2 for 1

2-for-1 is a term that describes a kind of strategy used during the last minute of the quarter or period. This strategy is done by timing a shot to make sure that the team that has the possession of the ball can regain possession and have enough time to shoot again.

A good example of a 2-for-1 play is when forty seconds remain in the fourth quarter with a 91-93 score. The trailing team has the possession of the ball and will try to score a basket within the next ten seconds or less. If they get the basket, then their opponent will have more than twenty seconds to score before the clock expires.

What the trailing team can do is to manage the clock within the final minute in order for them to get two shots by fully using the seconds available. Once a shot is made, they make sure that they have enough time to steal the ball from the opposing and make another shot. This is using a 2-for-1 strategy.

There are a few points that coaches and players should consider when trying to apply a 2-for-1 strategy. These will help them assess if such a strategy gives a good advantage, knowing that it will be performed during crucial times of the game.

The first is long rebounds can happen when a team takes a bad shot too early. When this happens, the team will have difficulty in creating a formidable defense.

Another point is that offensive rebounds, turnovers and fouls are considered common at the end of many basketball games. With this, no one actually knows how many possible shots can be done, making it very difficult to predict if the 2-for-1 strategy can work.

Third point is that the chance of creating defensive lapses and drawing out fouls will be difficult if a rapid shot is done. This may mean that making two shots as suggested by the strategy proves to be more difficult to implement.

Furthermore, shooting rhythms can be disrupted when taking a bad shot early. This can lead a team to focus more on the shot clock rather than trying to actually make the shot.

Last but not the least is that both teams come with good chances in getting the two shots mentioned in the 2-for-1 strategy. That is why both teams must consider improving both their offensive and defensive strategies when trying it out.

Example of how 2-For-1 is used in commentary: The Thunder will try to get 2-for-1 within this final minute before the half in an attempt to tie up the score before going to the locker room.