If you hit threes the zone will flex out beyond the three point line. This leaves lanes for driving, and especially the sweet spot at the free throw line. A big or wing who can hit that mid range jumper or pass back out from there can do real damage from there.....but if you aren't hitting the deep ball the guards at the top of the zone will pack in closer to the paint negating that free throw line advantage.
Our wings also like to come way out high, almost level with the ft line. It almost looks like a 4-1 zone with just the center back. This leaves opposing teams forwards an illusion the baseline is wide open.occasionally it can be exploited f or an alley oop ,but usually it is on purpose. The baseline Is where Boeheim WANTS the ball to go. The center will jump to cut off the baseline drive and the wing on that side will collapse on the backside of the driver to trap him and try to force a turnover, or block from behind.
The zone is always willing to give you the shot Blenheim WANTS you to take until you hit a few of them, then it will morph. If you are hitting threes he will shift a bit so you can drive the lane, but three trees suddenly surround the driver. Even if your getting the layup he'll trade that two against a three in hopes of slowing down a hot shoot e r.
To see it better search youtube for. Syracuse basketball 2013. Someone put up most of this year's games up in full. Quality isn't great, but you can see the zone work.
