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...]
4-on-5 Cut Off Defensive Drill
Purpose: To help defensive players learn how and work at cutting off dribble penetration from the perimeter. Specifically designed as a zone defense breakdown drill to help defenders understand the necessity of moving and shifting quickly to stop dribble penetration. Drill: 4 players on defense around the lane. 5 offensive players spread around the perimeter. The offensive players must attempt to score by driving to the basket. The defender's objective is to jam the drive and force the … [Read more...]
Trapping Drill
Purpose: To work on the fundamentals of trapping the ballhandler in the frontcourt and trapping/containing the dribbler in the backcourt. This is a nice defensive breakdown drill for teaching trapping fundamentals and is especially effective if you utilize a defensive trap within your system ... whether you trap from a zone defense or a man-to-man defense. Drill (Frontcourt Variation): One offensive player starts near the midcourt / sideline as shown. Two defenders are about 3-5 feet away. A … [Read more...]
When to Apply Pressure Defense
If your basketball game strategy doesn't involve pressing the entire game, when should you press? Should you press at all? How long or how often should you apply pressure? Should you press in the halfcourt or in the fullcourt? Should you run a zone press or man-to-man press? We'll try to answer these questions and more in this article. In discussing 'When to Press', we're going under the assumption that you don't normally press during a basketball game. If you are a pressing team and like to … [Read more...]
10 Situations to Play Zone Defense
Some coaches will only play zone defense and some will only play man-to-man. The smart coach will incorporate both into his or her defensive philosophy. Personally, I prefer playing a man-to-man defense but I know there are times when a zone defense can be more effective and might even be necessary. The following are 10 situations when playing a zone defense can be advantageous for your team: Playing man-to-man might highlight a team weakness that could become a strength in a zone defensive … [Read more...]
Zone Coverage Defensive Drill
Purpose: To show the zone defender what size area he should cover in a game. Drill: Have four offensive players passing the basketball in one area as shown in the diagram (of course, use an area that coincides with the type of zone defense you are employing). Have the defender, X1, move as quickly as possible to establish what coverage area is his responsibility. Coaching Points: Do this with each of the 5 zone areas (there are 5 zone areas because there are 5 defenders). Do this one … [Read more...]
Advantages and Tips to Playing a Zone Defense
Why Play a Zone Defense? Their are many advantages to playing a zone; this article will list just some of the advantages. It will also talk briefly about overcoming some of the so-called disadvantages and then offer up many coaching tips to remember for when you do begin incorporating a zone defense. Zone Defense Advantages Individual defensive weaknesses can often be hidden within a zone. It is a complete team defense. If you are beaten, help is available. Your team can transition and fast … [Read more...]