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BASIC OFFENSIVE MOVEMENTS AGAINST ZONE DEFENSE
During the last five years, tendency of using zone defense is rising up, both in NBA
and European basketball. Not only, when we talk about an average teams, but also
the similar is with the top quality teams.
During the game, some teams use zone defense like primary defense, and for
other it is, special strategic weapon.
Because, teaching of basic offensive movements against zone defense, must be
method to prepare players, to successfully face all kind of zone defense.
Offense against zone defense, must be consisted from free movements of offensive
players.
The main goal is read the defense and anticipate defensive reaction. The offensive
movements what must be mustered are:
1. Center behind the zone,
2. Step into the hole,
3. Overload,
4. Read the defense,
5. Weak side cut toward the ball,
6. Use screen,
7. Cooperation two big players,
8. Change direction of offense,
9. Penetration,
10. Pass and cut.
1. Center behind the zone:
This alignment can force defensive players in second line in the zone, either to
focus on players or ball. It will cause easy offensive rebound or cut behind the
defensive players to the ball, if defense not react to position of offensive players. On
the other way, if its widen space between first and second lines and focus on players
behind, then they make a risk opening the bigger space for opponent players, inside
the key.
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2. Step into the hole (space between two defensive players)
Offensive players must follow the rules that, if defense play with one player in front
of the zone(odd zone), then offense must play with two offensive players, each
between two defensive players, and if zone has two, offense will set up one, in front
of the even zone.
This will open easy passing lines, penetration opportunity and create over number
situation in offense, such as 2 vs 1, 3 vs 2.
3. Overload
Players on base line and behind the zone, should cut toward the high post and ball to
form triangle together with perimeter players. High post position in offense is very
important position, against zone defense, therefore it would open the key for easy
score and it would connect strong and weak side and produce there, 2 vs 1
situations.
4. Read the defense
Perimeter players in offense, always must know that, between two defensive players
is empty space and they must recognize it and be ready to penetrate it, using
dribbling and produce over number situations in offense.
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5. Weak side cut toward the ball
Offensive players should cut from weak side, through the zone and behind the zone,
toward the ball. Always cut into non defending space, when you recognize it.
Defense can not steal the ball, because they face the ball and they are with back to
the offensive players. This kind of basic offensive movements, must be combined
with screens to open perimeter shooting positions. Against the zone who is covering
the key, use screens and against the spread zone use cut and penetration by pass
and dribble.
6. Use screens
Timing in setting screens, against zone defense is the one of most important aspects
in offense. Screens must be set under most difficult angle for defense. First and the
most important, player who set a screen, must see player defensive position and
anticipate his reactions. Second, he must read offensive player who use screen.
Screen could be used everywhere in order to put defensive players in inferior position
and score. Usually, it will be used, when offense change direction and looking for
open shot and easy points.
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7. Cooperation of two big players
The rule when one of big players catch a ball, is to look where is other big player
and vice versa.
8. Exchange direction of offense
If offensive players can not pass inside, then they would direct attack to other side
of the court. This will beat zone defense, because passing is faster than moving of
defensive players. Use direct and skip pass, skip pass only in situations when is
successful screen. Timing is required, start offense on one side and then exchange
side on the court.
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9. Penetration
Point guard, at the beginning of offense, must force using dribble penetration, two
front defensive players in the zone to react and guard him. Penetration would be
used in every possible situations and passing to the open offensive player. This will
produce easy opportunity to score under basket or open perimeter shot.
Second sense of using penetration is, when you exchange side and direction, in
offense.
The rule is, if you can not pass inside, use penetration to provoke reaction of
defensive players and open passing lines.
10. Pass and cut
Offensive players will make a lot of cut toward the basket, without or with using
screens, ether from strong or weak side. When one players cut toward the basket,
other moves to the ball. Always when you pass, cut to the basket in order to receive
the ball and score, set a screen, clear or empty spot in offense, overload and
rebound in offense.
Also cut to high post, from weak side is very important for offense. Attacking from
high post position will keep zone defense constantly under pressure and leave area
under basket empty or open perimeter shot. When you cut, keep in mind two
things:
- read the defense and
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- always see the ball.
The basic offensive movements against zone defense, give us large amount of
decisions, what will allow players in offense to work on open shots from inside and
outside positions.
Each of above mentioned movements is depend on the rest and they are all
complementary.
Without teaching players to see, read and anticipate and make right decision on the
court, your offense can not be successful in attacking zone defense.
Miodrag Gajic
Higher basketball coach
[email protected]