3 Plays From Zipper Actions To Create Open Looks

• By Coach Lason Perkins

With the recent start of basketball in Europe, Francesco Nanni and the guys at Slappin' Glass did some breakdowns of the zipper actions used by coach Ettore Messina (which you can find on Twitter) .  A zipper action is a screen from a post to a guard, bringing them from the baseline to the top of the key.  It has been utilized in the NBA/Euroleague for years and trickled down to the college and high school levels.

Here are some of my favorite actions from the zipper to share with you.

1. Zipper Fist

Probably the most common zipper action is getting the ball to the top of the key and getting into a high pick and roll action.  There are a number of variations on this action.  Here the screener, #4, will replace to the top as 5 rolls to the basket.

Another way to get into this action is from a Horns alignment.  This time, the guard sets a back screen for the post, who cuts to the basket while 2 steps out to receive the pass.

Another variation is designed against teams who will hard hedge on the ball screen.  This time, 4 will cut across the lane, then flash to the elbow as the pick and roll action occurs.  The ball handler will pass to 4, who now looks to hit 5 rolling or can hit 1 spotting up if 1’s defender helps on the roll.

2. Zipper Punch

An action to get the ball to the low post area and create space for the post player to attack their defender.  Once the ball is entered into the post, you can run a variety of actions such as splits or just spot up on the perimeter while the post player with the ball works 1-1.  

3. Zipper Chest 

Zipper Chest is an action that is a nice entry into Blocker Mover type action.  The simultaneous down screen and flare screen at the top is difficult to defend.  This action can be utilized against a zone as well.

If you are looking for more plays utilizing zipper actions, check out these courses from 

B-Hoops, along with the Maccabi Ashdod Playbook and the Fenerbahce Playbook.