Run a 2-3 Zone Short Corner Trap
Goal
Teach teams how to effectively trap the short corner in a 2-3 zone defense, preventing easy post entries and disrupting offensive rhythm.
Setup
Defense: Traditional 2-3 zone
Offense: Ball moves from top (1) to the short corner (4)
Positioning:
X1 and X2 (top of the zone)
X3 and X4 (wings)
X5 (center, middle of the paint)
This trap is triggered when the ball is passed to the short corner—an area just outside the lane and below the block.
Step-by-Step Execution
Phase 1: Trigger the Trap
Ball is passed from the top (1) to the short corner (4).
As soon as 4 catches, trap is initiated.
Phase 2: Set the Trap
X4 (strong side wing) and X5 (middle defender) double-team the ball handler in the short corner.
X3 (weak side wing) slides to take the rim—this covers the most dangerous passing lane.
X2 shades the high post and looks to deny that pass.
X1 takes away the return pass to the top (offensive 1).
Phase 3: Handle the Rim Cut
A common counter by the offense is for 5 (offensive post) to cut to the rim.
X3, already at the rim, picks up this cutter.
X4 and X5 continue trapping the ball handler in the short corner.
X1 continues denying the ball reversal back to the top.
Phase 4: Steal Opportunity
X2 now plays between the high post and the opposite wing, anticipating a skip or outlet pass.
X2 reads the passer’s eyes and timing, trying to jump the passing lane for a steal or deflection.
Coaching Tips
Aggressive but Controlled: Players must trap aggressively but not foul—contain first, then pressure.
Rim Protection is Key: Teach X3 to always prioritize protecting the basket before closing out elsewhere.
Active Hands: Trappers should have hands up and force tough skip passes across the floor.
Don't Bail the Offense Out: Avoid unnecessary fouls in the trap or lunging for steals.
For youth coaches, focus on simple rules: “Ball in the short corner = trap it.”
For high school teams, teach reads, rotations, and backside anticipation for deflections.
Full Breakdown: Teaching the 2-3 Zone Short Corner Trap
Why the Short Corner is Dangerous
The short corner is a soft spot in most 2-3 zones. Offenses often exploit it to:
Draw the middle defender (X5) out
Collapse the defense
Create easy dump-downs or open kick-outs
Trapping here forces bad passes and rushed decisions. It punishes the offense for entering a high-risk zone.
Phase-by-Phase Breakdown
Phase 1: Recognize and React
The pass to 4 in the short corner triggers immediate trap coverage.
Train players to react as the pass is in the air, not after the catch.
Phase 2: Trap and Rotate
X4 and X5 trap the ball—shoulder to shoulder, forcing toward the baseline.
X3 covers the rim. Any pass into the paint is X3’s responsibility.
X2 plays cat-and-mouse with the high post to deny and read.
X1 denies the pass out to the top to prevent ball reversal.
Phase 3: Offensive Counter, Rim Cut
Most teams will send 5 cutting to the rim to break the trap.
X3 must stay tight to the basket, ready to contest or intercept.
Teach X3 to read body language—eyes down usually means dump pass incoming.
Phase 4: Anticipate the Skip
X2 floats between the elbow and opposite wing.
This is the steal zone—perfect for jumping lazy passes out of the trap.
Drill players on reading offensive shoulders and eyes to anticipate this.
Practice Drills
2-3 Trap Shell Drill
Run the trap sequence with passes into the short corner, rim cut, and skip passes.
4-on-4 with Trapping Rules
Live play, but every short corner touch must be trapped. Defense earns a point for a successful rotation or forced turnover.
Read-and-Rotate Closeout Drill
Practice X2’s read between high post and wing, working on anticipation and sprint-closeouts.
Common Mistakes & Fixes
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| Late trap | Emphasize recognizing the short corner pass early |
| No rim coverage | Make X3’s responsibility clear: protect the basket first |
| High post left open | Teach X2 to shade and show, not fully commit |
| Easy reversal | X1 must stay locked into ball denial at the top |
Youth Coaching Adjustments
Use cones or tape to show trap zones visually
Start with “if the ball goes here, you go here” instructions
Reward players who rotate early and talk loudly
High School Coaching Adjustments
Use film to scout teams that attack the short corner often
Train disguise traps—show man, then fall into trap when ball enters corner
Combine with press or half-court traps to add complexity
Why This Trap Works
Most offenses want to collapse zones with paint touches—this trap denies it.
Keeps the ball pinned to the baseline where help is easier to provide.
Forces panic decisions and low-percentage cross-court passes—perfect for steals and fast breaks.
