Zoom Action Play with Layers: Man Play “K3” for Dynamic Scoring
K3 is a standout play within an uptempo system that blends the modern zoom action with layered screening for a dynamic and hard-to-defend set. The beauty of K3 lies in its continuous motion and back-to-back screening reads, keeping the defense scrambling and generating clean scoring chances from several points on the floor.
Setup
4 starts just off the left elbow
3 is on the left wing
1 has the ball at the top
5 begins on the block
2 is positioned opposite side, typically spaced or as a shooter
Execution
Initial Screen & DHO
4 sets a down screen for 3 on the wing.
1 dribbles behind 4 and executes a dribble handoff (DHO) with 3.
Decision Point for 3
After receiving the DHO, 3’s first read is to turn the corner and attack the rim.
Back Screen Action
Simultaneously, 5 comes up from the block to set a back screen for 4, giving them a second scoring option on the cut.
Flare & Slip Sequence
After the back screen, 5 immediately sets a flare screen for 1 on the weak side.
Once that screen is set, 5 slips to the rim looking for a scoring opportunity.
Key Coaching Points
4’s screen for 3 must hit the bottom half of 3’s defender to force the defender to trail.
Encourage 3 to be aggressive on the catch, zoom opens the paint with spacing.
5's flare for 1 should aim at the back side of the defender, enabling separation on a switch.
Teach players to flow from one screen to the next seamlessly, any hesitation will allow the defense to recover.
3 must read help defenders: dish to 4, hit 5 on the slip, or attack if the paint is open.
Full Breakdown for Coaches
K3 is a powerful play because of its constant defensive stress. It doesn’t rely on a single action to get open; instead, it stacks options in sequence to punish teams who try to switch or help.
Layer 1: Zoom Entry and Rim Pressure
The first action mimics a classic zoom: a down screen into a dribble handoff. The defense often overplays zooms because they’ve become popular—K3 flips that expectation by adding movement behind the zoom.
Layer 2: Off-Ball Screening After Zoom
As the defense reacts to the zoom action, the backside gets attacked by a back screen (5 to 4). This opens up a layup look for 4, or at least shifts weakside defenders and forces switches.
Layer 3: Flare and Slip as Kill Shot
Following that, 5’s flare for 1 provides an outlet if the primary and secondary actions are covered. Then 5 immediately slips to the basket, where they’re often forgotten, especially in zone-switching man defenses.
Personnel Recommendations
3 (DHO Receiver) – This should be your best slasher or shot-creator. They have to make decisions on the fly.
5 (Big with Screening IQ) – Needs to understand timing, screening angles, and slipping effectively.
1 (Shooter or Second Playmaker) – Ideally can shoot off the flare or attack off the catch.
4 (Smart Cutter) – Needs to know when to pop or cut based on defender reactions.
Variations & Counters
If teams go under the DHO, 3 can stop short for a pull-up.
If the flare action is denied, 5 should slip early—this is often wide open.
Add a corner shooter (2) who lifts if 3 drives baseline to punish help defense.
Common Mistakes
Poor timing on the DHO – 1 and 3 need to sync movement to get the best handoff angle.
Early back screen by 5 – If it comes too early, it telegraphs the play.
Stationary 4 after cutting – 4 should be ready to re-space if the layup option is not open.
Final Takeaway
K3 is not your average quick hitter, it’s a multi-layered play that evolves during the possession. By mixing zoom action, back screen, flare screen, and a slip into one play, you make life miserable for man-to-man defenses. It’s a coach’s dream for programs that want simplicity with depth and is ideal for high school and youth coaches running uptempo or motion-based systems.
Run it a few times to teach players to recognize reads, then unleash it after timeouts, late-game moments, or as your go-to when you need a basket.
