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Step 1
The key to defeating the 2-3 zone defense all starts with penetration from the point guard and wing players on offense. The guards must attack the gaps in the zone, draw defenders and the pitch or pass to the open wing or point player. Penetration forces the zone to collapse on the offensive player with the ball.
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Step 2
The offense must try and get the ball into the "grey area" The "grey area" is an area found on the baseline between the low block and the 3 point arc on both sides of the court. The "grey area" is about 6' to 8' feet out from the low block (rim) heading to the corner and about 2-3 feet out from the baseline. The wing offensive player must look to enter the ball into the "grey area" which will help draw out defenders and open up the lanes for cutters and high to low post action. Once the ball goes into the "grey area" the high post automatically drops down the lane to the low block looking for a layup or post up and then cuts through the lane if he does not get the ball. He then heads back up to the high post where he started. Opposite wing players and the point guard look for soft spots or openings in the zone defense when the ball is entered into the "grey area".
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Step 3
If the "grey area" offensive player is defended well the high post may be open. if the high post player catches the ball he can square up and face the basket, dribble drive, hit the low post cutting to the low block or shoot the jumper. If the lane is clogged the high post should immediately look opposite to the wing for an open jump shot.
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Step 4
Constant movement is the key. The guards can inner change on top after a pass is made forcing the defense to shift. The high post can drop to the low post when the ball is entered into the "grey area" and then circle back up to the high post on the ball side. The baseline player will work the "grey areas" always flashing to the side of the court where the ball is. The baseline player can also post in the low block when the high post gets the ball.
