Dan - I think having fun is important. In a zone scheme, a defender begins to guard an opponent when the opponent enters the defender's designated zone. For help with this see. In a 3-2 zone… Bill -That's one big boy!! Some zone defenses can be more susceptible to the 3-point shot. IF you do, they will follow you.Like. Pass to the open player. A box-and-one zone defense is where players are in a 2-2 box formation and the fifth player is specifically guarding a single offensive … Subscribe to our free monthly newsletter to receive three free eBooks with over 270 pages of content! I am wanting to run a 4-1 defense this season to switch things up a bit. This basketball play uses a quick reversal and then counters back the other way to get a good shot attempt. Additionally, there is a variation where the middle defender can be used to guard the top of the key, the high posts, or the low posts. For example, in a 2–3 zone two defenders cover areas in the top of the zone (near the top of the key) while three defenders cover areas near the baseline. From a winning standpoint all of those methods can be very effective. The zone defense is a common defensive style in basketball, but that wasn’t the case in the NBA. Incorporate skip passes, post feeds, and pump fake passes. Also, zone defenders will focus on trapping corners if necessary, attempt to deny an entry pass into either the high post or low post, and try to deflect or intercept any skip passes made by the offense. Its weakness is it is vulnerable to good outside shooting, with open areas on the wings, point and high post. According to Synergy Sports data used in the report, 21 of the league’s 30 teams faced fewer than 156 possessions of zone defense for the entire 2018-19 season. They can do to the playground and play pick up games if they want to do that.Here are a few intangibles you might want to instill: http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/coaching/core-coaching-values.html. It features two wing defenders, two post defenders, and a middle defender. Lots of ways to go about things but it needs to be practiced to be effective.With that said, I''m not a fan of changing defenses frequently with 6th graders. We use two zone offenses, called "zone 1" and "zone 2". While playing zone defense you’llfoul less and your players become less tiredwhich makes this option an interesting strategy, especially near the end of a game. The 3-2 zone defense features three perimeter players at the top of the zone and two post players near the bottom of the zone. This meant that you had to guard your man, only your man, and this gave… It has the advantage of protecting the inside, lane area, and keeps your "bigs" inside. I know some coaches (like me) that never change defenses, some will change a couple times during the game based on flow/situations, and others that will change defenses continually. In addition, the wing defenders can either cover the high post areas or extend the zone out to deny ball entry to the wing players. Players are limited in their athletic development and foot coordination in the zone (there is less movement, particularly for players in the back of the zone). The 2-3 zone defense is by far the most common zone in basketball and is more than likely the specific formation that will come to a coaches mind when they hear the term ‘zone’ relating to basketball. The 3-2 zone should not be used if the team you are playing has a strong post presence or if they are beating you at the high post. Last year I ran a very effective 1-3-1 zone with my tallest player at the top of the zone causing havoc to the offensive players. A match-up zone is a type of basketball zone defense that requires defenders to play man defense on any player that enters their zone. But it's also important to teach life lessons. This is quite an unusual way of playing zone and is often used to contest three-pointers, defending the wings, and taking away the high and low post positions. The 1-3-1 zone defense consists of a top defender known as a chaser, two wing defenders, a middle defender (also known as a center) and finally, a bottom defender known as a warrior or tail. Flexible - works with quick athletic players and slower less athletic players. My question is do I keep trying to teach them or do I let them go and just play. What Is The Right Age To Focus On Wins and Losses and Start Playing Zone? The consequence for not guarding your man, but a specific area would be a technical foul. Maybe things are too difficult for them right now? thank you. Changing defenses often is very effective with young teams... even as high as 9th graders because it confuses the offense. The bottom defender (typically denoted by X5) protects the basket and also covers the corners when necessary. Zone Defense - using zone defense is a very effective way of preventing the opponents from getting quick and easy goals. The 2-3 zone defense consists of two defenders that are located near the high post areas and two more defenders positioned near the low slot areas right outside of the lane lines. It’s been successfully run by many youth teams all the way up to college basketball where Coach Beilein uses it as his base defense for Michigan.. That in my opinion can cut the kids short.... they should learn solid defense fundamentals and not use switching defenses as a crutch. About Basketball: Zone Defense Rather than having players pick someone on the