This High-Low Post Play can be run as a set play against a zone defense or, if you allow more freedom on offense, it can be a breakdown drill to teach your players where to move against a zone when they don't have the basketball. It can be run to either side ... in our diagram we are starting with O1 passing to O2 on the right. O4 flashes to the ballside elbow and O2 passes him the basketball. O4 looks first for O5 sealing the defender behind him, then for his own shot. If O5 is not … [Read more...]
Post Kick-Out Zone Offense Shooting Drill
Purpose: A drill to teach zone offense passing and movement skills that works on a variety of aspects such as feeding the high post, moving without the basketball, and catching at the ready to shoot. Drill: Two lines and a coach or passer needed for this drill. The coach stands at the elbow / free throw line area. One line starts at the top and one line on the wing. Players, or at least the first couple of players in line O1 should have a basketball. The first player in line 1 passes the … [Read more...]
Backside Screen and Skip Play vs. 2-3 Zone
This can be run as a quick hitter against a 2-3 zone defense and it can also be taught as a technique to be used against a 2-3 zone, even if it isn't specifically called as a play. This play is especially effective against a 2-3 when the bottom outside defender has a tendency to move too far into help position. O1 starts by passing to O2, who immediately passes back to O1. O1 quickly reverses the basketball to O3. O2 slides down into the open gap as O4 screens the defensive … [Read more...]
2 Zone Offense Inside Out Shooting Drills
Purpose: To work on shooting utilizing shots that you will get against a zone defense, specifically when executing the inside-outside pass opposite. To help players learn the benefits of the 'pass opposite' when playing against a zone defense. Drill #1: Inside Outside Pass Opposite O1 passes to O4 in the low post. O4 turns and passes opposite to O2 for the shot. Coaching Points: O4 should keep catch ball and keep at chin level or above head. O2, instead of simply standing … [Read more...]
4 Principles for Attacking Junk Defenses
Junk defenses such as the Box-and-One, Triangle-and-Two, Diamond-and-One, or any other combination a coach may come up with are essentially combination defenses because they combine both man-to-man and zone principles. These types of defenses are generally not what a team utilizes so you can't really prepare for them in a 'normal' manner. Because there are many variations and because they are used so sporadically, it would be nearly impossible and downright foolish to practice a special offense … [Read more...]
21 Strategies for Better Zone Offense
The following 21 Zone Offense Strategies will help your zone offense be more effective and more dominant. These strategies are basically individual or team tactics you can utilize against any zone defense - and with any zone offensive system - to help you move the basketball and the defense to create open scoring opportunities. Zone Strategy 1: Pass and Move O1 passes inside to O5 and moves to the right or left away from the defender, preferably to the direction that the defender's back is … [Read more...]
10 Fundamental Ideas for Building Your Zone Offense
Many teams are unprepared for playing against zone defenses. That is why a lot of teams employ a zone defense. Playing against a zone is not rocket science, but we often make it more difficult than it should be. It is impossible (and very unwise) to ignore zone defenses because at some point you will be forced to play against one. As the coach, it is imperative that you equip your players with the knowledge and techniques necessary to beat a zone defense. The following 10 fundamental ideas … [Read more...]
9 Principles for Attacking Pressure Defenses
Expect pressure. At one point or another, your offense can expect pressure. It may be from an opponent that pressures the entire game or simply a team that employs pressure to help them get back in the game. Regardless of how teams pressure and when they choose to do so, expect it to come. Now that you can expect it to come, make sure you prepare for it. Pressure will kill you if you're not prepared for it. Therefore, drill against pressure in practice and teach your players concepts that will … [Read more...]
20 Player Fundamentals to Break Pressure Defense
Regardless of how you decide to break and attack full court pressure, the players must learn various fundamentals that are helpful in beating pressure. Teach your players these skills and devote practice time so they will understand them and develop confidence against pressure. Here are the 20 fundamentals to be stressed: Do not waste your dribble. Dribble with a purpose Stay under control when dribbling. Out of control dribbling often leads to a turnover. Throw diagonal passes. Know where … [Read more...]
7 Principles for Attacking Half Court Zone Defenses
The following 7 strategies are necessary and helpful when attacking zone defenses. Regardless of the zone defense formation, you should be teaching your players these concepts so they will understand zone defense weaknesses and learn to be successful against zones. Rapid Ball Movement The basketball should be moved quickly with the pass. Passes can be made much faster than the zone can shift; therefore, openings will be found against even the toughest of zones. Utilize skip passes when … [Read more...]