Chapter 5 - Standard Zone Defense

Before any zone defense can be studied, we must understand that the word zone is not synonomous with immobility. In years past, zones defenses have amounted to little more than a cluster of men standing with arms outstretched. They had virtually no movement. They were not aggressive when guarding outside shooters. They waited for a shot to be taken so they could rebound and take off with the ball. Most zone defenses were employed so that defense would not be too strenuous. Teams that used this method wanted to save their energy for the fast break and offensive play.

The defense we will be describing (whether 1-3-1, 2-1-2, etc.) will be an aggressive, moving defense. It will not allow shots to be taken without restriction at any spot on the floor. It will be a moving cooperative effort. It will be a hard working defense with no regard for the conservation of energy.

Zone defense and man-to-man defense are much more closely related than most coaches or players realize. Guarding the man with the ball is precisely the same except that the guarding is a little tighter when the zone is used. Weak side defenders can afford to watch the ball more than the opponent, but they should know where all the offensive players are located. Without this knowledge they cannot anticipate offensive moves. Anticipation and quick movement are the keys to good zone defense.

Cutters should not be ignored just because the zone defense is being used. Playing the cutter well requires good anticipation and analysis of the play that is evolving. Generally, it is a good idea to play all cutters man-to-man until they reach the keyhole area and then return to normal position. Normal position will depend on where the ball is located.

When guarding the man with the ball the stance needs a slight adjustment. The feet should be wider and closer to the ball handler. Both arms should be wind milling for pass deflections rather than using the one-arm-up, one-arm-down stance of man-for-man play. The zone defender can afford to play tighter because if the man should drive past him, zone teammates are more alert to pick up his man. However, dribblers can hurt a zone defense. It is not good to allow dribblers to penetrate the zone. A defender guarding a man with the ball should make every effort to keep him from making progress goal ward . Even so, the danger is not as great as it would be if the man-to-man were being used.

Fast-break teams try to break even faster when attacking a zone defense. Therefore, the defensive fast break is of the utmost importance if the zone defense is to be used successfully. If dribblers penetrate the critical shooting area very often before the zone has an opportunity to set up, zone defense is worse than useless. The zone should be formed and set before a penetration is made. This gives each man an opportunity to analyze and anticipate the possible movements of the zone attack.

Some teams work assiduously on the rebound block-off position if they are using the man-to-man defense. Some of these same players will ignore the block off when they are zoning. The zone certainly enjoys a rebounding advantage, but the rebound block-off position should not be eliminated. If each offensive player will simply block out the nearest opponent, getting the rebound becomes a simple matter.

Any time the ball is passed to the pivot area or base line area near the basket, a zone defense must collapse to protect against this immediate threat. Therefore, it is well to remember when guarding passers, cutters, or dribblers, to anticipate passes to these areas. Do everything possible to keep the ball on the outside of the zone.

There are various rules of thumb used to determine when and where to use the zone defense. There are those teams who use it in the early season only. There are those who use it on the home floor only. It is our contention that such rules are designed with the assumption that good outside shooting will beat the zone. The type of zone defense we are advocating does not allow open outside shots. It is more positive to prepare a good, sound defense for use any time of the year on any floor. If it is to be weak in late season or inappropriate when playing away from home, then it is surely not reliable.

The 2-1-2 Zone

The 2-1-2 is one of the oldest zone defenses in basketball. Originally it was not very active and was designed primarily as a defense from which to fast-break. Various types of 1-3-1 offensive attacks have lessened its popularity in recent seasons. There is still an important place in basketball defense for the 2-1-2 zone.

The 2-1-2 is a good defense to use when an opponent has concentrated the major part of its offensive strength at one or both of the guard positions. The two front men of the zone can afford to pick the guards up tight and gamble somewhat, since the three deep men will be able to help them out in case of trouble. Of course, the 2-1-2 would work well against any offensive attack that is similar in nature. Any single post attack or overload box formation can be defended well by the 2-1-2. The 2-1-2 is certainly a fine concealment defense. That is, when a team is using a man-to-man and wishes to change to a zone, this defense can be used for several minutes before the offense realizes it is being zoned.

