Using the Dribble Against the Zone

There are three concepts for dribbling against a zone that all players should understand:

  • “Gap Dribble”
  • “Freeze Dribble”
  • “Entry Dribble”

By dribbling into the gap between x2 and x1, 1 may cause doubt as to which defender will guard them. If x2 steps toward 1, they may pass to 3.

3 attacks the gap between x2 and x1. If x1 moves to guard the dribble, 3 can pass to 1.

3 attacks the gap between x4 and x1. Whichever defender moves to guard the dribble, leaves an offensive player open - either 4 (if x4 moved) or 1 (if x1 moved).

Using a “Freeze Dribble”

A “Freeze Dribble” is where the offensive player dribbles at a particular defender in an effort to commit that defender to guarding the ball, which will stop them from moving to guard another player.

If the offence quickly “reverse” the ball (pass from one side of the court to another) it may be defended by x1 and x2, “sliding” across the court

However, if 1 dribbles at x2 to “freeze” them, it means that they cannot slide across to 3. This can leave 3 open, or require a baseline defender to step out to guard 3.

Using “Dribble Entries”

The player with the ball will almost always have a defender. By using a dribble entry (dribbling to the wing) can “drag” that defender which will distort the zone.

1 dribbles to the wing, guarded by x2. x1 steps towards the ball. 3, shallow cuts to move to the point position.

The ball is reversed to 3, and x1 must guard 3. 3 can ensure this by using a “freeze dribble”, before passing to 2 who is now open.

3 dribbles to the point being guarded by x2. 1 replaces 3 at the wing. x1 is likely to step across the key. If the ball was now passed to 1 (at the wing) they would be unguarded.

Activities to Teach Offence Against a Zone (without Screens)

2x1 (+ perimeter passers)

  • 4 and 5 are playing against the baseline defence of x5 (as in a 1-3-1 zone)
  • 1, 2 and 3 are passers and try to get the ball to either post player
  • x5 reacts to the ball movement
  • Either 4 or 5 can score if they receive in the low post

1x2 (+perimeter passers)

  • 5 is playing against an “odd front” zone (3-2 or 1-2-2) and looks to “seal” a defender in the keyway
  • 1, 2 and 3 are passers
  • Both defenders react to ball movement according to their zone defensive responsibilities

2x2 (+ perimeter passers)

  • 4 and 5 are playing against the baseline defence of an “odd front zone” (3-2 or 1-2-2) and can score from the low post, short corner or middle of the keyway.
  • 1, 2 and 3 are passers

2x2 (+ perimeter passers and shooter)

  • 3 starts at foul line and then cuts to corner.
  • Either 3, 4 or 5 can shoot. 1 and 2 are passers
  • Here, 5 steps in to seal the defender (x4), as 3 catches pass in the short corner.
  • 4 cuts high

2x4 (+ perimeter passers)

  • 1, 2 and 3 are passers and can also use dribbling options
  • 4 and 5 may shoot from low post, short corner or mid-keyway.