3 Plays From Zipper Actions To Create Open Looks

Jul 01, 2024 5:28 pm

Coach ,

One of the benefits of using zipper actions within your offense is the ability to take your same half-court actions and run them from baseline as well as sideline situations.

In this time of limited practice and game preparation, you can have a variety of actions to run from one base action.

Here is a basic action to start from. 2 and 3 getting open off screens by 4 and 5. Once the ball is entered in, 1 comes to the top off 4’s zipper screen. 3 passes to 1 and 5 sprints into the ball screen. 4 can move to a variety of spots based on how the defense guards the screen as well as 4’s strength as a shooter.

One of the zipper variations we have discussed in previous emails is the veer screen. In the diagrams below, the ball is passed to 1 on the top coming off the zipper screen. 5 sets the veer screen for 3 after 1 comes off the ball screen.

Another action you will see added to the zipper screen is a step-up ball screen. After 1 comes off the initial zipper screen and then receives the ball screen from 5, 1 will pass back to 3, who cuts above the free throw line extended to create spacing. 4 will sprint out to set up the step-up screen.

The diagrams above show an initial starting alignment with the guard's shoulder to shoulder on the foul line. Here are two variations with the guards in a stack. First action is an elevator screen for your best shooter.

Second action is having your best shooter inbound the ball and then come off a set of stagger screens to the top of the key.

Here is a video clip of Australia running this action.

Here is another example from Luka Baskins Elevator Door Screen Simple Option (Click Image to Watch)

Elevator Door Screen Simple option

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Comments

MatthewScott23

Really good breakdown of zipper actions—especially how the spacing creates natural driving lanes and open perimeter shots when the timing is right. It’s interesting how small adjustments in off-ball movement can completely change the quality of the look generated. Genesee Court Information https://geneseecountycourts.org fits well with how structured systems and clear flow matter in both sports sets and organized data. Would like to see a few counters to these actions when defenders switch early or deny the first cut.

Jessica

Good breakdown of zipper actions—really solid explanation of how movement and spacing can force defensive rotations and open clean looks. The timing detail you mentioned is especially important because even a small delay can change the entire advantage. I also found some structured information through https://willcountycourts.org that presents content in a clear and organized way. Overall, these concepts translate well into real game situations where quick reads decide whether the shot is open or contested.

Huxley Beaumont

Really enjoyed this breakdown of zipper actions and how they can create separation without relying on isolation plays. The movement and timing shown here make it easier to generate quality scoring opportunities. I was also reading through some information on https://cumberlandcountycourts.org earlier and it reminded me how structured systems often lead to better outcomes when executed properly. Thanks for sharing these useful concepts and examples.

Jhon Jessi

These zipper actions are a great way to create separation and force defenders to make quick decisions. I especially like how the movement opens up multiple scoring options without overcomplicating the offense. While reading about different systems and strategies, I came across https://lexingtoncountycourts.org which reminded me how structured processes often lead to better outcomes, whether in sports or elsewhere. Thanks for breaking these plays down in such a clear and practical way.