Fig. 38

This diagram shows the initial positions. Defenders 1 and 2 cue their positions off the key hole area. They do not want to become too widely separated. If they take positions on an imaginary line extended forward from each side of the key hole, they will have good communication with each other. Defenders 3 and 4 take the positions shown, but in the event the ball is in imminent danger of being passed to one side of the floor, the defender on that side moves out quickly in anticipation of the ball. They should line up fairly close to the 3-second area so that the zone will not be spread out for easy passes to the pivot. If offensive players line up behind them, they would back up half a step. When no offensive player is near the goal, they play as high as possible. The middle defender lines up on the free throw line. If it is necessary he will come even higher to overplay any offensive man in the pivot area. Any single offensive player in the pivot area should be defended by number 5, just as though he were using a man-for-man defense. The front two defenders should halt the progress of the ball down court— the quicker, the better. To defend against the fast break, 1 and 2 may use a tandem position after racing back to the defensive end of the floor as soon as possible (Fig. 39). If a real fast-break threat materializes, defender 1 stops the ball and defender 2 protects the goal. If no fast-break threat materializes, the tandem men will move out in the normal position as soon as numbers 3, 4 and 5 arrive.

Fig. 39

Fig. 40

Let's take a look at the 2-1-2 zone with the ball stationed at various positions in the front court. Movement of all five defenders begins as soon as the ball enters the front court (See Fig. 41).

The left guard brings the ball into the front court and immediately meets resistance from number 1. The other front defender fills in behind him to prevent a pass to the post area. The middle defender, number 5, moves in to get in line with the ball and the goal. If an offensive man were in the middle he would play in front of this man. Number 3 moves outward to put pressure on any potential receivers in his side or corner area. Number 4 drifts goal-ward since the ball is two passes from his area.

If the ball is passed across the front court the action of numbers 1 and 2 will be just like that of the sinking man-for-man (See Fig. 42).

Number 2 comes out to meet the receiver and number 1 fills in behind him. Number 5 moves to get in line with the basket. Number 3 moves goal ward  and number 4 moves out to cover the passing threat to his area.

Fig. 41

If the ball is passed to the side or corner covered by number 4, he covers the receiver. Number 4 overplays the baseline, as if he were playing man-for-man (Fig. 43).

Number 5 slides to a point about halfway between the ball and the goal. Number 3 covers the basket position. He should not get directly under the goal. Number 3 should play in front of the goal so that he can rebound. Number 2 gets close enough to the ball handler that he could cover him if the ball should be passed to the corner. Number 1 fills toward the pivot area to help protect that vulnerable spot.

 Fig. 42

If the ball is passed to the corner, number 4 will release and cover that man while number 2 slides to fill the defensive position he vacates. If number 4 overplays the baseline vigorously, the ball will have to be floated to the corner, giving him plenty of time to get there before the receiver can become a scoring threat.

Fig. 43

Fig. 44

Fig. 45

Number 5 takes a position as the 2nd man in line with the ball and the goal. Number 1 gets outside of the three-second lane and just below the free throw line. Number 3 takes the goalie spot.

At this point, the greatest danger is a pass to the key hole area. If an offensive man moves into the baseline pivot area, number 5 should step in front of him (Fig. 46).

If an offensive man moves into the key hole area on the side and there is no offensive man on the baseline, number 5 should not waste himself guarding the baseline. He should pinch outward two steps and, with the help from number 1, prevent the pass into the side post position (See Fig. 47).

With the ball at a position directly in front of the goal, number 1 and number 2 should pinch on the man with the ball and give him only poor passing lanes. The other men will keep their initial positions (See Fig. 48).

If the ball should be passed into the pivot area from a ball handler out front, he should get pressure from number 1, number 2, and number 5 (See Fig. 49).

Fig. 47

Fig. 48

Fig. 49

The main job is performed by the corner defenders. They should always drop off nearly to the edge of the three-second lane when the ball goes to the pivot from out front. This apparently leaves the wing spots wide open to receive from the pivot man. This is true, but those positions are not as dangerous as the pivot spot. There is also the threat of a pass to a baseline man from the middle if the wing defenders don't pinch toward the key hole and the goal. The best way to eliminate this threat is to keep the ball from going into the middle area.

