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Something I want you to pay attention to tonight is the way how the Warriors do an excellent job on spacing the floor – not just on the perimeter, but also with their big guys. 

Having the big guys in the right position on the drive opens up the passing lanes to the perimeter – something that the Warriors have been thriving off. It is important that your post players are a threat on the drive and draw the defense to them, instead of just waiting for the ball to come to them. 

Look at how Golden State Warriors’ Player Development Coach/Video Coordinator Lainn Wilson breaks down the two crucial zones in making your post players a threat on every penetration. 

Low Zone

Low zone is the area from one short corner to the other. Our post is moving in the baseline mid-range area and reacts to where the ball is driving.

 The key to opening the lane for drive is that the post needs to react not only to the ball, but also to his defender – once he sees his man steps up to help the ball, he needs to make the cut. This will not only create an opportunity for him to get open, but it also opens up the passing lanes to the perimeter.

Watch the video to see the full breakdown of Low Zone situations and in-game examples: 

 Low Zone Spacing 

Dead Zone

Dead zone is the area right above the low zone, going from the mid-range to mid-range area along the space about 5-10 feet away from the baseline. If any of your bigs occupies the dead zone when the ball is driving to the basket, it automatically clogs up the. No matter the situation, your big men need to stay away from this space on the drive, even if they are non-shooters. It completely kills your drives and makes the big men a non-threat. Your bigs need to automatically relocate after any Pick and Roll situations. 

Watch Coach Wilson break down the End Zone:

Dead Zone Spacing

As you can see in all of the video breakdowns, the detail of spacing between the two zones is crucial in running an efficient offense. When you watch film this summer, make sure you pay attention to spacing of the low post guys. It could easily give you extra couple of open looks next season.

Always keep improving,

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