Defensive PHILOSOPHY
On most teams this age, there are one or two scoring threats.
Our goal is to take away those threats and let the rest of the team try to beat us.
We are okay with players shooting 3-pointers. They will make less than 10% of them at this age. When they shoot, we should just step towards them and put a hand in their face to make the shot more difficult.
We want to avoid letting them drive to the goal for easy layups.
What beats a zone?
Moving the Ball
Passing the ball around the perimeter of this offense is the key to beating a zone. It eventually wears the defense out or creates gaps when players are out of position.
We will run a 3-2 zone primarily, because it limits how far our players have to move on each pass, making it harder for them to wear us out.
Getting the Ball in the Middle
In higher level of basketball, getting the ball to the middle kills zones. However, at this level, the bigger guys that are in the middle are less of a scoring threat, so we'll take our chances.
Backside Cuts
The backside of a zone is the weakest and most vulnerable. Watching for cuts on the backside is our key to success.
3-2 Zone defense (SHAQ)
- The Defense starts with our three ball handlers inside the perimeter of the 3-point line.
- The two post players should start on the block, but one step into the paint.
- The top 3 guys (triangle, X and square) are primarily responsible for keeping the ball handlers from dribbling into the middle.
NOTE: We are okay with players shooting 3-pointers. They will make less than 10% of them at this age. When they shoot, we should just step towards them and put a hand in their face to make the shot more difficult. DO NOT try to block the shot and foul them.
When the ball is dribbled to a side, the top defender (X) and the wing defender on that side (square), must come together to make sure that he doesn't split them. The other three guys must take a couple of steps in the direction of the ball, watching for any offensive players in their area. DO NOT FOLLOW an offensive player more than a few feet. You must remain in your zone.
If the ball goes to the wing, the wing defender (square) will guard the ball, but give them space. We're ok if they shoot the 3-pointer. We don't want them to drive into the paint. The point (X) will drop down, ready to help if needed. The post (circle) will also be ready to help.
If the ball is dribbled to the baseline, the post (circle) is responsible for cutting off the baseline. Getting one foot on the line will keep them from driving. The wing defender (square) will trap the ball handler. The point (X) will drop down to help in the paint.
watch video
Triangle + 2 ZONE (KOBE)
- Most opponents will one, or maybe two, offensive threats. This defense is designed to take those away and make other players shoot the ball.
We will assign 2 players, in this demo (X and triangle), to guard players man-to-man. The other 3 players (Circle, Diamond and Square) will play a triangle zone.
They will simply move in the direction of the ball, while staying close to the paint. The 3 zone players don't need to cover anyone shooting from far out, because these players will not be a scoring threat. They just need to protect the paint.
As shown here, if the ball goes to the wing, the zone players will move in that direction, but not go all the way out. We will beg them to shoot that shot. This is their third best shooter (at best), so this is what we're trying to get.