Coach ,

Every team has to prepare to play against zones during the season, and especially with the current situation we are facing, more teams are planning to use zones this year based on conversations we have had with other coaches as well as watching some of the initial games of the college basketball season.  

There are a variety of ways that coaches teach to attack zones such as

• Beating the zone down the floor in transition (Always the first choice!)
• Using a motion style offense (Dribble Drive motion or Freelance motion)
• Using continuities against the zone (Especially HS teams without a shot clock)
• Utilizing sets

In this email, we are going to focus on sets and share with you some of the best sets we have seen over the years, as well as in our recent clinics.

1.) 4 Up Horns With Empty Corner

We know that ball screens against zones are very effective. One coach who has heavily influenced my thinking on this is Russ Bergman. Coach Bergman has spent several years working in Europe with some of the top European coaches such as Sergio Scariola. This is a set utilized by Khimki.

4 Up Horns with Empty Corner

2.) Zone L Set

A coach whom I have studied and borrowed play ideas from over the years is Jim Christian. You would think that spent years coaching in the ACC who had to play Syracuse frequently has some good ideas how to attack the zone, and you would be right. Here is one of the sets they use.

Zone L

3.) Flyer

We believe you should give credit to those you borrow play from, so this is an action taken by coach Brian Gregory when he was coaching Dayton. It’s a variation of a play made popular by former Utah State coach Stew Morrill that can also be run as a half-court play (known as Cyclone).    

4.) Horns Dive

A play that can be run against an even front zone or an odd front. Designed to get a quick post up look (Yes, you can still get the ball inside a zone!) then allows you to flow into other actions of your choice). In this diagram, we would flow into a high-low look similar to one taught by Hubie Brown and Tom Izzo.

5.) Euro Ball Screen Vs. Zone

A question that frequently comes up in conversation is about using the European Ball Screen Offense against zone. Here is a sample of the Brazilian National Team using it during the FIBA Americas Championship.

Euro vs. Zone

What sets are your favorite? Share with us in our community.

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