How to Effectively Attack a ZONE Defense Using a Motion Offense

One of the major advantages to the motion offense is flexibility. You can face a variety of defenses and play the motion against all of them. That includes playing a motion against a zone defense.

In order to play a motion against a zone you have to make some minor adjustments.

Screen areas, not players - In a zone, screening a specific player might not be effective because the area you are trying to clear might turn out to be a different defender's responsibility. You will not be sure of who will defend a particular player until the ball is on the way to that player. Instead, screen the area you wish to clear. For example, if you want to clear the wing, screen on the wing position and then pick off whatever defender recovers to the ball.

Choose your spots in pairs - One of the cornerstones of a motion offense is filling spots to give you proper spacing. Against a zone, your spots not only space out but work in teams. If the left block is occupied, so should the right wing (this allows for reversal, spot up passes). If there is a player in the short corner then there should be a player in the mid-post. Your spots should provide for a post option, a reversal option and a weakside option.

Cut to dead spots - When cutting against a zone, the players have to feel for dead spots that can confuse the defensive coverage. Cutting through and to an area where the defenders cannot easily identify coverages really help break down the zone. At the same time, away from the ball, players should look for areas where 1 defender has to play 2 men. In a motion, the freedom players have in making cuts makes this easier than in structured offenses.

Remember your man rules - Dribbling rules, passing rules, etc. that are present in your man offense are also present in zone play. Penetration, ball reversals, post touches all play a major role in breaking down a zone. Use them as you would against a man defense.

The biggest advantage to using a motion offense against a zone is that you do not have to teach new or additional offenses to your players. When you practice against a man defense, you are also practicing to play a zone, and vice-versa. Players are more familiar with their offense and have more confidence in it than if they had to practice multiple offenses.

For more information and an instructional drills on how to develop a high scoring motion offense, check out the new Breakthrough Basketball Motion Offense eBook.

The new Breakthrough Basketball Motion Offense eBook is available for download at http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/pr/motionoffense.html

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