The 2-1-2 slides shown to the right side of the floor would be made in just the same manner to the left side. Of course, the numbers and assignments would be reversed.

The 2-3 zone slides and principles are so much like those of the 2-1-2 that we will not show them. The only difference lies in the play of number 5 who has to go into the middle spot anyway if an offensive plaver is located there.

The 1-2-2 Zone

The 1-2-2 is an example of a point defense. That is, it would be most efficient against an offense that employs only one man in the offensive area in front of the free throw line. This does not mean it is impossible to use the 1-2-2 against a two-man offensive front.

The 1-2-2 appears weak in the middle. Actually, the only way the middle can be attacked successfully is for the pass to be made from a side position and the point man to react slowly. This defense offers great rebounding strength. A team with two big, strong re-bounders  may place them underneath the goal to insure the offense only one shot.

The point man should be fast and have quick hands. He should be a real hustling, hard working, "holler" guy.

Fig. 50

Number 2 and number 3 should be quick with good arm movement. Numbers 4 and 5 need to be good, rugged re-bounders. The 1-2-2 slides are relatively simple as long as the offense is a diamond formation or any other form of point offense. Here are the slides for the 1-2-2.

With the ball at point position, numbers 2 and 3 must be conscious of preventive passes into the post area (Fig. 51).

If a pass carries the ball to the right of the floor, number 3 moves out to cover the ball. The point man, number 1, drops toward the end of the free throw line on the side of the ball. Number 2 drops off toward the goal. Number 5 comes out so that he could cover the corner quickly if the ball were passed to that position. Number 4 comes across to the front of the goal (See Fig. 52).

When the ball goes to the corner, the ball handler is covered by number 5 (See Fig. 53).

Fig. 51

Fig. 52

Fig. 53

The most vulnerable positions to defend are the positions on either side of number 1 when the 1-2-2 is in its initial set up. If two offensive players elect to pass the ball back and forth, they can harass number 1 greatly unless the 1-2-2 defends against this movement of the ball (Fig. 54).

As soon as the ball is passed to one of the ball handlers, the receiver should be covered by number 1 and a return pass overplayed. In this case, the left offensive guard receives. Number 1 covers and overplays a return pass. Number 3 moves up one step for a threat or possible interception if a lob pass is made to the offensive right guard. This rather forces the ball to go to the left side of the floor which resents no unusual movement for the 1-2-2 (Fig. 55).

If the ball moves to the offensive right guard, number 1 overplays and number 2 pulls out slightly for the interception or threat. Again the ball is forced to the right side of the floor and normal slides can be used (See Fig. 56).

Fig. 54

Fig. 55

Fig. 56

Again, the slides have been shown with ball movement to the right side of the floor. These same slides would be used if the ball movement were to the left. The assignments would simply be reversed.

The 3-2 Zone Defense

The 3-2 zone defense is used primarily by offensive-minded teams. It seems contradictory to say, but the 3-2 is not really a defense but an offense. The fast-break team with two, big, rugged re-bounders  can employ a 3-2 zone as an offensive weapon. With two men under to get the rebounds and three men releasing, a fast-break offense can be generated very quickly (Fig. 57).

Against certain types of attacks, the 3-2 also poses a real problem. The three front men cooperate and move in such a manner that the offense is unable to determine whether the defense is a 3-2 or a 1-2-2.   Obviously, the greatest weakness lies in the middle area. If the middle man on the 3-2 can be a tall, fast man, the middle can be adequately covered (Fig. 58).

Fig. 57

Fig. 58

The two outside front men should be very fast and, needless to say, the two deep men should be big and strong, and excellent re-bounders. Here are the slides for the 3-2.

Any time the ball goes to a side floor position, number 1 will protect the middle.  He is the primary middle protector at all times. If the ball goes to the left side, number 2   covers the ball.

Fig. 59

Number 4 will have to cover the corner if the ball goes there so he is taking an advantageous position for moving to that spot. Number 3 will cover the goal if the ball goes to the corner so he is moving in that direction.
 
