Zipper Offense
What to Discover or Recall:
The Zipper offense is excellent for freeing up good shooters.
It is unique in that a down screen takes place on the ball side of the floor.
Along with creating opportunities for good shooters, it produces isolations for point dribble penetration and strong post ups.
The Zipper Offense also provides for quick ball reversal and weakside attack.
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. 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. Ball handler 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.
| Entry | Down Screen | Post Options | Continuity | Variations | Game Strategy | Installing | Case for Defense |
Offensive Fundamentals Required
Creating Leads - Proven Techniques to Get Open Setting and Using Down ScreensSchematic Sequence
Dribble Clear Entry
The Zipper Offense, similar to the Hawk Offense, is initiated with a dribble clear entry to a wing. This allows the early transition to flow directly into offense without setting up. It also eliminates a non-penetrating pass to the wing. In making a back cut, the receiver must make eye contact with the passer. The key to the wing's back cut is to break all the way to the basket.
Phase 1. Point Isolation - Dribble Penetration
"Green Light."
On the dribble penetration to the wing, the point guard has the option of turning the corner for a drive to the basket whenever they that they feel that they can beat their defender one-on-one.
Dribble Drive Reads & Counters: What if the defense . . .
Click on the desired read to view illustrated counter option
The defender is MISMATCHED against the ball handler.
The defender CUTS OFF the Baseline Drive
The weakside defender SAGS OFF to help on drive.
The defense DOUBLE TEAMS the ballhandler.
Read: Ball handler is able to BEAT DEFENDER
Counter: Baseline Drive
The point guard has the option of driving hard to the basket anytime they that they feel that they can beat their defender One-on-One.
Read: Defender CUTS OFF baseline drive.
Counter: Middle Drive
Middle Drive. When the defender cuts off the baseline dribble penetration, O1 can make a cross over dribble or spin move and drive inside to the basket.
Fake Spin. The point can fake turning back and drive hard to the basket.
Read: Weakside defender SAGS OFF to help on drive.
Counter: Drop Pass
Whenever the point turns the corner and drives O3 and O5 move into drop zone positions.
Base drop. When the weakside defender X3 sags off to help out on O1's drive, O1 passes to O3 on baseline. Point also has option of pulling up for short bank shot.
Post Drop. If weakside defender X5 sags off to help out on O1's drive, O1 makes a drop pass to O5. If defender X3 should step up and deny the pass to O5, then O1 makes a drop pass to O3 on baseline.
Read: Defense DOUBLE TEAMS Ball Handler
Counter: Flash to Middle
Weakside Flash to Middle. When defender X5 steps out and double teams the ball handler O1 early. Shooter O2 pops out to short corner and O5 pops out. Ball Handler O1 has passing options to O4 flashing into the middle or to O3 on weakside baseline or to O2 in the short corner or to O5 stepping out.
Flash. When O1 passes to O4 flashing into the middle, O4 can shoot or make a drop pass to O3 or O2 if defender challenges O4's shot.
Short Corner. If O1 passes to O2 in short corner, O2 can shoot or feed O4 rolling to the basket. If defender X3 sags off to help out, O4 can make a drop pass to O3.
If shooter O2 has already popped out off O5's down screen, O2 continues out and screener O5 goes to short corner.
Phase 2: Proper Execution of Down Screen
In executing 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.
Down Screen Reads & Counters: What if the defense . . .
Click on the desired read to view illustrated counter option
The defender TRAILS the shooter out?
The defender OVERPLAYS the passing lane.
The outside defender is MISMATCHED.
The post defender is MISMATCHED.
The defenders SHOW & RECOVER or anticipate switching against screen.
MID SCREEN: quick hit two game variation.
Read: Defender trails the shooter out on down screen.
Counter: Jump Shot
On point guard O1's dribble penetrates to wing, post rolls down and sets a down screen for shooter. The shooter O2 centers the screen and breaks out to the free throw line for jumper.
Read: Defender overplays and denies pass to shooter.
Counter: Back Cut
When defender X2 overplays and denies the passing lane from O1 to O2 coming off the down screen, shooter O2 takes the defender high and back cuts to the basket as the screener O5 steps out to the short corner. If the point can pass directly to the shooter on back cut or feed post in short corner who in turn can pass to the shooter cutting to basket.
Read: Defense switches & bigger defender MISMATCHED OUTSIDE against quicker shooter.
Counter: Drive
When the defender X2 closes out off balance, the shooting guard has option of pump faking and driving hard to the basket for shot. Also, whenever the defense switches or when the shooter feels that they can beat their defender, they have the Green Light to go one-on-one.
Drop Pass. When the baseline defender steps out to help out against O2's dribble penetration to the basket, O2 makes a drop pass to O4 for easy shot. If O5 sags off to help out on O2's drive, O2 makes the drop pass to O5.
Kick Out Pass. If the wing defender X3 drops off to help out against O2's dribble penetration, O2 makes a kick out pass to shooter O3 spotting up up for a three point shoot.
