Attacking the 1-3-1 Zone

What it is

• Attack the corners (baseline): Station two players in opposite corners; when ball enters one corner, skip to the other before the baseline defender can cross the lane

How it works

• High post flash: Flash a skilled player to the free-throw line area (between the point defender and the rover) — the high-post catch creates a 2-on-1 situation
• Reverse action to avoid the trap: Move the ball before the trap closes — never hold the ball on the wing
• Rule: If you feel two coming, give it up before they arrive

Reads and counters

• Read the baseline rover: if he commits to the ball-side corner, skip cross-court to the weakside corner before he recovers.
• Read the top defender: when he and the wing pinch the ball, flash the high post in the gap for a 2-on-1.
• On the high-post catch, read the back defender: if he steps up, dump the short corner or block; if he stays, turn and shoot.
• Read the wing trap early: if you feel two defenders closing, reverse the ball before you pick up your dribble into it.
• Off the high-post touch, read which deep defender helps and pass away from him to the short corner or weakside wing he vacated.

Teaching cues

• Find the gap, flash the middle.
• Skip it before he crosses.
• Don't hold the wing, reverse it.
• Feel two, give it up.
• Short corner when the back steps up.

Bilingual terms

Learn before and after

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