Number 2 should overplay the pass to the corner. The best rebounding occurs when number 4 and number 5 are under the goal. With the ball at a corner spot, only one of these big men are in position to rebound. However, if the ball does go to the corner (in this case), number 4 covers the ball.

Fig. 60

Number 2 covers the outlet, number 1 protects the middle, number 5 is the second man in line with the goal, and number 3 is the goalie.

If the ball goes to the side post area, numbers 5, 1 and 2 pinch (See Fig. 61).

With the ball resting at a point position, the defense looks almost like a 1-2-2 defense. Number 1 makes every effort to prevent a pass from going into the middle (Fig. 62).

Fig. 62

f the ball goes to the middle, number 1 receives help from number 2 and number 3.

Fig. 63

The key to having a good 3-2 zone is the number 1 man. He should be big and fast. He should be big to prevent passes to the middle. Two good, rugged rebound-ers are necessary. If shots are taken from outside, there are generally only two men under, numbers 4 and 5. Number 1 should be excellent at diagnosing and analyzing offensive play.

The 3-2 slides to the other side of the floor would be the same with the assignments reversed.

The 1-3-1 Zone Defense

Here is the basic formation that gives the 1-3-1 defense its name. It is only a starting formation, because as soon as the offense crosses center line, the 1-3-1 will shift to meet it. This formation changes every time the ball moves even slightly. Three players are in line from side line to side line. Three are in line from center court to goal. The free throw line is used to key the lateral line on its position.

Fig. 64

There are five spots that each player must recognize and react to automatically. The first one is directly in front of the goal and may be anywhere from center line to free throw line. If the ball is in that area, the number 1 man takes the ball handler and the other players maintain basic positions, unless there is a receiver to overplay (Fig. 65).

Another spot that is defended by reflex action is the right wing position. The defensive wing player, number 3 on the right side, will overplay the pass to the corner. This half-step overplay also discourages a dribble by the ball handler. There are not three men in precise alignment with ball and goal. Number 4 is directly in line, but number 2 is in his secondary position and number 5 has started to "cheat" toward the corner in case the ball is passed there. Number 1 has floated to the free throw line to help clog the pivot area (See Fig. 66).

Fig. 65

The right corner is defended by number 5. He has already "cheated" a little in that direction, but if the ball does get to the corner, he moves to guard that man strongly. Number 3 overplays a possible return pass to the wing, so that a high, long pass out to the front must be made. In that case, number 1 should be alert to intercept it. Number 4 has taken the second position, and number 2 has moved all the way in to a spot one yard in front of the goal. If the ball is passed to a corner, the offensive team should be stymied right there. It should never be allowed to get the ball out successfully.

The left wing defensive position is slightly different from the right wing, since number 4 plays the left corner. Too much burden is placed on number 5 if he has to play both corners. To alternate their assignments strengthens both positions, but it also causes each side of the floor to be played slightly differently. Number 2 overplays the ball handler; number 4 cheats one step toward the corner; number 1 has the free throw line; number 3 is moving toward the basket, and number 5 has moved one step toward the corner, since he will take the second spot if the ball does go to the corner (See Figs. 67, 68).

Fig. 66

The left corner is also played differently from the right corner. Number 4 plays the ball handler; number 5 takes the second spot and number 3 has the goal. Number 2 overplays the pass out, and number 1 moves even closer to the middle. If a high long pass is made to get the ball out of the corner, every one of the five defensive men moves and moves fast enough to recover his original position. Number 1 goes for the interception. The men know they are going back to their original positions because they will not allow the ball to be passed to the middle or back out to a wing spot.

Fig. 67

Fig. 68

Fig. 69

There are two other positions that will have to be dealt with. One is the middle or post area. The ball should not be allowed to go there often. If it does, the middle man will guard the ball handler strongly and every other defensive player will sag toward the middle and the goal at the same time.

