In basketball, various defensive schemes have emerged over the years to constantly come up with a solution for the ever-evolving offensive strategies in the sport. One of the by-products of this movement is the zone defense, which was designed to limit the scoring punch of teams that exploit weak on-ball defenders. This defensive pattern has become a staple in the game, and countless have yet to figure out how to get around it.
To that end, Watts Basketball gives you a rundown of offensive techniques that you can put into practice in order to overcome the zone defense.
Score Under Pressure: Offensive Skills to Lean On to Counter Zone Defense
As difficult as it may seem, there are several ways to produce a basket in the face of the zone defense. So, make sure to take notes and learn the needed moves that will let open the floodgates of scoring.
Catch and Shoot from Perimeter
The zone defense is one of the defensive strategies that best exposes a team that has weak outside shooting. But for that exact same reason, it also among the schemes that prove to be ineffective against good long-range shooters. So, it goes without saying that the catch-and-shoot technique is one of the ways to go when facing the infamous zone.
Quick shots from zone interior
When the zone defense is implemented against you and your team, take a good look at the gaps on the court. You would probably notice that the interior of the zone has holes that you can exploit for a shot. If the situation arises, initiate a flash in the middle and let loose a quick catch-and-shoot technique from the zone interior.
Use crisp footwork to get around a defender
Another offensive technique you can put into practice when taking on a zone defense focuses on footwork. As soon as you catch the ball from the middle, you can opt to reverse pivot, creating space for you to operate. These simple foot movements open up scoring opportunities for you and the team. Also, it can be followed up with a series of fake passes to confuse the defense before hoisting a shot.
Wreak havoc on offense like no other!
One dribble moves towards the heart of the defense
Being able to maneuver inside the zone defense is no easy task, but there are one dribble moves that can set you up for a shot or a pass in such a situation. These offensive techniques involve a power hop or a lunge off the dribble, which are even used by elite athletes to slither through the lane and find the cracks in the defense for a high-percentage shot.
Also, once you pulled off these moves, you will often find yourself in a dual-threat stance where you can either pull the trigger or pass to an open teammate.
Application in Game
Simply having knowledge of these moves won’t mean a thing if you don’t put them into practice. So, get yourself in the gym and familiarize yourself with the zone defense and its offensive counters. In due time, you will be wreaking havoc on offense unlike no other.