Basketball Zone Offense Plays

One of the best ways to attack a zone defense is to use ball screens. This creates an overload situation and an angle for penetration. Guards can get in the lane and finish with floaters, or they can even pass the ball out to the shooter. The point of a zone defense is to prevent penetration and entry passes.

During the offense, the zone defender will often cover the high post, requiring the wing to step up or stay back near the basket. This opens up a passing lane for the offensive player in the zone, which can also lead to a three-pointer. The offensive player can also utilize a shooting fake or a passing fake to get the zone out of position and into a better position.

The key to basketball zone offense plays is to keep the ball moving and stretch out the defense. By creating gaps and using flash cuts, offensive teams can get into the gaps and cause the defense to adjust. For example, if a zone defense forces the center to shoot three-pointers, the offensive team should look to attack this gap with a dribble penetration move or a skip pass.

Another way to create scoring opportunities against a zone defense is to use 3 out two in alignment. A good screener at this position will be able to make an open jump shot for the 3-pointer. If the defender is not guarding this position, the 3-pointer will get an open three-point jump shot from the corner.