How do you beat zone in Rec in this game?

[ImInThis]

I play with randoms and run into teams that play what looks like 2-3 or 3-2 zone, heck I think even 1-3-1 and of course we always get stomped. I understand playing with randoms you can't expect much, but the least I can do is give put on my mic and give tips

How do you beat the zone? What's the weakness? The only answer I get is ball movement, but good luck doing that because the passing lanes are very small.

My Post Scorer can shoot the 3 ball and mid-range, what's the best spot I should be standing? I've heard the free throw line is a good spot. Where should everyone else be positioned?

[TheDominator273]

There are many ways to beat a zone defense but it requires everyone to be on the same page. My favorite key to beating a zone is to stress the middle of the zone, you will cause it to collapse unless the defense is extremely disciplined which will leave people open on the perimeter.

The simplest way to do this is to set up in a 2-1-2 on offense with people on each wing and in the corner with someone at the free throw line. Get the ball to the guy at the free throw line and read and react from there, chances are two defenders will commit towards that player leaving other players open, simply find the open player and if the defense rotates keep the ball moving to find the open shot. A stagnant ball is a killer for offense against a zone defense.

[BasketBalla21]

If you're a post scorer that can shoot just set up at the free throw line. If you get the ball and you're open shoot it. If they crowd you hopefully your teammates know how to get open. A jokic style playstyle is your best bet.

Also, if you get the rebound on defense outlet pass immediately. The absolute best way to beat a zone is to attack it before it gets set.

[tru11]

As a post scorer just post up the guards and abuse them.

If defenders start crashing, pray that your teammates have enough IQ to get open.

Attacking the basket to draw fouls works pretty darn good if you change your shot just before the block/contact comes.

Know how to shoot the midrange or bait defenders to abandon their man.

If you have a ball handeler that can shoot , id say to overload 1 side and screen him open with double or even triple screens.

Most guys stay in their zone covering air while most random thinks its a good idea to stand in a spot that has no passing lane.


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[jk31]

outnumber them on one Side of the court. 1 and 2 a little higher than the wings, 3 in the corner, 4 on the high post, 5 on the low post. then you have 4 guys in the Ballside while they only have 3 defenders on that Side. get the Ball inside (to 4, 5 or via penetration from the outside), the others have to keep the spacing and move to open spaces and then kick the Ball out again. move from Side to Side and Do that 2 or 3 times and then you will have an open shot or layup.

[ksuttonjr76]

I miss these conversations. I'm surprised by the number of initial responses (all good advice BTW) recommending using a big in the high post.

Talking as a 2-way PG, I was thinking that the key to breaking the 2-3 zone begins with a good PG who HAS court awareness and knows how to use icon passing. I truly believe that the zone is OP, because people don't know how to dribble with their "heads up" and rely too much on the single button press for passes. Also, you need a PG who wants to setup his teammates instead of getting theirs. Lastly, you need teammates who know how to move to the open spots.

I did have one bad experience against the zone. However, having patience and taking time to probe the defense helps. I normally dribble to the middle of the floor, then briefly observe how the defense is covering my teammates. Personally, I'll pretty good at taking my man off the dribble, so my intentions is to make the zone "collapse" with my dribble penetration. Most players are "greedy", so you'll be surprised how many players will try to go for the steal attempt as you're coming into the mid-range area or try to double team you near the out-of-bounds lines.

As long as your teammates are moving to the open spots, it's just about reading and reacting then hitting your teammates. Most importantly, don't forget to hit your bigs who know how to dive to the rim. It always bug me when PGs (when I play C), don't pass me the ball when I making an uncontested dive to the rim.

[TheFinalEvent97]

Simplified way to beat 3-2 and 2-3 zones:

3-2: Shooter in each corner and big/slasher rolling down the middle.
2-3: Shooter on each wing
In both scenarios someone will be open, granted with how effective interceptor is it's a pain.

[ksuttonjr76]

Quote: Originally Posted by TheFinalEvent97

Simplified way to beat 3-2 and 2-3 zones: 3-2: Shooter in each corner and big/slasher rolling down the middle. 2-3: Shooter on each wing In both scenarios someone will be open, granted with how effective interceptor is it's a pain.

If your teammates don't move around to the open spots, then this simplified way literally plays into the strengths of the zone defense.