Chapter 6 - The Matching Zone

The matching zone defense has evolved as one result of the many offensive formations employed to attack zone defenses. Obviously, it is futile to defend a 1-3-1 offensive formation with a 2-1-2 defensive formation. For each zone defense there is a counteroffensive formation to attack the most vulnerable areas of the defense. Therefore the need for a flexing zone defense that would "match up" a defensive player with each offensive player becomes apparent. Assuming the offensive formation is more or less static, the matching zone serves this purpose. If the offense has little movement, the matching zone is at its strongest. Cutters moving through the defense and taking new positions present the greatest threat to the matching zone.

This defense has one major ally—confusion. The offensive team whose zone attack is not versatile will become confused and frustrated when the defensive formation changes each time with the offensive formation change. Confusion breeds lack of confidence. Lack of confidence causes poor shooting, hesitancy, and poor ball handling.

The initial setup for the matching zone may be any formation you desire. Possibly the best formation to use on the first defensive play is one corresponding to what you expect from the offense. In other words, if they use a single post, traditional 2-1-2 formation, you may set up initially in a 2-1-2 defensive formation. If they use a 1-3-1 tandem offensive system, you may set up in a 1-3-1. Let's assume you elect to start in a 1-3-1.

Fig. 79

The offense also uses a 1-3-1 formation (See Fig. 80).

As long as both offense and defense take this shape, man-to-man principles can be used more than zone. A real stand-off will result unless the offense sends cutters through or assumes another formation. If the offense elects to go into a 1-2-2 attack in order to concentrate strength around the number 5 man, little adjustment is required for your matching zone to fit the shape of the offense (Fig. 81).

Fig. 81

These movements are all common sense and natural. If number 4 leaves the middle area, numbers 2 and 3 are going to pinch inward. Number 4 should always drop diagonally to his right and goal ward  each time the offensive pivot area is not occupied. This will be number 5's cue to move to his left and take a position at the edge of the three-second lane. This flexing should not require a verbal signal from the coach or any of the players. It begins with number 4's adjustment when he finds no offensive threat in the pivot area. He may call "flex" or "adjust," but all five men should be drilled to such an extent they react automatically to various offensive formations.

 Fig. 82

If the offense elects to attack the 1-3-1 with a 2-1-2 formation, number 3 becomes the man to initiate the adjustment. Number 3 will move out and toward the head of the circle two full steps, number 1 will concentrate his attention on the offensive man to his right; number 2 will drop off two steps toward the goal and the three-second lane; number 5 will take his normal adjustment position, and number 4 will stay in the middle as long as an offensive man is in that spot. You will see that 1, 2, 5, and 3 have all simply moved two steps in a clockwise manner. This adjustment should always be initiated by number 3. His cue to make this adjustment is given by the offense. They give him his signal by concentrating two offensive players on number 1.

Fig. 83

The slides should always be consistent. If you elect the initial position of a 2-1-2 zone, 2-1-2 slides should be used. If you elect the initial position of a 1-3-1 zone, 1-3-1 slides should be used. Assuming that we are using 1-3-1 slides and the initial position of the 1-3-1, let's see what movement our defense would take if the offense uses an overload formation.

It is number 5's normal duty to cover the corner to his left. Number 4's normal position any time the ball moves to the right side of the floor is half-way between the goal and the ball. Number 3 always protects the point, and number 2 starts toward the goal any time the ball starts toward the other side of the floor. If the offensive overload should move to the left side of the floor, normal 1-3-1 movement would be brought into play.

Fig. 84

Number 4 covers the corner normally so that when the ball goes to the corner, he would take that spot. The only teaching point you need to remember covers the situation with the ball at the left wing or left corner. With the ball at the left wing, numbers 4 and 1 pinch the offensive post man (See Fig. 85).

With the ball in the corner, number 5 and 1 pinch the post man (See Fig. 86).

Fig. 85

 Fig. 86

If you will take a close look at the 1-3-1 slides shown in, the preceding chapter, you will see that we have deviated only minutely from normal movement to cover a multitude of offensive formations. If these offensive formations change shape rapidly however, and if there are continuous offensive cutters moving through the defense, the matching zone principles shown her are seriously threatened.

Teaching Hints

1. Teach explicitly the formation and slides of one particular zone defense.

2. Learn the adjustments necessary for one particular offensive formation.

3. Teach the other adjustments necessary very slowly and very specifically—day-by-day—week-by-week.

4. Be sure the adjustment cues are understood.

5. Spend most of your time adjusting to the formation that presents the greatest threat to your matching zone.

6. Be sure the confusion is reserved for your opponent.

7. No defense can be executed well unless it takes shape before the offensive arrives.

8. No defense is of any value without dedicated, arm-waving, hard-working, cooperative, defensive-minded athletes.

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