Defense lr

TacticsZone

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e s n e f e D f O s o ne

>> During a game of competitive basketball, the adoption of defensive strategies are crucial in keeping the offense at bay during an attack. A defending team will often use more than one type of defensive strategy against the opponent. Leo Ying Ching takes a look at zone defense systems SOME of the defensive strategies that can be adopted during a basketball game are: • Zone Presses 2-1-2 Zone Press, 3-2 Zone Press and 1-3-1 Zone Press.

• Man-to-Man Presses Full Court Pressure, Man-to-Man Press, Half Court Pressure, Man-to-Man Press and 3 Point Line Man-to-Man Press.

What Is A Zone Defense?

Zone Defense can be defined as one or more defensive players marking an area instead of marking players during the game.

Each defender is responsible for defending an area of the zone, and any offensive player that comes into their zone. In general, defenders will shift their positions within the zone in relationship to where the ball is.

2 draw&dish Jan’06

What Is A 2-1-2 Zone Defense?

A 2-1-2 Zone Defense is characterised by 2 players (Left Wing and Right Wing) defending along the free throw line, 2 players (Left Back and Right Back) defending along the back line parallel to the basket, and another player (centre) defending the centre portion of the zone (see Figure 1).

Situations when a 2-1-2 can be used: • A 2-1-2 Zone can be used against a team with a strong centre and weak shooting from the outside zone.

• When a team does not have experienced, fast and good manto-man defenders or the opposition has few quick quality players, using this zone defense will help prevent these mismatches.

TacticsZone

1. LW 2.RW 3. RB 4. LB 5. C

- Left Wing - Right Wing - Right Back - Left Back - Centre

1. LW 2. CW 3. RW 4. LB 5. RB

- Left Wing - Centre Wing - Right Wing - Left Back - Right Back

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1

1

2

3

5 4

3

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Figure 1: 2-1-2 Zone Defense

Figure 2: 3-2 Zone Defense

In Figure 1, the grey shaded regions indicate the weak areas of the 2-1-2 zone defense.

In Figure 2, the grey regions indicate the weak areas of the 3-2 zone defense.

What Is A 3-2 Zone Defense?

Playing Zone Defense

A 3-2 Zone Defense is characterised by 3 players (Left Wing, Centre Wing and Right Wing) defending along the free throw line and tip of the 3-point line, and 2 players (Left Back and Right Back) defending along the back line parallel to the basket.

A 3-2 zone can be transformed from a 2-1-2 zone by switching one of the wing (RW) to the tip of the 3-points line and one of the back (RB) to the wing, while the Centre cover the back (RB). (See Figure 2).

It is important for players to communicate each other all the time to cover the zone area. They have to be alert towards opposition players who may slip into the zone and try to keep the ball out of the zone; double-team the ball in the zone. Players have to move with the ball and block-out opposition players whenever a shot is attempted.

Situations when a 3-2 zone can be used:  A 3-2 Zone can be used against a team with strong shooters from the wings and less threatening centre inside the zone.  When a team does not have experienced, fast, and good manto-man defenders or the opposition has few quick quality players who shoot well at the basket; using this zone defense will help prevent these mismatches.

Jan’06 draw&dish 3