The point, or number 1 man, plays the ball any time it is out front. If there are two players out there passing the ball back and forth, the point man is put at a disadvantage. In that event, he will play only one of them while the offside wing man will come up as far as an imaginary line drawn across the floor from side line to side line and intersecting the head of the circle. The point man will play the man who is adjacent to the greatest accumulation of offensive strength. That is, he will play the man on the strongest side of the floor. The numbers 5 and 4 men will "flex" just a little, as shown in the diagram. These adjusted positions are held only as an initial position. As soon as the ball moves, regular or normal 1-3-1 positions will be taken. Wing men will never come higher or farther (See also Fig. 71) out than the dotted line.

Fig. 70

1-3-1 Personnel Assignments.

The point, or number 1 player, should indeed be the team's number one defensive player.  He should be fast, intelligent, and a leader. He is a person who constantly harasses the opposition. Usually this man will be a guard. Number 1 has five basic positions to play. He should be drilled as an individual on these positions. The coach can put him at each spot and tell him the spot number. The coach can then stand at center court and call these numbers as signals. Here, illustrated, are the five primary spots. There will be other points for him to cover, but these five should be automatic for him. (The open circle is the ball and the dark circle is number 1.) The numbers are his signals (See Fig. 70).

Fig. 71

The wing men, numbers 2 and 3, should be drilled together. They have an equal number of positions to play. Illustrated (Figures 73, 74) are the wing men, the primary positions for each spot and signals for each.

Note that on signals 1, 4, and 5, each man keeps his normal wing spot. That is the biggest reason why your slowest men can be put at the wings. They are the easiest to play and require the least speed. If the team has a couple of boys who are otherwise pretty good basketball players but who lack speed for man-for-man defense, this zone might well be the defense for that team.

Fig. 72

Fig. 73

Fig. 74

Player 4 should be the second best team defensive player, or first among the taller players. He has five positions to cover and he has a long way to travel in covering them. He must be fast, and he should be one of the taller players. Here are his spots and signals (See Fig. 75).

The goalie is usually your tallest player and the best re-bounder. He is the second best big defensive player. The weakest guard and the weakest forward are usually put at the wings. The best tall man and the next best tall man are put at the middle and goalie positions.  Your goalie should be in position to get the most rebounds. The wing men actually get more rebound opportunities than might be suspected of their second and third positions. The goalie need not be an exceptionally fast man. Here are his positions and signals. Players 4 and 5 might be drilled, on occasion, as a two-man drill (See Fig. 76).

Fig. 75

After the players can cover these basic spots by reflex action, they need to work on the spots that could be termed infrequent. Defense for pivot play is infrequent because the ball should not be allowed to get in there very often. The spots on either side of number 1 are played only infrequently because most teams will run a one-man front offense against a one-man front defense. Even so, these spots must be faced on occasion. They need not present a great problem.

It is suggested that the coach take the ball to these spots and work all five men as a team. Each man will have to flex slightly out of the normal four or five spots he ordinarily has to play. He should consider it a gift when, in a game, a team takes the ball to one of his four or five regular spots. The number will vary according to position. Some players have an extra spot to play, as in the case of the middle man, number 4. It is suggested that you have a five-man drill of regular positions and a five-man drill on infrequent positions. They may be called Drills One and Two, or any other name (See Figs. 77, 78).

Fig. 76

Teaching Hints

1. It is better to teach one type of zone well than to atempt several in a haphazard manner.

2. Teach aggressive zone play. Give 'em nothing, any where, any time.
 
3. Zone defense is not the defense for a lazy coach or team.

4. Stance is closer and feet are wider than in the man-for-man defense.

5. Overplay the passer and pass receiver.  Don't allow them to move the ball freely.

Fig. 77

Fig. 78

6. Overplay the pivot. Do not allow the opposition to move the ball to that spot easily.

7. Don't congregate. Stay spread if there is no necessity of playing close to the man guarding the ball handler.

8. Never take a defensive position under or behind the goal. You are out of play.

9. Fast-break on defense.   There is no excuse for any good defensive team giving its opposition a lay-up.

10. Do not give them the outside shot.

11. Be specific in teaching a zone defense. It's not what formation you use but how you teach it.

12. Make personnel assignments according to position, size and abilities.

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