Zone Offense Principles

A common idea that you'll hear at clinics is that the best coaches are the best imitators. They see stuff (plays, patterns, actions, defenses) that works, and they implement it with their own personnel. In my own experience I've even taken things that were effective against our team and turned around to add it to our package. In regards to zone offense, I think there are 4 things that you should look for when implementing a system, whether it's your own or someone else's.

Ball Movement - The ball must move quickly and fluidly against a zone. Against a man defense, there is usually action coming toward the ball. That means that at times the man with the ball must hold onto it and create an opportunity to make a play. Against a zone, holding onto the ball allows defenders time to adjust and communicate as they assume new positions on the floor. Also, defenders are prone to watch the ball, so when the ball moves quickly their focus is taken away from other players in their primary area even more.

Court Use - Swinging the ball from wing to wing over and over again will rarely create opportunities to get quality shots. Use the deep corner, short corner, and high post to force the defense to flatten out and make true rotations, not simply shift from side to side. Post entries are also vital against the zone. You don't have to get a shot out of it, but a post entry will collapse the defense and open up cuts and shots for perimeter players.

Screening Action - I think screens are really under-utilized in most zone offenses. When you screen a zone, you're creating confusion for the defender. He has to make a choice to who to guard. He has to communicate with a teammate who is not focused on either man involved in the action, and that teammate also has to choose who to pick up when he realizes there is a screen happening behind or around him. This goes for ball screens and screens away from the ball.

Dribble to Pass - When using penetration against a zone, design it to create an opportunity for another player. Attack gaps and occupy two defenders at one time. As those players converge on the ball, open spaces will open up. Try screening other players or running cuts into those spaces to create favorable shot opportunities. Getting all the way to the rim may happen if you have a perimeter player with a combination of quickness, strength, and ball handling, but it can be just as effect as a means to set up others. 

Lastly, whether you're designing your own sets or imitating from somebody else, don't be afraid to get innovative. There's no sense in running an offense for two post players if you only have one, or don't have any at all. Take a realistic look at your own roster and build to the strengths of your team!

If you have most zone principles you'd like to share, please leave them as comments below. Also, if you're in the Twin Tiers, check out www.facebook.com/dynamicbasketballdevelopment - a new training and consultation opportunity opening this summer!