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.
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.
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.
- Screenareas, not players - In a zone, screening a specific player might not beeffective because the area you are trying to clear might turn out to be adifferent defender's responsibility.
You will not be sure of who willdefend 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 toclear the wing, screen on the wing position and then pick off whateverdefender recovers to the ball.
- Chooseyour spots in pairs - One of the cornerstones of a motion offenseis filling spots to give you proper spacing.
Against a zone, your spotsnot only space out but work in teams.
If the left block is occupied, soshould the right wing (this allows for reversal, spot up passes).
If thereis a player in the short corner then there should be a player in themid-post.
Your spots should provide for a post option, a reversal optionand a weakside option.
- Cut todead spots - When cutting against a zone, the players have to feel fordead spots that can confuse the defensive coverage.
Cutting through and toan area where the defenders cannot easily identify coverages really helpbreak down the zone.
At the same time, away from the ball, players shouldlook for areas where 1 defender has to play 2 men.
In a motion, thefreedom players have in making cuts makes this easier than in structuredoffenses.
- Rememberyour man rules - Dribbling rules, passing rules, etc.
that are present inyour man offense are also present in zone play.
Penetration, ballreversals, post touches all play a major role in breaking down a zone.
Usethem as you would against a man defense.
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.