opposing team to guard, zone defenses have athletes take responsibility for covering a specific area of the floor and any offensive player that comes into it. Zone makes it easier to protect players in foul trouble. In addition, a middle defender is positioned in the middle of the lane in front of the basket parallel to the mid-line. Against a zone defense offenses can become stagnant with a lack of player and ball movement. You might scale back a bit until they are doing things they can be successful at.I coached varsity ball for a long time... had some really good team and a few really bad ones.... all you can do is try to make them better at the things they don't do well. Now is where your job comes in... find a way to improve their skill levels through drills.They are not getting better? This type of basketball defense could be a good strategy to implement against teams that have a strong inside game and/or poor outside shooting. The zone requires good passing and few players possess the passing skills needed to effectively beat a zone. The main objective of the 4-1 zone defense is to influence the offense to pass the basketball to the corners where the defense is able to set traps and create turnovers. The coach of our 6th grade travel team changes the defense practically every possession and we tend to give up points due to confusion. It can try your patience, no doubt about it.But think about it.... as a young kid, how good were you at certain things? Our basic 31 Defense is a quarter court defense that can be extended to half court should the Chaser choose to pick the ball up near the half court circle. 41 Defense - Full Court. Now is where your job comes in... find a way to improve their skill levels through drills.They are not getting better? Maybe things are too difficult for them right now? The Zone Offenses playbook is packed with 11 game-tested plays to help you break down ANY type of zone and get high percentage scoring opportunities.. The 'Trilogy' 1-3-1 offense will allow your team to get the basketball into the gaps of the opposition's zone defense. See More. Additionally, the amoeba defense is best utilized against teams that have above average ball handling or low post offense but lack good perimeter shooting. I was 23 years old and I attending one of the sports program based on: coaching/officiating, sports in administration, presenter and assessor. I had previously stated that, "It would not be wise to structure your team's entire half-court defense based on the Amoeba. Zone defense is often effective in stopping dribble penetration and one-on-one moves. Where in a man to man, you (in theory) always know who is supposed to be guarding the ball. Good zones can limit the numbers of fouls you commit. Zone defense creates poor defensive habits. A zone defense in basketball is a defensive formation strategy where players are assigned specific areas or zones on the court to protect. http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/mental/motivate-players.html, http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/coaching/core-coaching-values.html, http://www.ihigh.com/osbornecardinals/video_886382.html, If you'd like to dig deeper and get more information about developing an effective. 1. In a zone defense players are responsible for guarding an area (zone) of the court. Ok, I will relate this to a varsity game where they would have a big kid like that.I would dead front him and have a lot of back side help. In no time at all, your team can master these techniques and start eating zone defense for breakfast… even if you’re opponent is stronger, faster, or more experienced. Continuity Zone Offense - Rotation Daniel Murphy 08/24/2015. Zone defense is ef… The amoeba defense combines elements of man to man defense and zone defense to limit scoring opportunities and possibly create turnovers. I am now would like to seek more information/ tips to administrate the big sporting event. Zone defense is effective against the pass and go plays made by the other team. Some will call it out each time. 1. This zone can also be used against bad shooting teams and it is also good against teams that like to run a high post offense because the high post areas are always guarded by a middle defender. Receive 72 drills, 32 plays & 7 shooting workouts! It''s not "what you do... it''s how you do it".With some practice and the right emphasis, players should be able to switch defenses effectively. The 1-3-1 zone defense is a unique defense that is run by teams at many different levels. I'm just wondering what is typical / sensible number of changes in a game. I have also experimented with a defense called ameoba, which my players set up in a 1-3-1 zone and wherever the ball crosses the half court decides what defense we jump into. Favorite Send to FastDraw. Subscribe for our daily videos on coaching plays, drills and more:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcRdKYmKVI3vQTlVGJqJGiQWatch this episode … So you can have really poorly executed man to man and zone defense, yet still be successful simply because the changing of the defenses confuses the offense. In basketball, zone defense is a defensive formation in which a coach assigns each player to cover a specific area of the court. Thank you. This is what you are getting paid the big bucks for.... teaching kids how to play a game / have some fun doing it / and as Jeff put it, some LIFE LESSONS along