Attacking a zone

Setup

1. Five defenders in a 2-3 zone.
2. Attackers line up against it: one guard up top, two wings, one in the short corner, one on the block.
3. Check your competition's rules on zone defence for juniors.

How it runs

1. The guard dribbles into the gap between the two top defenders to draw both.
2. The block player flashes to the free-throw line for the pass.
3. The high post turns and looks to the short corner, the rim or a skip to the far wing.
4. Play to a score or a stop, then attackers and defenders swap.

Coaching points

• Stand in the gaps, not in front of a defender.
• Draw two defenders, then pass to the player they left.
• High post: catch, turn and face the rim before deciding.
• Move the ball faster than the zone can shift; fake a pass to move it.

Common mistakes

• Passing around the outside without ever getting the ball inside.
• Short corner player drifting out to the corner, too far from the rim.