zone defense

Question
how do you beat a zone defense on offense?  any zone in general

Answer
Kenny,


the best way to beat a zone defense is in transition. In other words, get the defensive players out of position. Swing the ball around the perimeter because the defense has to adjust every time the ball is passed.


1-3-1 example:

Attack the primary weakness of a 1-3-1 zone defense which is the baseline on the weak side. There is typically only one player assigned to cover the weak side of the zone. By sneaking a player around the weak side along the baseline it is possible to get an easy pass inside for a lay up.

Defending the post is also another weakness of the 1-3-1 defense. When the offense can get the ball to a post player on the block the only primary defender is the player running the baseline. This can be a mismatch as the runner will typically be a small forward or power forward.

Good luck