the way.As for low effort.... kids love to compete.... so make your drills competitive and the losers can give you 3-5 pushups. The junk defense example in the adjacent diagram is known as a Box and one defense. Before all the pro-zone coaches jump at me with lines similar to: “A good zone defense still teaches man-to-man principles!” How often do you typically change defenses in a game? These are designed to be used against a zone with a two-guard defensive front ("zone 1"), and a zone with a one-guard defensive front ("zone 2"). Here are the 4 main reasons why zone defense is terrible for youth basketball. Overload 2 - This is a variation of the Overload zone play to help you get more easy buckets. If an offensive player enters the defensive player's assigned zone, he must guard against him.. The 4-1 zone defense is a special type of zone that is setup with four defenders across the high post and wing areas with one additional defender that protects the basket. So you can have really poorly executed man to man and zone defense, yet still be successful simply because the changing of the defenses confuses the offense. Good ball movement increases the chances of defensive break downs and results in good shots. You might scale back a bit until they are doing things they can be successful at.I coached varsity ball for a long time... had some really good team and a few really bad ones.... all you can do is try to make them better at the things they don't do well. Your defense is set-up in the shape of a “X” with two players up top, one in the middle, and two on the bottom. Four times one is equal to? Passing is a lost art. That in my opinion can cut the kids short.... they should learn solid defense fundamentals and not use switching defenses as a crutch. It will probably work best against a 2-3 zone defense, but can be used against other zone defenses. wwe are playing a team that has a center that is 6' -1" and 190 pounds which is huge in our league. The 3-2 zone is a defensive formation in basketball that positions three players in the front and two players in the back near the basket. Zone Offense Plays & Quick Hitters. We have a much smaller team but are very aggressive on defense. "Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard. The 4-1 zone defense is a special type of zone that is setup with four defenders across the high post and wing areas with one additional defender that protects the basket. © Copyright 2021 Breakthrough Basketball, LLC. For this zone, the middle defender applies instant defensive pressure to the ball handler at the top of the key. Rebounding from a zone can be more difficult than in man to man defense. Rather, use it as something disruptive, that you can throw in at various times in a game to confuse the opponent, and force some turnovers. Basketball Zone Defense. This means you can keep your better players on the floor for a longer period of time. 1-3-1 Zone Press - Extending Pressure. The 1-2-2 zone defense features three perimeter players at the top of the zone and two post players close to the bottom of the zone. Possession is handed to the opposition, usually via a throw-in. I would also pressure the ball IF you can ... and sag a lot and force them to beat you from the perimeter.....Here is a game where they had a 6'11" center, they were #8 in the state at the time.... we are in the light colored uniforms. It can try your patience, no doubt about it.But think about it.... as a young kid, how good were you at certain things? Certain players don't have to work as hard in the zone, making fatigue less of an issue. It … General pointers in attacking any zone defense. I know some coaches (like me) that never change defenses, some will change a couple times during the game based on flow/situations, and others that will change defenses continually. A personal foul results in either player taking free throws or a team surrendering possession.HOLDING: When personal contact is made with an opponent which restricts their movement.ILLEGAL GUARDING: Where a defending player makes contact with an opponent from behind.BLOCKING: Any sort of contact between two players where an opponent''s movements are impeded.PUSHING: Called when a player moves or attempts to move an opponent with force, even if they do not have control of the ball.ILLEGAL SCREENING: An attempt to slow down or stop an opponent who does not have control of the ball.HAND CHECKING: When a defending player uses their hands on an opponent to slow their progress.CHARGING: When a player, with or without the ball, pushes or moves into an opponent.ILLEGAL USE OF HANDS: When contact is made by a player''s hand on an opponent when they are attempting to play the ball.Fouls in basketball not covered by the personal category are as follows:TECHNICAL: Covers such things as bad language and other unsportsmanlike conduct.DISQUALIFYING: Called if a player commits a serious foul, such as striking an opponent. Using the Basketball 2-1-2 Zone Defense. Overload - Very simple zone play that is effective against all zone defenses. This year I am blessed with several athletic players. Some coaches will play zone after the miss baskets and play man after made baskets. The 2-1-2 Zone Defense is a compact zone designed to protect the middle of the paint by utilizing the strengths of man-to-man and zone defenses. Run a set play against a zone defense to get an easy scoring opportunity or to target a specific defensive weakness. Subscribe to our free monthly newsletter to receive new drills, plays, scoring tips and coaching strategies, It explains the 1-3-1 defense in detail and breaks the defense down step-by-step and movement-by-movement so that your team will be able to run it effectively when they take the court. The 1-1-3 zone defense covers three main areas which are the top of the key, the high post, and the low post areas including the basket. The names given to zone defenses start with the number of players on the front of the zone (farthest from the goal) followed by the numbers of players in the rear zones. 