(English) Junior players should not be introduced to zone defence until the age of 14. Accordingly, there should be no need to introduce any offensive principles to use against a zone until the players are more experienced.

(English)

General Principles

There are a number of key principles when playing against a zone defence:

“Gap the Zone”. Simply, stand in between two defenders rather than directly opposite one. For example, 3 is between x2 and x4.
“Posts Behind the Zone”. For example 5 is in the low post, and 4 is in the “long corner”
“Flashing from behind the Zone”
Use dribble and Post Play against the zone
Screening the Zone.

(English)

Flash Cut from Behind the Zone

"Behind the Zone” is simply further away from the ball than the defender.
For example, 5 is “behind” x3.
Often defenders in a zone, will turn to focus on the player with the ball, and this is a cue for a player to “flash” or cut towards the ball – the key to remember is that if you can see the back of a defender’s head, they cannot see you!
Here 3 cuts from behind the ball to a gap at the free throw line.

(English) Similarly, 5 cuts to the free throw line.

(English)

Using the Short Corner

Having a post player step to the short corner can help to “stretch” the zone and create gaps inside.
4 flashes from behind the zone as 5 steps to the short corner. A rule for the post players is “one gets the ball, one goes to the basket”.

(English)

This “rule” is shown here, as 5 receives the ball in the short corner (drawing x3 towards them), which creates a space for Player 4 to cut to the basket.