Zone defense is different from man-to-man defense. Instead of guarding a particular player, each zone defender is responsible for guarding an area of the floor, or “zone”, and any offensive player that comes into that area. Zone defenders move their position on the floor in relationship to where the ball moves.
Zone defense is also often effective in stopping dribble penetration and one-on-one moves. Using a zone, you can also protect the paint area and force the opponent to shoot from outside.
A lot of coaches don’t want to teach zone defense, but there are many reasons why it’s a good idea to go over it during basketball practice, including:
- If you have a small gym
- It protects your players who are in foul trouble
- If you’re playing against a team with a big player and you don’t have one, you can throw a zone against them and neutralize that opposing, big player
- It can help in a small team versus a big team situation
- You can get excellent rebounding position
- You can go into your transition very easily
- It’s easy to teach
Check out this video demonstration of a great Zone Defense Play: 3-2 Zone Skip Passes
Looking for more zone defense plays, tips and techniques?“ Be sure to“ “Like” Us on Facebook or join us on Google+, where we talk more about this subject, as well as more valuable basketball mechanics, passing and dribbling drills & tips and a whole lot more!