1. This is a good zone to use to put pressure on the wings via ball denial. If a turnover is not able to be created from the traps, then the secondary goal is to influence the trapped player to pass to another teammate located on the perimeter; preferably at the top of the key or opposite wing. To explain the 3-2 zone defense and when to use it and not to use it. Some coaches will play zone after the miss baskets and play man after made baskets. Junk defense is a special type of defense that uses zone defensive principles alongside man to man principles. Two additional defenders (typically indicated by X3 and X4) cover the wings and sometimes tag/front the ball-side low post. The Internet's #1 Website for Basketball Camps, Resources and Learning Products. Our first game 2 weeks away. This will create scoring opportunities close to the hoop instead of throwing up a bunch of wild three-point attempts. The zone defenders will initially line up in a box where two defenders will be located on the high post elbows and the other two defenders in the form of a box. Some will call it out each time. Also, executing trap defense near the wings or corners can be another effective method for generating turnovers. The section below gives a brief overview of the various types of zone defense. Two defenders will usually cover all of the areas above the free throw line such as the top of the key, high posts, and the wings. Make the zone defense work by moving the ball from sideline to sideline. This is a gambling zone defense that will help you get some steals and fast breaks. The 2-3 zone defense is the most commonly used zone defense. They can be replaced by a substitute.TEAM FOUL: Each personal foul committed by a player is also counted against his team; when a team goes over the limit, its opponent is awarded a free-throw.In America''s NBA, the limit is five fouls - personal or technical - in any one period, after which the opposing team get two free throws.VIOLATION: Covers such things as an illegal dribble or spending more than three seconds in the restricted area. Summary This zone is similar to the 2-3 zone that Jim Boeheim uses at Syracuse. What is a 3-2 Zone Defense in Basketball? The post defenders focus on guarding the low post blocks and those post defenders should have enough foot speed to close out on potential three point shooters in the corners. Keep the drills short Low skill? You can argue that man to man defense is better for the development of players. Additionally, the 4-1 zone defense can be beneficial against teams that do not shoot well from the perimeter and/or teams that only have one low post player with average to above average skills. It features one perimeter defender guarding the offensive team’s best player and four zone defenders. The two top defenders (typically indicated by X1 and X2) cover the top of the key and high posts. Great kids but not catching on to almost everything I'm couching. Share on Facebook Tweet This Share on Linkedin Share via Email Print. Has anyone ever ran a 4-1 defense? There is always some interpretation up to the players. Generally protects the basket better and a well played zone causes opponents to rush shots (causes impatience by the offense). I coach a middle school team of 7th and 8th graders. Share on Facebook Tweet This Share on Linkedin Share via Email Print. I am coaching a middle school team. Here is an effective quick hitter you can run against a zone defense. At the same time, your basket is better guarded against short range shots. In a 1-2-2 zone defense, the top defender is on the basketball and the two wings are protecting the free-throw line and allowing the pass to be made to the wing. It's more difficult to figure out which person to block out when in a zone defense. The offense can take advantages of mis-matches by putting their best player in the "zone area" of the opponents' weakest defender. Reasons to Play Zone - Advantages of a Zone Defense. I don't think the kids are learning much about life by "letting them go". Additionally, there are certain hybrid defenses such as junk defense or match-up zone defense which combine elements of man to man defense alongside zone defense. Run around have fun and just play. I believe youth basketball leagues should limit the use of zones to the older age groups. Changing defenses often is very effective with young teams... even as high as 9th graders because it confuses the offense. The perimeter defender will play a man to man type of defense and stick with the designated offensive player at all times instead of covering a specific area like the other players. This is the opposite of man-to-man defense , where each defender guards one opponent throughout the game. Knowing responsibilities and who should guard the ball can be confusing as the ball is reversed, causing the ball to be uncovered at times. http://www.ihigh.com/osbornecardinals/video_886382.html. (Prevents Spam). This type of zone can be beneficial against team that have both good guards and good post players. 