Zone Play UCLA: How to Attack the Back Line with Lob and Slip Options

Setup

• Begin in a 1-2-2 zone offense alignment.

• '1' is the point guard, positioned at the top.

• '2' and '3' are the wings.

• '4' and '5' are your interior players, starting in the middle and short corner areas.

Execution

1. Initial Action:
   '1' passes to '2' on the right wing. It’s crucial that the defense’s x4 defender steps up to contest this pass.

2. Reversal Sequence:
   If needed, '1' can dribble toward the wing to facilitate the pass. '2' then quickly reverses the ball back to '1', who swings it over to '3' on the left wing.

3. Cue the Lob Action:
   As the ball travels from '1' to '3', both '4' and '5' initiate the play’s core action:

   • '5' flashes to the high post and calls for the ball, drawing x5 (middle zone defender) upward.

   • Simultaneously, '4' slips behind the defense and sets a back screen on x4, freeing up '2'.

4. Final Read:
   '2' cuts behind the back line of the defense for a lob pass or layup from '3'.

Full Breakdown for Coaches

Why the UCLA Zone Play Works

The UCLA zone play disrupts a zone’s structural integrity by engaging the top defenders early and creating false reads. With the ball movement and high-post flash from '5', the middle defender (x5) is pulled out, leaving the basket exposed. This sets up a two-fold threat: a lob opportunity behind the zone or a high-low reversal.

This is an especially effective option against zone teams that aggressively chase the ball or overcommit to ball reversals.

Key Coaching Points

• Timing is everything:
  The trigger for the entire action is the pass from '1' to '3'. Teach your players to recognize this cue so that the movement of '4' and '5' happens simultaneously.

• Sell the flash:
  '5' must vocally call for the ball to sell the action. The goal is not to receive the pass, but to draw x5 away from the rim.

• Teach safe lobs:
  Not every team has a high-flying finisher. Let players know it’s okay to catch the lob and land, then finish strong. There’s no rush.

• Screening angle:
  '4' needs to back screen x4, not just brush them. A legal, hard screen will give '2' the half-step advantage they need.

Adjustments Based on Personnel

• Smaller team?
  Let '2' come off the screen and flare to the corner for a spot-up three instead of cutting to the rim.

• Bigger team?
  Run the play to set up a duck-in for '5' if x5 over-commits to the high post flash.

• Athletic wing in '2'?
  Run this out of a timeout with '2' as your best finisher. The back screen will free them up perfectly for a layup or lob finish.

How to Drill It in Practice

1. 5-on-0 walk-throughs:
   Let players feel the spacing and timing of each reversal and screen.

2. Live 5-on-5 vs Zone:
   Emphasize defensive communication—when defenders hesitate, this play thrives.

3. Position-specific reps:

   • Run finishing drills for '2' on lob catches.

   • Screen timing work with '4' and '5'.

   • Reversal and skip pass reps for '1' and '3'.

Final Takeaways

The UCLA zone play offers a creative way to get behind a zone defense and capitalize on poor backline communication. It’s not just a lob play—it’s a disguised backdoor misdirection that forces multiple defenders to react simultaneously.

This zone offense action fits seamlessly into your existing 1-2-2 or even 2-3 zone attack, making it a smart addition for teams at the youth and high school level. Whether you’re looking to break a cold streak, start a half with energy, or catch a defense off guard late in a game, UCLA is a weapon you’ll want to have ready.

Keep emphasizing timing, decision-making, and the value of deceptive cuts. The more your players learn to “sell” the early actions, the more success you’ll see in executing this play.

Drill it. Rep it. Score with it.