5-Out Offense vs 2-3 Zone: How to Break Down Any Zone Defense
Flash to the High Post: Whenever the ball goes to the wing, have the opposite player flash to the free-throw line area.
Exploit the Dunker Spot: Cut baseline to the short corner (a.k.a. dunker area) to create easy layups.
Use Ball Movement: Swing the ball quickly side-to-side to shift the zone and open gaps.
Set Back Screens: After flashing to the high post, set a back screen for the guard and then pop out for a shot.
Backdoor Cuts: From the corner, backdoor baseline cuts often open up when paired with high-post action.
Drive Gaps: Don’t just pass—attack the seams with dribble drives to collapse the zone.
Keep 5-Out Spacing: Always return to your spots to maintain width and create lanes.
Transition Quickly: Push the ball upcourt before the zone can get set; use a 2-side fast break.
Use Pin Downs and Screens: Pin down screens from the wing or corner confuse zone rotations.
Keep the Offense Flowing: If nothing opens up, swing the ball and repeat the actions on the other side.
The 5-out motion offense is typically seen as a tool against man-to-man defenses, but it can be just as lethal against zone defenses with a few key adjustments. The 2-3 zone is designed to clog the paint, protect the basket, and dare you to shoot. But with the right strategies, the 5-out formation can stretch and shred it.
Why the 5-Out Offense Works Against the 2-3 Zone
In a 5-out offense, all five players begin on the perimeter. This setup does two things immediately:
Forces the defense to extend
Opens the high post and baseline for cutting and flashing
Zones are built on coverage, not matchups. So when you start moving players and passing with purpose, you force the zone to shift, communicate, and make decisions—which leads to breakdowns.
1. Flashing to the High Post
The high post (free-throw line area) is a key vulnerability in both 2-3 and 3-2 zones. Here's how to exploit it:
When the ball is passed to the wing, the opposite wing flashes to the high post.
If the pass is denied, continue the motion by cutting through and replacing spots.
If the defender under the hoop sinks back, you get a second chance to flash someone else in.
Bonus Action:
The high post player steps out to set a back screen for the guard.
The guard cuts off the screen while the screener pops out to the perimeter.
This can trigger a 2-on-1 attack and easy scoring chances.
2. High Post Decision Making
When you get the ball to the high post, your options open up:
Take the mid-range jumper if the defender is slow to close.
Kick to the opposite wing for an open three if the zone collapses.
Look for baseline cutters heading to the short corner.
High post touches distort the zone and create chain reactions in the defense.
3. Baseline Cuts and the Dunker Spot
Another weak spot in the 2-3 zone is along the baseline, especially in the short corner (dunker spot).
Action Plan:
As the high post receives the ball, have the corner player cut baseline.
If not open, space back out and swing the ball.
The cutter can continue through to the opposite corner to maintain 5-out spacing.
This cut is especially dangerous because it pulls the bottom defenders into awkward decisions.
4. Skip Passes and Ball Movement
Quick ball reversals and skip passes are essential:
Skip pass to opposite corner opens up shots when the zone hasn't rotated.
Quick swing passes keep the defense shifting and prevent them from getting set.
Inside-out passing from the high post to the perimeter leads to rhythm threes.
The more you move the ball, the more you move the zone.
5. Transition Offense into 5-Out
The best way to beat a zone? Don’t let it set up.
Using the 2-side fast break concept:
PG pushes up the middle.
Two players fill the wings on the weak side.
One fills the corner on the ball side.
The trailer becomes the fifth perimeter player.
Goal: Hit early passes before the zone finds their spots. Quick hitters, 1-on-1s, and advantage situations win possessions.
6. Dribble Drives and Gap Penetration
Don’t forget: zones still have gaps.
Use freeze dribbles to pull defenders out of position.
Attack seams between the top and wing defenders.
Kick out to shooters, dump off to cutters, or reset.
Bonus: If the defense collapses, it opens up offensive rebound lanes too.
7. Screens Within 5-Out
Just because it's a zone doesn’t mean screens don’t work. In fact, they’re underutilized.
Examples:
Pin down screens: set from the block or corner to free up wing shooters.
Back screens from the high post for guards.
Elevator or "shooter" screens to spring shooters from the wing.
Screens confuse zones that are trained to guard space, not players.
8. Continuity and Flow
If nothing opens up immediately:
Swing the ball.
Reset the spacing.
Flash a new player into the high post.
Run the same actions again.
The strength of the 5-out motion is its continuity. You can keep attacking without needing to reset or call a new play.
By mastering these concepts, the 5-out offense can transform your team into a zone-busting machine. Flash high, cut baseline, swing fast, screen smart, and finish strong. Zones thrive on stagnation—beat them with movement.
