A complete package to beat the zone.

One of the keys in attacking a zone defense is multiplicity--utilizing multiple zone offenses and specials to pick up the pattern of the defense or to get the special shooters their special shots.

That includes both inside and outside shots to whatever the zone gives you.

Among the basics to include in your zone attack are spacing, ball, and player movement. You also want to incorporate pass fakes and shot fakes to shift with the zone and two kinds of dribbles--attacking the gap between two defenders and freeze dribbling (attacking an individual by dribbling hard at his outside shoulder).

Screens both on and off the ball and the use of seals are important against a zone. You also want to include flashes, especially behind the zone, and the penetration of two key areas (short corner and long corner) to flatten out the zone.

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The most common zones are even-front zones (2-3, 2-1-2, etc.). You should have two or three even-front offenses and three or four even-front sets. The 3-out 2-in is a common set vs even-front zones vs even-front sets. Within the set, you may utilize all of the following: corner cuts, short corner/post slide, post cut and replace, flash from wing, gap dribbles, freeze dribbles, ball screens, seal screens, and skip passes.

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As you can see in the diagram, "Skip" offers a good example of an even-front special for a jump shot.

You can also use two or three zone defenses vs odd-front zones (3-2, 1-2-2, etc.) and three or four specials. Some coaches believe in having only one offense vs even-front zones and one offense against odd-front zones.

However, I have found that if you continue to run only one offense vs a zone, the defense will eventually pick up the pattern and make it much easier to defeat.

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We will run one offense as long as it is working. If it stagnates, we will switch to another offense to put the zone out of rhythm.

"Double High" presents a good overload odd-front zone attack. We again try to mix in some specials to get specific shots for specific shooters. "Red" produces an interior screen to get the good post shot.

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To be effective vs zones, you need a balanced package with multiple attack options:

1. To adjust your sets to your personnel.

2. Have movement to avoid stagnation.

3. Stress "No turnovers vs a zone!"

4. You--not the zone--should be able to control your destiny and the kind of shots you want to take.

So why not have a balanced package that will enable you to get exactly the kind of shots you need?

By Keith Cooper, Head Men's Basketball Coach

Saint Martin's College, Lacey, WA