Zone Press Offenses

Playname: Half Court Trap Attack

1 This offense works great against those half court zone traps you will see from time to time, especially the 1-3-1 half court trap. It is a simple offense to run with a few options for attacking the trapping defense. Option 1: #1 brings the ball up court and #2 stays even with #1. Prior to crossing the half court line, #1 passes to #2. (Remember, this is against a trap defense that is wanting to trap in the corners immediately once you cross the line.) After passing to #2, #1 crosses halfcourt. #2 quickly passes the ball to #3 at or near the top of the key. #3 looks for #4 cutting to the basket or #1 on the wing to start the offense.

2 Option 2: #1 has the ball and, if the passing lane is blocked, dribbles to replace #2. #2 cuts to replace #3 and #3 replaces #1. #1 looks to pass to #2 or back to #3. #3 will pass to #2 and cut across half court. #2 looks for #4 at the basket or #3 on the wing.

3 Option 3: #1 has the ball, reverses it to #2 and crosses half court. #2 passes ahead to #5 in the corner and crosses half court. #5 looks for #4 cutting to the basket or #3 at the top of the key. #3 can reverse to #1 to start the offense.

4 Option 4: #1 has the ball, reverses it to #2 and crosses half court. #2 dribbles across the half court line and passes to #3 coming to the pass. #3 looks for #4 at the basket or #1 on the wing. Coaching Points: Each of these options for initiating the half court trap attack can be run to the opposite side. In these diagrams, the ball always crosses the line from the right side. In reality, the ball may cross from the other side as well. Beware of the corners as that is where the defense will attempt to trap. Do not dribble across the line and get stuck in the corner without a dribble. Use dribbles to advance the ball only when you are certain you are able to do so. If the defense gets out of position or slow in moving, #3 will have a 3-on-2 or 3-on-1 situation many times. As against any zone, use ball fakes and pass fakes to make the defense move. This will help to create open passing lanes.

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