Finding a zone offense that is a "multi-tasker" can be tough, but with our "Slash" and its accompanying quick hitters we have found just that. This zone offense allows us to run our transition spots (4 Out-1 In) and seamlessly get into it when we see a zone look. The best part is that it creates quality movement, puts pressure on the middle, gets players to the short corner, and allows us to overload ANY zone that can be thrown at us. If a simple, yet effective, zone offense that can be … [Read more...]
Elon
'Elon' is a quick hitter that can be effective against a zone such as the 2-3 as well as against man-to-man defenses. The players start out as shown, with the 2 post players forming a double stack on the low block. O1 passes to O2 on the wing while O3 cuts through to the ballside corner, using O4 and O5 as a double screen. After passing to O3, O2 clears through the lane to the weakside wing. O5 dives to the short corner. O3 could shoot if open upon receiving the pass. He may also look … [Read more...]
Lob Continuity Zone Offense
The Lob Continuity play is designed to create multiple scoring opportunities, with the easiest of all being a lob pass for a layup or dunk. It is an effective quick hitter that can also be run as a continuity as the ball swings and reverses from side to side. The Lob Continuity play starts with O1 passing the basketball to O3 on the wing. O3 then dribbles down toward the corner. O1 follows his pass and replaces O3. O2 cuts to the top and O4 flashes to the ballside elbow. O5 posts up on … [Read more...]
Wings Free Zone Play
Wings Free is a simple zone offense quick hitter designed to open up space for one of the wing players. This particular set play is most effective against a 2-3 zone. The players set up as shown. As O1 dribbles into the frontcourt, O5 is at the free throw line (or flashes there). O1 makes a solid pass fake to O5 so the defenders will collapse on him. O1 then makes a pass fake to O3 to get the defenders to shift yet again. Then O1 makes the pass to O2 who may have a shot or space to create by … [Read more...]
Low Post Double Stack
This zone quick hitter utilizes a double low post stack to create multiple scoring opportunities against zone defenses. Players begin as shown in double low stacks. O3 starts by cutting from the low left block to the right wing. O2, once O3 has cut past him, curls over the top of O5 and out to the left wing. O1 looks to make the pass to O3 on the right wing. As O3 receives the pass, O5 screens the middle of the zone. O4 flashes to the right low block. O2 looks to pass to O4 for a scoring … [Read more...]
1-4 X Zone Offense
The 1-4 X Zone Offense starts out in a 1-4 set as shown in the following diagram. It can really be used against any zone defense because as the offensive players move, they will be flashing and cutting to open areas in the zone. The 1-4 X Zone Offense works well as a quick hitter but can also be run as a continuity, as you will see in the last diagram. This is a great set which helps you attack the middle of the zone defense. The 1-4 X Zone Offense starts from a 1-4 high set and can be … [Read more...]
USF Zone Quick Hit
USF Zone Quick Hit is a simple to execute set play that can be run against any zone defense. With an on-ball screen and a couple of sharp, quick passes, you can create an open shot attempt against the zone. Players set up as shown in the diagram. O1 starts dribbling to either side (in this diagram, he is going left). O4 comes up the lane to set an on-ball screen for O1. O1 uses the screen and starts dribbling the other direction. After setting the screen, O4 steps back to receive a pass from … [Read more...]
Line-Stack Zone Play
With the 'Line-Stack' zone offense quick hitter, you can execute a play that utilizes a line, or stack formation to gain several scoring opportunities. It is also an effective entry into a 1-3-1 zone offense alignment. The set is with four players in a line on the right side of the lane (play can also be run on the left side). The two best shooters should on the low end of the line and the best low post player should be on top. The point guard has the ball at the top of the key. The play … [Read more...]
Wing Clear Zone Offense Play
The Wing Clear zone quick hitter is designed to get an open shot, potentially a layup, by utilizing a clear out, a double or staggered screen, a low post flash, and ball reversal. The Wing Clear quick hitter begins with the point guard, O1, dribbling toward a wing player. In this diagram O1 dribbles toward O2 but he could go to either side. Dribbling at O2 in this play tells O2 to clear out to the other side of the lane. As O2 clears out, he also tries to screen a middle zone defender for O3, … [Read more...]
Shallow Flare Zone Offense Play
Purpose: Against a 2-3 zone defense, utilize a shallow cut and a flare screen to get a scoring opportunity for a good shooter. O1 brings the ball upcourt and then dribbles to the left wing. O3 executes a shallow cut through the top of the 2-3 zone defense to the top of the key. At the same time, O4 cuts out to the corner and O5 flashes from the right block to the left block. O1 passes to O3 and O3 reverses the ball to O2. After reversing the basketball, O2, O5 flashes back across the lane … [Read more...]