attention. The other two quaffle players move to their five zone positions.
The quaffle carrier now has passing three options, described below in order of preference.
Option I
The quaffle carrier completes the 1-2 pass by passing back to the top quaffle player.
The top quaffle player may now shoot or drive, with likely only the keeper in their way.
Option II
The quaffle is passed left, continuing the quaffle movement per five zone concepts. The new quaffle carrier is now free to pass, shoot or dunk.
Option III
The quaffle is passed over the hoops. The new quaffle carrier may now pass, shoot or dunk.
Evaluating Options
The most preferred option would be to complete the 1-2 pass (Option 1). This should place the top chaser behind the point defender, facing hoops with likely only the keeper to beat, since most defenses spread out.
If after the initial pass, both the quaffle carrier and the top chaser are covered, the preferred option would be a pass left (Option 2), behind the hoops, as the defense has committed to defending the front of the hoops.
If the pass left is also covered, the preferred option is a lob over the hoops (Option 3). The receiver would need to both win the quaffle and be ready for a quick score as the defense will adjust as the quaffle is in the air. Because of the added responsibility for the receiver, this option should only be taken if the defense has over-committed to defending the left-front quarter of the field.
Signalling a 1-2 Pass
Eventually players will recognize 1-2 pass opportunities without signalling. Until then, teams could implement a verbal call and/or hand signal. An example verbal call is “twelve”. An example hand sign is a fist with the pointer and middle middle finger extended while waggling the middle finger.
Conclusion
1-2 passing is an effective concept for moving the quaffle in an offense. It can be a less predictable alternative to pick plays if the quaffle players can pass and catch reliably.