2-3 (2-1-2) Zone Basketball Defense. Defensive pressure is applied to the ball handler located at the top of the key, near the wings, or within the corners. Effort low ,skill low, knowledge low and not getting better 15-20 practices in. Simply subscribe to our monthly newsletter and receive: 72 Basketball Drills & Coaching Tips - 136 page eBook, 21 Basketball Tips & Tricks for Players - 20 page eBook, 32 Winning Basketball Plays - 96 page eBook, Over 200,000 players, coaches and parents subscribed. Dan -This is what you are getting paid the big bucks for.... teaching kids how to play a game / have some fun doing it / and as Jeff put it, some LIFE LESSONS along the way.As for low effort.... kids love to compete.... so make your drills competitive and the losers can give you 3-5 pushups. Most commonly used zone defense such as the 2-3 Zone a nd the 1-3-1 Zone are simple to remember yet effective as it allows every player on the team to perform defensive tasks. Promotes aggressiveness in a confined area. It's important for the tail to cut off the baseline drive and for the wing to make a hard trap, or the defense can break down. ", Also, here are some ideas on motivating kids and getting them to buy in: http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/mental/motivate-players.html. The 2-1-2 defense makes it difficult for the other team to score in the paint and around the key. This is 1-3-1 continuity zone offense used against a 2-3 zone defense. On a personal note, I believe that all kids must develop their man-to-man defensive skills first. You must have a zone offense(s) in your offensive arsenal to counteract zone defenses. The 2-1-2 zone defense focuses on protecting the middle of the paint near the basket. Zone defense is a defensive strategy in which each defender covers a specified area with the objective of limiting scoring opportunities near the basket. Sharp accurate passing is a key ingredient in attacking any zone defense. UCLA 3-2 Zone Basketball Defense, in this video I explain the 3-2 zone defense that UCLA uses and the strategy of the 3-2 zone. 1180 SHARES. Great overload set that can be run at all levels of basketball against 2-3 zone defense. Zone defense is a defensive strategy in which each defender covers a specified area with the objective of limiting scoring opportunities near the basket. If you need a set play to run against the various zone defenses you will face, take a look at all of our Zone Offense Basketball Plays. Van Gundy - Outlawing Youth Zone Defenses, For The Frustrated Coaches That Turn to Zone Defense. They can allow you to play less athletic players. plus three free eBooks with over 270 pages of our favorite basketball drills and plays! It's not "what you do... it's how you do it".With some practice and the right emphasis, players should be able to switch defenses effectively. What can we do to minimize the big mans affect on the game? The main objective of this type of zone is to put defensive pressure on the perimeter players located at the top of the key, wing areas, and corner areas. For years, zone defense wasn’t allowed. I'm assistant couch of middle school b ball team. They will be dismissed immediately from the game.FIFTH FOUL: If a player commits five fouls, either personal or technical, they must leave the game and cannot return. This is an alternative to man to man defense where players are responsible for guarding a specific player on the opposing team. Advantages of a 2-3 Zone Defense. What defense should you teach youth players (zone, man, press)? Keep the drills short Low skill? Lots of ways to go about things but it needs to be practiced to be effective.With that said, I'm not a fan of changing defenses frequently with 6th graders. From a winning standpoint all of those methods can be very effective. Zone defense is a tactical defense approach applied in football, basketball and many other sports, where each defender is to guard a specified area. The primary goal of the 4-1 zone defense is to influence the offense to pass the basketball to the corners where the defense is able to set traps and generate turnovers. I would like to share a quote with the coach that was playing a team the he thought had more talent than he did. Double - Great zone play that can be executed against a 2-3 zone, a 3-2 zone, and even a 1-3-1 zone defense. This type of basketball defense could be a good strategy to implement against teams that have a strong inside game and/or poor outside shooting. IF you do, they will follow you. … If you'd like to dig deeper and get more information about developing an effective 1-3-1 zone defense, we highly recommend Will Rey’s 31 Defense. There are fewer offenses against the zone, therefore it takes less time for you to prepare defensively. This is because your playerwill not follow the other player and therefore avoids defensive breakdowns. Additionally, two or three defenders will typically focus on covering the areas below the free throw line such as the low post and corners. The 3-2 zone defense is used when you are playing a team who has strong perimeter shooters, weaker post game, and who are slower to push the fast break. And you learn life lessons both by succeeding and failing.