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...]
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...]
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...]
Combination Man-Zone Defense
The Combination Man-Zone Defense is so-called because it combines zone defense and man-to-man defense principles. This defense can be used as a change-up during a game or it can even be run for an entire game. The effectiveness of the Combination Man-Zone Defense is that it works well at disrupting teams that do a good job of running a motion offense and shooting the 3-pointer. 1) The rules for this defense are quite simple. As shown in the diagram, the three perimeter players, X1, X2, and … [Read more...]
Amoeba Defense
The Amoeba Defense is somewhat of a gambling zone defense that can be quite effective at disrupting your opponent and creating numerous fast break opportunities. The amoeba defense was made especially famous by Coach Jerry Tarkanian and his great UNLV teams of the 80's and 90's. If you're interested in learning more about The Amoeba Defense from Tark, head over to The Film Room and watch his video, The Modified Amoeba Zone Defense right now! This and all other videos are only available to … [Read more...]