How to Beat a 1-1-3 Zone Defense with a 4-Low Ball Screen Play

Half Court vs Zone 1-1-3 – 4 Low, Ball Screen for Small Forward

Setup: In this zone offensive play, the offense aligns with four players low across the baseline, leaving the top empty. Your '3' player, ideally your best decision maker or playmaker, starts at the top of the key and initiates the play. The ball is passed to '3', who is immediately pressured by the top defender of the 1-1-3 zone. Meanwhile, shooters spot up on the wings, and your post players prepare to screen and occupy zone defenders.

Execution: The main objective is to use the ball screen from '4' to force the top and wing defenders into tough choices. As '3' dribbles across the top, '4' sets a solid ball screen. At the same time, '5' holds positioning near the block, drawing attention from the bottom defender in the zone.

This forces the central zone defender to either hedge toward the ball handler or stay home to help cover the low post. '2' and '1' are spotted up on opposite wings, ready to catch and shoot depending on how the zone rotates.

'3' attacks aggressively off the ball screen. If no help comes, they finish the layup. If help steps in, options include a kick-out to '2', a drop-off to '5', or a reset pass to '1' who can swing it or reset the offense.

Why This Play Works: This action leverages spacing, movement, and decisiveness against a 1-1-3 zone. By pulling defenders out of position and forcing switches or help rotations, it opens up multiple scoring options. The ball screen at the top manipulates the central defender’s role, which is critical in the 1-1-3.

Key Teaching Points:

• The timing of the ball screen must align with '3' arriving near the top.

• The screener ('4') must stay stationary and legal with the screen.

• '3' must read the defense on the fly, drive if open, pass if collapsed.

• '5' should pin the bottom zone defender to make the layup easier.

• Shooters must be ready to catch and shoot instantly.

Personnel Considerations: This play is best used when your team has:

• A smart, crafty ball handler in the '3' spot

• A strong screener who understands spacing

• Perimeter players who can knock down open shots

• A center/post player who knows how to seal off a defender

Drills to Support the Play:

• Ball Screen Reads: Have the '3' and '4' practice screen-and-roll reads with a live defense.

• Corner Spot-Up Shooting: Repetition for wings catching in the corner and shooting quickly.

• Post Sealing: '5' practices sealing off the defender and receiving dump-off passes.

• Zone Recognition: Have your team simulate 1-1-3 zone in practice and drill this play against it.

Situational Usage:

• After a dead ball vs. zone defense

• When facing a soft press that collapses into a 1-1-3

• In the first few possessions to feel out a zone

• Late-game when you need a reliable, multiple-option play

Adaptations:

• If defenders start switching, have '3' fake the drive and swing back to '1' for a second-side attack.

• If '5' draws too much help, set up a stagger screen for '2' on the weak side.

Benefits of the 4-Low Alignment Against 1-1-3:

• Empties the top of the zone for clear driving lanes

• Occupies the bottom defenders, opening the short corner and blocks

• Forces the central defender to make difficult decisions

• Provides multiple bailout options if the drive is cut off

Conclusion: Using this 4-low, ball screen-based approach against a 1-1-3 zone creates controlled chaos that stresses defenders. By putting the ball in your smartest player's hands and spacing the floor properly, you increase the odds of generating a quality look on every possession. Combine this play with good timing and sharp reads, and your team will have a go-to zone breaker to rely on.