Breaking a zone defense is vital to any team that regularly faces an opponent that tries to "pack it in" and take away the interior offensive game. When a team has a strong inside attack with big men who can score or aggressive players who can drive the ball to the basket, an opponent will likely try to slow the attack with a zone defense. Clever offensive teams with effective outside shooting can break a zone.
Step 1
Get the ball to the baseline because it will draw the defense to that side of the court. Work the ball around patiently. Reversing the ball to the other side of the court will give you a chance to find the soft spot in the zone and get a high-quality shot.
Step 2
Pass the ball to the players on the post. This will occupy the defensive players on the wing in the zone and they will be forced to defend the ball. This will give the post man an opportunity to shoot if the defense does not move quickly enough or pass the ball back to a perimeter player for an outside shot. Reverse the ball to the opposite side if there is not an immediate open shot.
Step 3
Turn up the heat on the defensive end. Forcing turnovers will create fast-break opportunities. This means easy baskets. Zone defenses are more passive than man-to-man defenses and you will get steals if you work hard on the defensive end. That often forces your opponent to change its mindset by giving up the zone.
Step 4
Dribble the ball through the seams in the zone. When your opponent steps in front of you to stop your dribble, immediately pass the ball to an open teammate on the perimeter. Don't jump or leave your feet to pass. That leads to turnovers.
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