Zone

A zone is a type of defensive strategy where each defender is responsible for guarding a specific area/ zone of the court, rather than following a single player around the court.

Common zone defenses include:

• The 2-3 zone – Two players positioned near the free-throw line extended (top of the key) and three players near the baseline (closer to the basket).
• The 3-2 zone – Three players positioned along the perimeter (top of the key and wings) and two players near the baseline.
• The 1-3-1 zone – One player at the top of the key, three players spread across the middle of the court, and one player near the baseline.
• 1-2-2 zone – One player at the top of the key, two players on the wings, and two players near the baseline.
• Box-and-One – Four players form a box around the paint, with one player assigned to shadow a specific opponent (usually the opponent’s best scorer).
• Diamond-and-One – Four players form a diamond shape around the paint, with one player assigned to shadow a specific opponent.

Teams often adjust their zone defenses based on the strengths and weaknesses of their opponents, switching between different zone alignments or mixing in man-to-man defense to keep the offense off balance.

Zone defenses can be effective in limiting penetration, protecting the paint, and forcing outside shots. They are often used to conserve energy, cover up for slower defenders, and disrupt the rhythm of the opposing offense.

However, zone defenses can be vulnerable to good outside shooting and quick ball movement, as well as offensive rebounds if the defense doesn’t effectively box out.