Many teams play zone defense, because zones work. They help neutralize the star player, limit pick-and-rolls, help protect players in foul trouble, can force players to hit perimeter shots, and may help teams initiate transition.
But offenses are not helpless. Zone defenses are neutralized by transition, they allow the offense to choose where to attack, and don't have specific players to block out on the boards.
I emphasize player and ball movement, shot fakes and pass fakes, which distort zones north and south (shot fakes) and east and west (pass fakes).
I also teach the acronym DR. FLAPS.
D - Dribble into gaps
R - Reversal (ball reversal)
FL - Flash to open spots
P - Hit the post
S - Screen
1-4 high (most 2-3 zone coaches deny the pass to the middle). Options to screen the high defender or pass to the wing (above). High post cuts to the short corner and 5 attacks the middle.
If the ball is passed to the corner, 3 cuts through which pressures X5 to defend the cut or free 5. If there is nothing, the ball can be reversed with additional player movement.
