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Most Commonly Used Offenses: Zipper Offense| Entries | Ball Reversal | Continuities | Shooter Options | Post Options | Defense | The "Zipper" offense roots back to the Celtics of 1960's, but is still a very potent offense that is contained in almost every NBA team's playbook. It affords for wing isolation, a strong post up game along with creating good shot opportunities by freeing up shooters with down screens. The Zipper offense is unique in that a down screen takes place on the ball side of the floor. Similar to the "Power" passing game offense, shooters start low on the baseline. Point O1 initiates the offense by dribbling to either wing as the shooters O2 and O3 break high off O4's and O5's down screens. Once on the wing, the point has the option of turning the corner and driving hard to the basket or passing to the shooter coming off the down screen or feeding the screener posting up low.
WING ISOLATION: The point guard has the option of turning the corner for a drive to the basket whenever they feel that they can beat their defender one-on-one. BALL REVERSAL: When the shooter O2 does not take the shot or feed inside to O5, O2 looks to pass to O3 coming off O4's weakside down screen or if the defense switches feed O5 posting up against the smaller defender. CONTINUNITY: Although teams prefer to flow into a motion or passing game continuity, Zipper action can flow into almost any type of continuity.
Proper Execution of Down ScreenIn execiting the Zipper Offense, it is not only important for the high post to set a solid down screen, but it is equally important for the shooter to set up and come off the screen properly. When the ball side down screen is executed to perfection, the defense is faced with a major task of having to defend both an outside and inside attack at the same time. Shooter's Options
Post Feed OptionsFor the Post Isolation to be effective, both the passer and post player must be cognizant of the location of defensive player. Long time coach and present Laker assistant, Tex Winter, has not only brought the importance of court spacing into the game, but he has also coined the phase "line of deployment" which assists players and coaches in "reading" and countering defensive post deployment.
Solo Cut Options
Basic Low Post Split OptionsThe Case for the DefenseFor any defense that is not well prepared in defending strong side down screens, the Zipper offense will be very difficult to stop. In addition, if the on ball defender should get careless it will most certainly result in an easy layup.
© 2004 Ernie Woods, HoopTactics
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