March/April 2019 - 23

SOLVING
THE 2-3
ZONE
DEFENSE
Concepts and strategies
to keep opponents on
their heels
By Joe May, contributing writer
During the 2017-18 season, I watched as a top 25 NCAA
Division I team was knocked off by an unranked opponent
that favored the 2-3 zone defense. The underdogs held their
talented foes to just 48 points, even though the squad had
average more than 75 points throughout the season.
Although the 2-3 zone has been around for a long time,
teams like Syracuse use their forwards to attack the wing
shooters so aggressively that the defense sometimes takes
on a 4-1 look. If you're like a number of college coaches
who are still searching for ways to beat this zone, these
suggestions might help.
Reflections and planning
As you plan your approach, here are some questions to
consider:
* Do you work enough on your secondary fast break to
find good shots before the defense is set?
* Are the movements of your set zone offense well
suited for your players?
* If you have a four-perimeter-player offense, are all
four players able to shoot and pass from that area?
* Do you rebound well from this set?
* If you employ a high-post offense, can your high post
player pass effectively?
* If you run a floating high-post offense, can the various
players who move into the foul-line area pass
effectively?
* Is it practical for you to schedule a preseason
scrimmage against a team that plays a strong 2-3 zone?
* Can you allot practice time for players to watch film
of actions that work well against a 2-3 zone?
* How would you adjust a 2-3 zone defense if you were
to face your own team?
Building blocks
If you can spread the floor with four or five players who
effectively shoot the 3-pointer off of the draw-and-dish,
the 2-3 zone might not concern you. For others, consider
these building blocks.
WINNINGHOOPS.COM 23
http://www.WINNINGHOOPS.COM
March/April 2019

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of March/April 2019
