Attacking a Zone Defense


compensate? At what point do the defenders switch responsibility for the offensive player with the ball? When has the ball moved enough that the zone does rotate? Every defensive choice will allow the offense to pinpoint a weakness and attack it.

11) Always pass the ball to a point where the receiver can catch and shoot in one motion

Zones react quickly to ball movement, so passes must be targeted in such a manner as to allow an almost one-motion catch and shoot.

12) Utilize pass fakes extensively

Since zones react to ball movement and must rotate quickly, defenders in a zone must immediately react to any pass. Good pass fakes by the offense will therefore often result in defenders beginning their rotation. This false start achieves two objectives. First, it may open a quick gap or seam for passing or driving. Second, many pass fakes will slow the reaction time of the zone, as defenders will begin to "wait" for an moment to see if the ball is really being passed. Combined with quick ball movement, pass fakes will eventually result in new gaps.

13) Utilize shot fakes

When the ball first moves to a player in a particular part of a zone defense, the defender typically must move toward the offense player receiving the ball. If the offensive player shot fakes, the defender will react by raising his or her hand while simultaneously continuing to move toward the offensive player. This position leaves the defender primed for a quick drive. Again, the goal of the offensive player is not to get to the rim. The goal is either to take a step or two around the defender and shoot a midrange shot or to move to the edge of the next zone and use the shot fake/dump-off pass to move the ball to a cutter.

14) The old standbys- penetrate and kick out or shoot long and force the zone to extend

Although these two options are the first options of many players, they should actually be only a small portion of the offensive attack. Used in moderation and combined with the methods outlined above, these techniques can be effective in opening gaps or achieving open long-range shots. There is nothing wrong with the open long-range shot periodically, provided that it is taken by the team's best outside shooter.

15) If in the lead, try wasting clock to see if the zone overextends

Particularly toward the end of a game,

The copyright of the article Attacking a Zone Defense in College Basketball is owned by Chad Plunk. Permission to republish Attacking a Zone Defense in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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