Read: Defense Switches & bigger post is MISMATCH INSIDE against smaller defender.
Post Feed
When the defense switches on the down screen, shooter O2 looks to feed post O5 posting up against the smaller defender X2. Also, against the post front, the point has option of passing the ball shooter O2 for a better passing angle into the post.
Read: defenders SHOW & RECOVER or anticipate switching against screen.
Back Screen
When the defense switches SHOW & RECOVER or anticipate switching and zones against the down screen, shooter has the option of stepping up and setting a back screen on defender X5. O5 rolls to basket looking for lob pass from O1 or posting up against the smaller defender if the defense switches. Shooter pops out after setting the back screen. on the down screen, shooter O2 looks to feed post O5 posting up against the smaller defender X2. Also, against the post front, the point has option of passing the ball shooter O2 for a better passing angle into the post.
Read: defenders SHOW & RECOVER or anticipate switching against screen.
Mid Screen
When shooter O2 receives the ball, O4 can initiate mid screen and roll action by popping up and setting an ON BALL screen for O2. O3 and O1 spot up for three point shoots.
Phase 3: Posting Up Strong
For the Post Isolation to be effective, physical size alone is not enough, players posting up must be well schooled in the basic post moves. In addition, both the passer and post player must be cognizant of the location of defensive player.
View Basic Post Up Reads & Counters - Click Here
Post Solo Cut Options
In addition to one-on-one isolation in low post area, the Post Isolation set readily flows into two-on-two action. The wing can initiates the two person game simply by feeding and cutting off the low post.
To View Solo Post Cuts Reads and Counters - Click Here
Basic Low Post Split Options
In the past, post splits were a staple in the vast majority of offenses. Although, their use has waned in recent years, post splits remain a very potent weapon for creating easy and open shots.
To View Executing Low Post Splits Options - Click Here
Phase 4: 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.
Weakside Down Screen
When shooter O2 does not take the shot or feed inside to O5, O2 then looks to pass to O3 coming off O4's weakside down screen. If the defense switches, O2 looks to feed O4 posting up against the smaller defender. Shooter O2 also has the option of passing to O1 cutting to the basket off O5's baseline back screen.
Wing Isolation
When O2 passes to O3 coming off the down screen, isolated O3 can go one-on-one against bigger defender X4 or feed O4 posting up against a smaller defender or make a cross court pass to O1 coming off O5's back screen.
Tandem Base Screens
When wing O3 does not take the shot or feeds inside to O4, O3 then looks to pass to O1 coming off O4's and O5's baseline screens. O1 looks to take shot if open or feed O4 if the defense switches. After passing to O1, O3 then screens away initiating passing game action.
Mid Screen
The tandem base screens can also flow straight into mid screen action with O3 sets a down screen for O5 and spots up with O2 as O4 steps out and spots up in opposite corner. O5 sets a mid screen for O1.
Read: Reversal Pass Denial
Counter: Backcut
If defender X2 overplays and denies the passing lane from O1 out to O2, O5 clears out to the short corner and O2 back cuts to the basket looking for a quick feed from O1.
Phase 5. Offensive Rebounding
The importance of offensive rebounding to the outcome of the game cannot be over emphasized. Simply stated, even if you shoot well, it is going to be very difficult to win if you get only one shot. Rather than size and strength that is required for defensive rebounding, offensive rebounding requires anticipation, determination, and hustle. Players must develop an attitude as well as an instinct for the ball. They must be aggressive and determined. 2nd, 3rd and 4th efforts should be common place to offensive rebounding.
The Zipper offense provides for a definite offensive rebounding edge. In addition to having inside player positions, the Zipper Offense always has two offensive rebounders on the weakside. However, to capitalize on this advantage, players must assume that all shots will be missed and "Box Out" their defenders.
Offensive Rebounding Techniques
Continuity
Although teams prefer to flow into a motion or passing game continuity, the Zipper action can flow into almost any type of continuity. Click on View below to see samples of the most common continuities.
| Motion | Single/Double | Flex | Triangle Post | Side Screen |
Power Passing Game (Motion)
Base Cross. O1 makes a reversal pass out to O2 coming off O3's screen. O1 and O3 then cross on baseline under the basket. O2 looks to pass to either O1 or O2 coming off O4's and O5's base screen or, if the defense switches, to feed O4 or O5 posting up the smaller defender.
Fake Cross. If the defenders anticipate the O1's and O3's baseline cross and cheat over the base screens, O1 and O3 have the option of faking the cross and popping back out to the to the same side for shot.
Single/Double Action
Base Screens. O1 makes a reversal pass out to O2 coming off O3's screen and cuts baseline under the basket. O3 and O5 set a double baseline screen for O1. O1 has the option of either continuing out off the double screen or doubling back off of O4's single screen. O3 goes opposite O1. If O1 goes off the double screen, then O3 goes off O4's base screen. If O1 doubles back off O4's screen, then O3 pops out same side off O5's screen.
