Coaches’ Corner: Baseline OB’s vs Zone Defenses

Here are some options to run on the baseline vs. Zone Defenses.

Bob Anderson- Williamsfield

Evan Massey- Galesburg

When #3 is handed the ball, if #2 is open, #3 immediately passes it out for a three point shot. #5 anticipates the ref handing the ball to #3 and cuts hard to the basket. #4 cuts off #5 to the weakside block and looks to seal the defender on that side. 

If the ball is passed into the corner, if the player does not have a shot, they dribble off- pulling the defender with them. #3 fills in behind. 

This is the same play but the pass went to the opposite corner. The inbounder MUST immediately stop in and then cut to the opposite corner. 

In this ob, we are looking for #2 popping to the corner. The passer wants to telegraph this pass. We are flooding the baseline. Someone must cover #1, #4, and #2. The inbounder needs to read the zone defender on the weakside. If the defender flies out, #5 will be open for a layup. 

With 3 Across, we are really looking for either #5 for a lob pass coming across, or #4 sealing the weakside defender. When #5 cuts, they don’t come hard to the block, but rather when they come off the screen of #4- pop back a step or two- the defender won’t come out so they will have an open 10 foot shot.