The subtle difference on the zoom and pistol sets

  Ever since we started covering the Zoom Offense (and recently launched a [NEW Zoom Offense video with Nate Steege]( we’ve gotten dozens of comments and emails along the lines of…  “Isn’t this just the Pistol set?”  “What’s the difference between the zoom and the pistol set?”  “Why don’t we just call these actions the same name?”  And at first glance, they look very similar.   While there can be many subtle differences, the key difference is how the actions are initiated.  With the pistol, the action is initiated on the wing WITH the ball.  With the zoom, the action is initiated on the wing WITHOUT the ball.  To better understand, let’s take a look…  Pistol Set - Initial Set Up and Base Action  The ball handler (1) dribbles quickly up the floor towards a wing player (2) positioned in the corner. A third player (5 - often a post) is positioned near the top of the key.   3 and 4 are positioned on the opposite side of the floor on the wing and corner.  The ball handler (1) and ball-side wing (2) run a Get, also referred to as Throw and Go. The ball handler (1) passes to the wing (2) then follows the pass for a handoff.   The guard (1) looks to score off the handoff.  After the handoff, the post (5) sets a flare screen for the initial wing (2). That way, if the handoff is denied there are more options.   If the ball handler (1) reverses their dribble, after the flare screen, the post (5) will often continue to set a ball screen for the ball handler (1).  This is just the base action for the pistol set.   There are many reads and counters you can execute off the pistol action that involve ball screens, keeps, weakside pin downs,and other actions. But for the purpose of this article, we’re not covering them.  Zoom Set - Initial Set Up and Base Action  Whereas with the Zoom action, it is initiated with a pass to the top which is often a post (5).  Then the guard (1) sets a down screen for the wing (3).  At the same time, the ball handler (5) dribbles towards the action for a handoff with (3).   Now (3) looks to get downhill and score as (5) can roll to the bucket and (1) can space back out on the perimeter.   Tell us what you think!  To continue this discussion, you can also [leave your comments and thoughts at the bottom of the article]( on our website.  Zoom Offense Resources:  [The Zoom Offense with Nate Steege - Breakdown Drills and Step-By-Step Implementation](  [Is This Offensive Action Better Than Ball Screens? 7 Reasons the Zoom Action Might Work Better For You!](   [3 Zoom Actions from Toledo & Pitt](  All the best, Joe Haefner Breakthrough Basketball  This email was sent to {EMAIL} because you indicated that you'd like to receive emails and updates from Breakthrough Basketball on 2016-12-16 05:42:39. 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