Step 1/51 drives the gap between the top two
Orange = offense · blue = defense · solid line = cut · dashed = pass · zig-zag = dribble · T = screen · dotted arc = shot
Animated play
Zone Offense: Drive the Gap and Kick
Dribble into the gap between two zone defenders. When both come to stop you, the teammate one pass away is open.
- Time
- 8 min
- Players
- 5+
- Ages
- 10+
- Level
- Beginner
Equipment: 1 ball
How the play works
- 1Start in the gaps: 1 and 2 at the top (lined up between the defenders, not opposite them), 3 and 4 on the wings, 5 in the short corner.
- 21 drives hard into the gap between the two top defenders. Both will step in to stop the ball.
- 3Kick it to 2, who is now open. If the wing defender comes up to 2, the next pass to 4 on the wing is open.
- 4One rule for the whole team: attack a gap, draw two, pass to the next player.
Coaching points
- Two dribbles into the gap, not a drive into a crowd
- Jump stop and pass; don't leave your feet
- Receivers: stand where a defender has to choose
More plays
Animated play
Team Offense · Intermediate
1-4 High: Backdoor
Four players across the free-throw line leave the basket wide open. Pass to the elbow and the wing cuts behind their defender.
8 min5+ playersAges 11+
Animated play
Team Offense · Beginner
4-Low (Baseline Inbound)
The simplest inbound there is: four players flat along the baseline, each with one job when the ball is slapped.
6 min5+ playersAges 8+
Animated play
Team Offense · Beginner
5-Out: Dribble-At Backdoor
One simple rule for 5-out: if a teammate dribbles at you, cut backdoor. It punishes defenders who deny the pass.
8 min5+ playersAges 9+
Teach this play at your next practice
Save it to your playbook, customise it and put it on your game sheet. Free forever, no card needed.