Flex (Spots) Action
Pick the Picker Action. When shooter O2 passes to O3 coming off O4's down screen. If O3 does not take the shot, O4 clears to the corner and O1 comes off O5's base screen. After setting a base screen for O1, O5 pops out off of O2's down screen.
Continuity. When O3 passes across to O5, O4 comes off O1's base screen, and O3 down screens for O1.
Triangle Post Action
Sideline Triangle. O3 passes to O1 coming off O4's and O5's base screen, and cuts to corner establishing the sideline triangle. O2 and O5 set up for weakside two game.
Once sideline triangle is establish all Triangle Post options become available.
Related Item: Triangle Post Offense
Side Screen Action
Ball Reversal. O3 passes to O1 coming off O4's and O5's base screen, and cuts to opposite wing. O4 then steps out and sets an ON BALL screen for O1.
Screen & Roll.O4 steps out to initiate screen and roll action. Shooters O2 and O3 spot up for three point shots on weakside. All side screen options are available.
Zipper Variations
Various NBA teams have adapted the Zipper's down screen action to take advantage of their specific player personnel. Some of these more frequently used Zipper variations include Curl, Blocks, and 1-4 High. Zipper can also be ran very effectively as a sideline out of bounds play. Click to View.
| Curl | Blocks | Back | Side Out of Bounds |
Zipper Curl
The Wing Curl set gives initial early push attack a sustained flow into half court offense without stopping preventing the defense with an opportunity to get set. Wing Curl allows for tandem down screens to free up a shooter for a medium range jump shots. If the defense should switch, it creates a mismatch on the low post.
Primary "Go To": #2 Wing or #3 Wing
Secondary "Go To": #5 PostPoint O1 dribbles clears wing O2 forcing defender X2 into O5's pick. Trail O4 sets a down screen for O2. O2 curls off O5's and O4's screens for shot. If the defense switches, O1 looks to feed O5 posting up against the smaller defender.
Zipper Blocks
Zipper Blocks set gives initial early push attack a sustained flow into half court offense without stopping and setting up. A variation of the basic zipper action, Zipper Blocks allows for a base cross screen with post ups, and tandem down screens options.
Primary "Go To": #5 Post
Secondary "Go To": #2 WingPost Up. O1 dribble clears O2 who sets a base screen for O5. O2 then pops out off of O3's and O4's down screens. O1 looks to feed O5 posting up strong or to pass to O2 circling out off O3's and O4's down screens. If O2's shot is not available, O4 steps out and sets an on ball screen for O2 initiating mid screen action.
Zipper "Back"
When the ball handler dribbles toward the wing, the wing back cuts to the basket looking for a feed from O1. If the wing O2 does not receive a pass, instead of curling up off O5's down screen, O2 sets a back screen for O5. O1 looks to feed O5 cutting to the basket off O2's back screen or posting up strong against any mismatch.
On the weakside, O3 also has the option of setting a back screen for screener O4.
Sideline Out of Bounds Entry
Zipper action is commonly used as a sideline out of bounds play. Point O1 inbounds the ball as the shooter O2 break high off O5's down screen. The point O1 has the option of passing to the shooter coming off the down screen or feeding the screener posting up low. O4 sets a down screen for O3 on weakside.
Game Strategies
Scout your opponent. Players need to know what reads to expect during the game. Opponents will generally use only a primary and secondary defense technique in defending side screens. Educate and explain the anticipated reads and their counters. When scouting is not possible, scout your opponent during the game.
Don't be a spectator and watch the ball during the game. Be conscience and alert to any defensive changes or adjustments, especially after substitutions and timeouts. Don't hesitate in deploying various alignments and entries during the game so that defenders cannot focus on defending just one set. Move players around and attack the weakest defenders.
Installing the Zipper Offense
The key to the success of the Zipper Offense is in its execution and coordination. Players need to be well prepared to execute down screens. The ballhandler, screener and receiver have to think and function as one unit. This requires proper footwork, timing, non-verbal communication, and experience.
Teaching & Implementing
Zipper Breakdown Drills:
Caution: Before undertaking any offense, players must have a solid, working knowledge of all of its components.
Two Player Entries Drill (2-on-2) 3-on-3 Combination Drill (Dribble Clear, Down Screen & Post Action)The Game Within a Game
Individual offensive skill development and improvement should be an integral part of every practice. In addition to early time (before practice) work, each player should, personally, have one or two individual fundamental techniques to work on during the course of a practice. The specific skill or skills will vary from player to player and can be assigned by the coaching staff or determined by the players themselves. As a reminder, the skill(s) should be written down on a 3 X 5 card and give it to each player prior to practice.
The Case for the Defense
Even if you do not plan to use the Zipper Offense, you better be prepared to defend against it. It is one of the most used offenses in the game.
Continue and learn proven ways and techniques to disrupt the Zipper Offense
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