In this series of diagrams, we demonstrate the basics of the 1-3-1 zone defense and how to defend depending on where the basketball is located and also following a specific action such as a skip pass and dribble penetration. Basic Alignment: The goal is to keep 3 players between the ball and the basket. In the intital set-up, x1, x4, and x5 are between the ball and basket. Offset Alignment: If the ball is off of the midline, the defense adjusts so that x1, x4, and x5 are … [Read more...]
The Fusion Match-Up Zone Defense
fu·sion: a union by or as if by melting; a merging of diverse, distinct, or separate elements into a unified whole The Fusion Match-Up Zone Defense is designed to be the perfect mixture between zone and man defense. Growing up felt like an apprenticeship for my coaching career with my dad being a high school coach. He was always passionate about teaching high school boys to become successful men and teaching kids how to work hard on skills in the off-season and throughout the year. His … [Read more...]
1-3-1 Zone Defense
The 1-3-1 Zone Defense is an excellent zone defensive system that can greatly confuse and disrupt opposing offenses. The strength of the 1-3-1 lies in taking away the perimeter shot, as well as being able to pressure and trap with some minor adjustments. In this article, we will discuss the standard 1-3-1 zone defense along with some alignment nuances that can help strengthen this defense for your team and personnel. The above diagram shows the basic formation of the 1-3-1 zone defense. As … [Read more...]
11 Press Defense
The "11" Defense has the same base principles as both the Double Fist Havoc Press and our Diamond press. The only difference is how we align our top two people. The two guards in this instance are stacked vs. playing side by side. We will still use our quarter system along with our "Taker", "Reader", and "Teaser" system with all players off the ball. With this defense we really are allowing the offense to relax a little and not see all the pressure at once. We are wanting the ball to be … [Read more...]
Double Fist Havoc Press Defense
Philosophy of the Double Fist Havoc Press Defense: “Pressure, Pressure, Pressure” We want to keep pressure on the opponent on both offense and defense What are we Trying to Get Out of the Press: Turnovers (Live Ball Turnovers) Quick / Bad Shots From Our Opponents Create More Offensive Opportunities Force Tempo / Disrupt Offensive Flow Difficult To Prepare For Make Opposing Players Do Things They Aren't Comfortable Doing Create Fatigue (Overall Cumulative … [Read more...]
Stack 3 Zone Defense
The Stack 3 Zone Defense is an effective defense that can be used against a team with an excellent guard. It will also work well against a team with no inside threat. The Stack 3 Zone Defense is so named because of how the defensive guards are in a "stacked" position near the free throw and three-point lines. The other three defenders align themselves in a baseline zone formation. The Stack 3 Zone Defense is most similar to a 1-3-1 zone defense because the slides and coverages are kept the … [Read more...]
Run and Jump Press
The Run-and-Jump Press is designed to force your opponent into mistakes, turnovers, bad shots, and to make them struggle to get into their offense. Philosophy of the Run-and-Jump The basic philosophy in the run-and-jump press is that you do not need to steal the basketball. If you are thinking "steal" you will invariably reach, get out of position and commit a foul. Reaching and gambling defensively make the run-and-jump defense ineffective. You want your opponents to make mistakes, turn … [Read more...]
The Combination Switch Defense
The Combination Switch Defense can be quite advantageous against disciplined and deliberate offensive teams. These are the teams that run a patterned offense such as the flex, shuffle, etc. It also works against teams that run a motion or passing game and like to take time off the clock. Basically, in The Combination Switch Defense, the defenders will play man-to-man defense for the first 3 or 4 passes. (The number of passes needs to be understood so all players switch at the same time). Once … [Read more...]
3-2 Zone Defense Basics
This article and diagrams will cover the basic principles for playing an aggressive and effective 3-2 zone defense. This defense is not utilized so that the players just stand around and let the offense attack. In the 3-2 zone defense, we want to be the aggressor. The defenders must move quickly and with purpose. We do not allow teams to penetrate the zone and we strive to keep the ball out of the middle. The defenders will wave their arms, try to steal the ball, and encourage the offense to … [Read more...]
2-2-1 Zone Press Basics
The 2-2-1 Zone Press was first made popular by Coach John Wooden's early UCLA teams. This article explains Coach's basic player responsibilities when executing the 2-2-1. The objective of the 2-2-1 Zone Press is to force the offensive into certain areas and situations. The diagram below shows where the players should line up as the ball is inbounded. 2-2-1 Player Assignments X1 is responsible for guarding the player that receives the inbounds pass. Actually, X1 invites the inbounds pass to … [Read more...]