Hoops

Zone offence with the extended 3 point line

I use the following principles against a zone. This has worked for every age group past U14, boys and girls. I also see an advantage in creating MORE space with the new line, thus making a zone weaker:
- Must have more than 5 passes;
- Must reverse the ball;
- Must look inside (and pass if open);

Maher taught this to Graf, and I think Tom got it from some US College Coach. I disagree with the excuse that girls don't have the athleticism to beat a zone, when good passing, ball movement and smarts will always beat a zone. Very hard if you don't have an inside scorer, but I've been succesful as Ushiro suggests with weak-side cuts into the seams.

I agree with Ushiro, shoot the mid-range shots and move the ball quickly to get the zone out of shape. If you have a couple of players with a bit of size, get one to recieve the ball near the FT line and have the other cut baseline behind the D. If they start focusing on the baseline cut, get one of your guards to cut hard into the key from the 45. Even if they can't get a great shot up, they can draw the foul and you're bigs are there to crash the boards. Simple, but it works for my social team.

ABC123 - might be a mental thing in one way but I think the point you make about the physical thing is even more valid. Scoring points in a game is all about percentages and until the junior female players are physically able to shoot a reasonable % from the new 3 point line, they shouldnt try, if the Coach is doing his job properly.

Havent seen too many WNBL players attempt a mid to long range jumpshot with consistant success so why would junior females even think of doing the same. Unless closely gueard and on the move I never jumpshot beyond the 3 point line. A clear set shot was a lot higher % shot.

Why dont they just shoot 2 point shots from a bit closer in. 2 out of 6 two point attempts still is better than 1 out of 6 three point attempts from the new distance.