Sideways 3v2 Rapid Zone and EMO Drill

Summary

This drill is perfect for getting rapid fire reps that will improve your players’ ability and understanding of how to beat a zone. Many zone and man up plays utilize the idea of overloading one side to create a 3v2 or 4v3 against one side of the zone. In this drill we start our offensive players in that overload and instead of walking slowly through how to play against a zone, we give them the opportunity to play it out many times in a short segment. 

How It Works

• Set up a line of cones directly down the middle of the field- this is an out of bounds line and splits the field into left and right hand sides

• Start with 3 offensive and 2 defensive players in the drill, with lines outside the box for players to fill in quickly when the drill is over

• The key to this drill is PACE, in a game like scenario this 3v2 may last for only a few seconds. I recommend setting a 3-5 second shot clock.

• Once the rep is over, immediately start on the other side of the field. This allows us to continue while the original side is subbing.

• Go back and forth between the sides.

• Eventually you can also run this as a rapid 4v3, running the drill the same way- though you might want a slightly longer shot clock.

Tips for Player Placement

• The top player can be either hand- this is a good spot for everyone to try

• The middle player’s dominant hand should match the side he is on

• The bottom player should be smart, able to play with good hands, and a good finisher

• It can be valuable to cycle all players through all spots at younger ages but as the players get older it is valuable to keep them in the spots they will be on the field