It does not matter what formation the zone defence is in, for this illistration I have used a 2:1:2

The offence sets as per the diagram and busts to a 1:3:1 alignment, our point must make one of the opposing guards play him so that he can pass, his job is to get the ball to the wing 2 or 3 then fade to the 3pt line ball-side.

 

When 2 receives the ball he must dribble to make the defence play him.

5 rolls ballside to either receive the bounce pass to score or if he does not get the ball he finds the defensive player at the back of the zone and seals him. During this movement the defensive center will be dragged into the keyway opening up the free throw line.

3 flashes to the middle looking for the ball, when he receives it he MUST turn to shoot, he will do one of four things:-

  • Turn and shoot
  • Bounce pass to 5 sealing
  • Bounce pass to 4 fighting up the lane
  • Pass to 1 for the 3pt shot

If the shot is taken by 3 then 5 has the rebounding position
1 is ideally located to cover the break
2 and 3 have the long rebound

 Like any play, timing is very important, especially for the 3 player - he must be arriving in the center just as our center has left.
The players used for this play are important, 1 must be able to shoot the 3pt shot, 2 and 3 must be able to shoot the jumper from the freethrow line, 5 must be able to score inside, 4 must be strong.

This play is designed to get an uncontested shot from the free throw line, however because the zone defences are not tough, 5 will often get the pass on the roll and get the easy basket. If the defensive centre recovers quickly to contest the shot then the bounce pass to the 5 player is on.

When the defence reads what you are doing they will send the defensive player off our point down to stop the pass to our 3 player - this opens up the pass back to the point for the 3pt shot or our 3 player can stand instead of flashing and receive the skip pass for the shot.

Note: This may look more complicated on paper than it actually is.

Installation:
I always found it helpful to explain to players of this age what they should be thinking during execution and why you insist on the use of particular passes, and particular body stances.

The one Player: Must make the pass to the wing, don't pass to a wing player who is out of position and therefore not able to make the second pass to the free throw area - keep the dribble alive till you can make a good pass. Always fade to the three point area on the ballside there are two reasons for this. 1) Should the wing player get into trouble he will need a releif pass, being on the ballside avoids dangerous lateral passes. 2) You are a scorer, be ready to receive the ball and score the 3pt. shot.

The two and three player: When you flash to receive the pass on the wing have your hands ready to receive the ball, your job is to get the ball to a teammate in a high % scoring area. (you should not have the ball in your poscession for more than 1.5 sec.) The first look is to the center rolling, if this pass is on then it will always be a bounce pass. The second look is to the opposite wing player in the free throw area. You must be positioned inside the 3pt. line so that it forces a guard to play you! Don't force the pass, if you can't get it to him then maybe the 1 player can.

If you are not the player receiving the first pass then your job is to fill the space created by the centre rolling, you MUST be arriving as the center is leaving. Have your hands ready to receive the ball! Square up to the shooting position upon receipt and shoot the ball without hesitation if space permits. You MUST make this shot (or expect your life to be terminated). Look for the bounce pass to the center (sealing inside) or the 4 man on the lane, if the defence cuts off the pass. Third option is to the 1 player for the 3pt shot.

The four Player: Your job is to get positioned to receive the pass from the free throw line, fight up and over your defence, ask for the ball, rebound strong.

The five player: The key to your seccess is having your knees bent! When the ballside is determined you must be in a position to react immediately, if your knees arn't bent then you cannot move. As the pass is on it's way, swing your ballside leg across the defence's leg to secure a seal, roll and ASK FOR THE PASS if you get the pass on the roll it will be a bounce pass, your knees are already bent so you are ready to spring - so be ready to score. If you don't get the ball on the roll then get to the forward in the defence and seal him out, you know that the player at the free throw line and the 1 player have instructions to shoot, so be ready to rebound and score.

Ray and Alex!
If your players master this, you are only one step away from continunity. Good luck!