We canât force it in to Curtis when the defense is playing a tight zone. Besides, he lacks the hands to handle alll that attention anyway.
And my spread the floor option is pointless against a tight zone, unless we are shooting the ball well, cause thereâs nowhere to go with the ball. The zone will simply stay in place and dare us to shoot over it.
We better get used to some of the following concepts because we are gonna see a LOT of zone defense (and clock management on the other end):
Tip: Motion Offense-spacing
When running a motion offense, the players should make sure that they have proper spacing. Players should not be any closer to each other than 12 to 15 feet.This makes sure that one defender cannot guard two players. It also makes the defense move with every pass that you throw. You can use the three point arc(which is about 20 feet from the basket) to help you with proper spacing
Tip: Timing of the screen
To ensure proper timing, the user of the screen should plant a foot at the exact time that the screener hop stops to set the screen. The user should then come off the screen tight enough to touch the screener. Rub shoulders , âswimâ off the screen, or âsandwichâ the screener and the defender, and then sprint directly to the shot-spot.
Tip: Zone offense-Gap alignment
To start your zone offense it is a good idea to get in a âGAP ALIGNMENTâ.Against an even front zone(2-1-2, or 2-3)get in an odd front set(1-3-1,1-2-2 or 1-4). Against an odd front zone, get in an even front set. This is to make 2 defenders think about which one should guard you. If a defender is in a direct line between you and the basket-MOVE. Basically, put players where the defense isn´t.
Tip: Using Screens
When using a screen, first set your defender up by walking the defender away from the shot-spot. Then, you want to make the defense easy to screen by bringing the defense to a stop. Try to make them turn their head by faking a move in the opposite direction, just as your teammate is setting the screen.
Tip: Learning a new offense
As you are going through any new offense or play, players should âball fakeâ at each cutter so they are used to looking at all options in sequential order.
Tip: Motion Offense-don´t stand still!
If you don´t have the ball, a good rule to remember is, âdon´t standâ. Cut to the basket or go screen for someone. If you are under the basket(in âthe postâ)
post up for a 2 count - then turn and go screen for someone else.
Tip: Motion offense-help you teammates get open
If a player has the basketball at the top of the key, the other players could set a down screen or back screen on each side of the floor. This could help get their teammates open for a pass.
Tip: SEAL THE ZONE
Inside players should look to SEAL THE ZONE. After the zone defense has shifted the posts can seal or screen high or low IF the defense is INSIDE the offense.
Reseal the next man in the zone after the defender BREAKS the seal.
Tip: Motion Offense-screen away
If basketball is passed to the wing, screen away for a player who is closer to the baseline than you are. This will get him open on the perimeter and may leave you open inside.
Tip: PATIENCE AGAINST THE ZONE
Show some PATIENCE against the zone defense. Move the basketball, move players, look for cutters, check all options-in order. Take the high percentage shots that you want to take WHEN you want to take them.
[HALLELUJAH!!]
Tip: FREEZE THE ZONE
FREEZE THE ZONE defense by taking 1 or 2 dribbles AT a defender then pass inside or kick it to the perimeter for a jump shot. After the zone has shifted, use pass fakes & shot fakes.
Remember the 3 Dâs-Drive, Draw, Dish.
Tip: BEAT THE ZONE UP THE FLOOR
The best way to combat a zone defense may be to BEAT THE ZONE UP THE FLOOR. All five basketball players should defensive rebound & run your fast break BEFORE the zone can set up.
Tip: MAKE THE ZONE RUN
MAKE THE ZONE RUN via the PASS, move the basketball quickly, donât hold it any longer than a ball fake, seal, skip, and swing.
Tip: Motion Offense-dribbling
Motion offense is also called âpassing gameâ. Dribbling should be kept to a minimum. Use the dribble to only to improve the passing angle, drive to basket or to get out of trouble.
Tip: Motion Offense-keep the ball moving
Every time you catch the basketball, if you don´t have a shot or a drive, hold it for a 2 count and look to pass quickly to the other players who are cutting to the basket or using screens.
Tip: SCREENTHE ZONE
Inside players should look to SCREEN THE ZONE. After the zone defense has shifted, the posts can screen IF the defense is between the offensive player and the basket. This will free the perimeter player on that side for a shot. If the defender BREAKS THROUGH the screen, the post player should rescreen the next man in the zone, and pivot while looking for the ball.
Tip: Motion Offense-What if they âswitchâ screening
If the defense switches defenders during a screen, the screener could step back toward the ball to get open for a pass. If you know they are going to switch, you may try to âslip the screenâ and at the last second cut to the basket instead
Tip: Zone Offense-distort the zone
Move the basketball and move players to DISTORT THE ZONE defense. Dribble drag a defender, drive a gap, adjust spacing, improve passing angles, screen the defense, skip pass, swing the ball to the other side, cut to the basket, flash into the post, or overload to shift the zone.
Tip: After the shot
After a shot is taken, either move to the board and go after the ball OR get back on defense.
Tip: Relative Motion
Along with all of the individual fundamentals, players need to understand the concept of ârelative motionâ. That can best be described as realizing how one player fits into the space on the floor, given the ârelativeâ positioning of the other players, both offense and defense. A player with this understanding will know how to move to get open, create proper spacing, passing angles, play good on ball defense, and give good team defensive help.
Tip: Entering Motion Offense
If ball is at the top of the key, screen down or back screen for a teammate on either side of the floor
Tip: Zone Offense-gap penetration
Try to get some GAP PENETRATION. Dribble into a gap, dish to the basket or kick out to a shooter. Look to pass to where the defender comes from. Only dribble to improve a passing angle into the post. The second time a player touches the ball on a possession is a good time to look for this type of dribble penetration.
Tip: Protect the screener
The screener should protect the lower body with flexed knees and waist and protect the upper body with slightly extended arms to absorb the shock . Be careful not to move or push off with your arms to avoid being called for a foul.
Tip: Motion Offense- cut backdoor
If you are overplayed and cannot catch the basketball, change directions and make a quick cut to the basket(called a backdoor cut) or go screen for someone and try to help them get open.
Tip: Penetrate the Zone
The purpose of many zone defenses(particularly a 2-3 or 3-2) is to PREVENT penetration, so it makes it difficult for anybody to drive(especially from the top). You can use your penetrating skills by driving into a GAP in the zone(between two defenders. Rather than forcing the drive all the way and into the teeth of the defense, look to draw TWO defenders to you and pass to a teammate. The player open usually will be where the defense came from. These penetration opportunities occur most often after quick ball movement.