Structures and Strategies Lesson 1 (18/1/11) Zone Defence

Learning Outcomes By the end of today you should all be able to: 1. Describe the zone defence. 2. Describe the roles and responsibilities within the zone defence. 3. Describe the strengths and weaknesses of the zone defence.

Describing the Zone Defence When describing the zone defence you should aim to answer the following questions: 1) What is the zone defence an alternative to? 2) When does it begin? 3) What happens when you lose possession? 4) Where do the players stand in a zone defence? 5) What type of players stand where? 6) What should each player be doing? Discuss these questions with your partner

1)What is the zone defence an alternative to? This defence is the alternative to a man-to-man defence. The difference is that defenders mark a set zone NOT a set player.

2) When does it begin? It begins immediately after your team loses possession.

3) What happens when you lose possession? When you lose possession an player in your team shouts “zone”. All 5 player in the team must then sprint back to the key and take up their positions.

4) Where do the players stand in a zone defence? Two players position themselves under the basket to the right and the left. One player positions themselves in the centre of the key and the final two players position themselves at the front of the key to the right and to the left. See diagram below: X1 X5 X3 X2 X4

5) What type of players stand where? Taller players form a triangle at bottom of zone under the basket to: block shots, stop penetration & drives, block out and win rebounds. The smaller, faster players stay at the front of the zone to pressure shots & stop penetration of key.

6) What should each player be doing? Each player should have their arms up and be making themselves as big as possible. Players move around their zone area in response to the position of the ball. The player nearest the ball presses the ball handler and all players work to prevent passes across the key and drives into the key. The zone is aiming to delay the attack and to force shots from outside the key.

Strengths of a Zone Defence With the person sitting next to you discuss what you think are the strengths of a zone defence. Write down your answers. Time - 5 minutes

Strengths of a zone defence It forces opponents to take low percentage shots from outside the key because defenders are concentrated in a tight area around basket It’s easy to learn and straightforward to play It slows down tempo of game and disrupts offensive tactics which are based on screens and 1 on 1 plays. It makes it difficult for opponents to use screens and cuts effectively

Strengths of a zone defence Minimises possibility of a mismatch e.g. tall against small, fast against slow etc. Allows teams to hide weaknesses which could be easily exposed by man- to-man defence. Allows teams to play to their strengths. Roles are allocated on basis of individuals strengths e.g. physique, skill level, fitness. It facilitates the fast break. Fast players positioned at top of key for quick counter attack.

Weaknesses of a Zone Defence With the person sitting next to you discuss what you think are the strengths of a zone defence. Write down your answers. Time - 5 minutes

Weaknesses of a Zone Defence Vulnerable to teams with good long range shooters (3pt shooters). Weak in corners and across the area of the free throw line. A fast break can beat a zone down the court and not allow time for zone to organise.

Weaknesses of a Zone Defence Opponents can have a free build up as no pressure is applied until the ball is close to the zone. Individual defensive skills are not developed this could be a problem if you are trailing late in a game.

Learning Outcomes By the end of today you should all be able to: 1. Describe the zone defence. 2. Describe the roles and responsibilities within the zone defence. 3. Describe the strengths and weaknesses of the zone defence.