Special Note: This play originally appeared in the March 2024 edition of The Coaching Clinic, a monthly publication published by Prentice-Hall, Inc. It was submitted by my dad, Jim Alfonso, back when he was a freshman boys coach (he is now recently retired after many successful years as a track coach, referee, and history/physical education...
This basketball play utilizes inside screening to create a great shot opportunity against a 2-3 zone defense. Players O4 and O5 set up below the low block and/or behind the defender. This play can be run to either side, just as long as the players know what to do depending on where the point guard...
This High/Low Zone Offense is a simple basketball continuity offense that is effective against zone defenses, particularly even-front zone defenses such as the 2-3. The movements are simple to execute and therefore allow it to be an effective offense for youth teams that come up against a zone. It is also an efficient zone offense...
A simple play you can run when you come up against a triangle-and-2 defense. It creates jump shot opportunities for those players not being defended man-to-man. It is also easy enough to implement in a game even if you have not practiced this play specifically. If your players know how to screen and cut, they...
This quick hitting basketball play begins in a box set formation and is designed to get the ball into the low post against a zone defense (could potentially be run against a man-to-man defense as well). This is a nice play you can run to specifically get your post player the ball in a position...
I always seem to be changing offenses or defenses based on personnel. However, I have never changed my press break; its simple, effective, and can flow into any game plan. Alignment and duties: Always goes to the left of the basket, looking for the ball. He is our primary ball handler and our first option....
The Rover Beat the Trap Zone Offense is a situational offense that can be used against either man-to-man or zone defenses that attempt to trap the offensive player with the basketball. More specifically, it works best when the defense sets the double team as soon as the ball crosses the midcourt line. The Rover Zone...
This High-Low Post Play can be run as a set play against a zone defense or, if you allow more freedom on offense, it can be a breakdown drill to teach your players where to move against a zone when they dont have the basketball. It can be run to either side in our...
Purpose: A drill to teach zone offense passing and movement skills that works on a variety of aspects such as feeding the high post, moving without the basketball, and catching at the ready to shoot. Drill: Two lines and a coach or passer needed for this drill. The coach stands at the elbow / free...
This set play can be used against a 2-3 zone defense to get a quick hitting score. This can be an especially useful play against a 2-3 that overextends on the perimeter. This play can be run to either side. If the play is called, the side is determined by the point guard. In the...