Pistol Set Vs. Zoom Set - What's the Difference?

By Joe Haefner

Ever since we started covering the Zoom Offense, 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.

Pistol Set and 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!

Pistol Set and How the Portland Trail Blazers Utilized It

3 Zoom Actions from Toledo & Pitt




What do you think? Let us know by leaving your comments, suggestions, and questions...



Comments

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Jeff says:
12/11/2023 at 1:19:04 PM

I run zoom just a bit different. I coach JV girls basketball. I run it out of a 5 out set. 1 passes to the wing 2. 1 runs and sets a screen away for 3, then rolls to basket. The wing with the ball, immediately attacks free throw line and jump stops, looking for the 1 off the roll. If that is not there, 3 is running around for a hand off attack to the rim.

If they do not stop 2 on the attack to the free throw, then they obviously keep going and score a lay up.

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