Zone defenses create special problems for the offense. Plays and sets designed to be successful against man-to-man coverage often run into problems against zones. You must have a "zone offense(s)" in your offensive arsenal to counteract zone defenses. We use two zone offenses, called "zone 1" and "zone 2". These are designed to be used against a zone with a two-guard defensive front ("zone 1"), and a zone with a one-guard defensive front ("zone 2").
3. Analyze the zoneWhat kind of zone set are you facing, 2-3, 1-2-2, etc? Then set your offense accordingly.If the defense shows a two-guard front (e.g. 2-1-2 or 2-3 zone), use a one-guard set, with a point guard, in order to "split" the two outside defenders. Example sets to use are: 1-3-1, 1-2-2, "3-out, 2-in", or 1-4 offense. See Diagram A.
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Just the opposite applies if the defense shows a one-guard front (e.g. 1-3-1, or 1-2-2 zone). In this case, use a two-guard set to "flank" the single outside defender. Example sets to use are: 2-1-2, 2-3, 2-2-1, 4-out 1-in offense. See Diagram B. Watch to see if the defense keeps switching its defensive set, and be ready to call out your offensive counter-move from the bench. Some defenses will keep changing on you, and you can't call a time-out every time! |
4. PatienceBe patient on offense, but take the first open, good percentage shot. Make sure your best shooters are getting their shots. It's always easy to just settle for outside shots against zones. But you still must get the ball inside. We have a rule that (except in transition), before any outside shot goes up, we must have one post touch first (either low or high post).5. Offensive reboundingCrash the offensive boards as a zone defense often does not have clear-cut box-out assignments, and extra, high-percentage shots can be gotten off the offensive rebound. |
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