Zipper Offense: High Post On-ball
The Zipper Offense looks to create player movement on the court using a dribble entry tactic. This provides a good opportunity to overload one side of the floor and create some offensive opportunities through player movement.
The Zipper Offense High Post Screen Play looks to initially create a good interior target opportunity. The play then moves quickly moves into an on-ball screen situation.
The Zipper Cut can be a very useful technique in freeing a player from some intense defensive pressure. By having a player lift out of the keyway and using two separate screens this provides a very good opportunity to break free even of the tightest defence.
The Zipper Offense High Post Screen Play starts in a four out and one in formation.
The interior player (Five) lifts across the split line to set a screen for the trailing Big (Four). The screen needs to be set on or over the split line to ensure the defensive match-up of the trailing big is screened successfully.
Four (4) cuts over the screen and then down the split line to the basket.
If the defender is trailing Four (4) then the ball can always be passed down the sideline to Two (2) to provide a better passing angle.
Scoring Options:
- Four (4) off of cut to the basket
- Five (5) following screen will open up to the ball handler
- High/Low action between Five (5) and Four (4)
Two (2) then initiates the Zipper Cut to lift up the inside of the keyway using Four (4) and Five (5) to run interference.
Four’s (4) screen will be important in gaining separation initially for Two (2) from the players defender.
Five’s (5) screen will be important in ensuring that Two (2) is free to catch the pass from One (1).
Two (2) must ensure that as they come over the screen set by Five (5) that a little curl is made to the straight cut so it is impossible for the defensive player to recover for the deflection or steal.
As Two (2) lifts over the screens, three (3) will move from the wing to the elbow extended on the weak side of the floor. This movement will help in the next sequence to create a good cut to the basket during the on-ball screen action.
Scoring Options:
- Four (4) off of post entry pass from One (1)
This sequence highlights the on-ball sequence of the Zipper Offense.
Four (4) lifts to set a screen for One (1).
The timing for the screen should happen so Four (4) becomes stationary for the screen as Two (2) sets off to use the on-ball screen of Five (5).
Similarly as Two (2) starts over the screen, Three (3) will cut to a mid-range position between the keyway and three-point line. If Three’s (3) defender leaves to assist defend the on-ball screen action then Three (3) will cut to the weak side of the backboard looking for the pass from Two (2).
Two (2) will look to use the on-ball screen and attack the keyway aggressively. The majority of defenders will be outside of the key and not in a position to help. This should allow for a good scoring opportunity out of the on-ball screen action.
One (1) will be moving step for step with Two (2) in cutting to the basket. This will give Two (2) both Three (3) and One (1) attacking the basket and easy assist options.
Scoring Options:
- Two (2) off of on-ball screen
- Three (3) from the mid-range after receiving assist from Two (2)
- One (1) off of cut and with assist from Two (2)
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Coach Riches has been working within the sport, business and education industries for many years. During this time he has built an extensive number of formal and informal qualifications. A firm believer in training and development designed to help people reach their full potential, relevant o their needs and functional to their industry environment.