Reverse and Cut Lob (vs Zone)

When to use it

Half-court zone offense against a 2-3 zone when you want a quick lob. Use it when the zone is not rotating fast and you have a wing who can cut and catch above the rim.

Personnel

1 starts with the ball at the top. 3 is on the left wing and is the cutter who finishes the lob. 2 is on the right. 4 and 5 are low on each side. 5 screens the weak-side low defender. 1 is the lob passer.

Reads

1. Reversal. 1 passes to 3, who passes to 2 at the top. 2 passes to 1 on the right wing.
2. First read. 5 screens the weak-side low defender and 3 cuts hard to the rim. Throw the lob over the back line before the middle defender can recover.
3. Second read. 4 flashes to the middle. If the lob is covered, look for 4.

Counter

If the zone sinks and covers the lob, 4 in the middle and the rest of the spacing give you a safe reset. Do not throw a lob into a defender.

Teaching cues

• 3: cut hard to the rim after the screen and show your hands.
• 5: set the screen on the weak-side low defender.
• 1: look at the middle defender before you throw the lob.
• 4: flash to the middle.