- Goal from beginning is to apply pressure from half court and force ball "out and up" as 2 and 4 trap early.

- 5 ALWAYS between ball and rim.

- 3 fights over screens; keeps one foot in the paint on ball side.

- 1's responsibility is to prevent passes to weak side.

- 2 and 4 trap 1, 5 must remain active at all times, making court look "full."

- Goal is to force lob passes over the top.

- Allowing straight-line passes KILL the 1-3-1 defense.

- As pass is lobbed, 5 moves to stay between ball and rim.

- 1 moves out and up with offensive player on 1's back (to prevent lob.)

- 4 moves over to play similar role on other side.

- Ball handler may try to "split" the defense, only to find 5 ready to help until ball is under control.

- 3 moves over the top of any screen to help ball side.

- 2 may be a bit deeper on weak side to prevent easy pass off of baseline cut.