As we have our offensive system down and are ready to take on our season, it’s always a good idea to also have a few quick actions against the zone in our arsenal. Today,

Rutgers University Head Coach Steve Pikiell is going to be breaking down 3 quick and easy zone plays that can be implemented almost immediately. 

Before we head to the action itself, if good to understand that moving the ball and spacing against the zone is more than half of the battle. Pay attention to how in all of our following plays, Coach Pikiell emphasizes communication and demands the ball to divert attention from the cutter/flasher.

Big Man Lob

As Coach Pikiell said, a lot of teams play zone so they can stop the ball from going to big men. However, if your big man is athletic enough, it is even easier to get a lob action for your big man. Watch Coach Pikiell breaking down the Gap-Tebow action, and also pay close attention to how the big man that is flashing to the high post is asking for the ball - he needs to suck everyone’s attention while the other big man is getting backdoor screen. 

Big Man Lob

Ball Screen Action vs Zone

Once we are able to get the ball moving and get in the rhythm, we want to set a pick and roll on the wing spot. Easy yet very effective action to space the floor even more and look for drive and kick to the open wing. Watch Coach Pikiell break down the Pick and Roll against Zone: 

Ball Screen Action vs Zone

Gap Double Cut

We can use this action if we have an athletic guard that likes to cut to the rim. Coach Pikiell used to run this play really well with Corey Sanders. He wants the big man to focus on ducking in and demanding the ball, while the guard makes an easy cut for a layup or lob.

Watch Coach Pikiell break down Gap Double Cut here: 

Gap Double Cut

We can’t forget to get the ball moving before we start calling any of these actions. Getting to move the ball and make the defense rotate and slowly make them lose their balance is more than half the battle. 

Special thanks to NJBCA and Coach Pikiell for sharing. These clips were taken from Steve Pikiell NJBCA clinic talk Attacking Zones.

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