December 22, 2009 • Defense • Features • From the Bench • Winning Hoops
Most motion offenses today include a variety of picks (screens) to free the ball or players to the basket. These screens include on-the-ball screens, backscreens, cross-screens and downscreens.
The following are effective rules that you can instruct your players to follow for defending a variety of screens.
Rules for screens
RULE 1:Defending the ball handler during on-the-ball screens. If you are defending an opponent who has the ball and you are picked, try to fight over the top of the screen. Try not to get picked so that you can easily switch. Feel and “see” with your hands, and anticipate or sense the picks coming. Listen for verbal warnings from your teammates.
RULE 2:Fighting through screens. When you get picked, try to get a foot and ankle in the gap, then a leg and hip, and finally the rest of your body over the top of the pick by arching your back and squeezing through. Once you’re through the screen, play tough defense. Keep your hands up to prevent the shot, or pass over the top to the individual who is rolling or releasing to the basket.
RULE 3:Defending the screener during on-the-ball screens. If you’re defending the screener on the ball, stack your feet in line with the screener’s feet until the dribbler approaches (see Diagram 1).
As the dribbler approaches, move out so that your inside foot is directly to the side of the screener’s outside foot with your inside hand on the screener’s outside hip. Once this position is established, jump out in the path of the dribbler to:
Draw a charging foul or another turnover.
Force the ball handler to pick up the dribble.
Make the dribbler bow out away from the basket and screener. This defensive technique is called “hedging.”
DIAGRAM 1:Hedging. This diagram shows defenders how to position their feet while hedging.
RULE 4:Effectively switching on screens. The defensive player who is guarding the screener should yell “screen!” And if he or she sees that the teammate can’t get through the screen, he or she should yell “switch!” Both defenders should switch without question or hesitation.
RULE 5:Defending the pick-and-roll. If there’s no switch, the defensive player who’s defending the roller should treat the pick-and-roll player as a backdoor cutter. That is, the defender should face him or her as he or she rolls until that player cuts through the free-throw lane. At that point, the defender opens up to the ball.
DIAGRAM 2:Defending the pick-and-roll. Your team should have help-side defense for any players who are cutting to the basket.
RULE 6: Defending backscreens. When you get backscreened, go on the ball side of the pick, fight around it, and face your assigned opponent (who is backcutting) until he or she starts across the free-throw lane — which is when you should open up to the ball.
Sagging off in the “ball-you-man” principle makes it difficult for the offense to execute. As soon as your assigned opponent passes the ball, jump off your opponent and to the ball.
If you get backscreened, fight through the ball side of the screen and treat the cutter as if he or she is a backdoor cutter. Do not switch on backscreens, but the player who is defending the screener must warn his or her teammate of the oncoming backscreen.
DIAGRAM 3: Defending the backscreen. This diagram shows the movements for defending backscreens on any ball reversal on top.
RULE 7: Defending downscreens. Fight hard and quick on the ball side of the pick to be in the passing lane at the top of the downscreen, just in case the outer offensive player runs a “curl.” Anticipate the backdoor cut, and treat it the same as you would for any other backdoor cut (DIAGRAM 4).
The defender guarding the screener should give his or her teammate room to get through on the downscreen. Communication is a key element for defending any type of screen. Always go on the ball side, and fully extend the arm on the side that’s closest to the ball.
basketball, coaching, defense, screens
5 Keys to Defending Screens in Basketball
This article was written by Basketball HQ co-founder Kyle Ohman.
Screens are a huge part of the game of basketball. They force the defense to be able to communicate, help, rotate, etc. If the defense is unable to do this at a high-level, it opens up potential breakdowns. The offense will turn the corner, get the mismatch they want, or create for another teammate out of the screening action.
As a basketball coach, your players must be able to guard all of the different screening actions. Whether it is a ball screen, down screen, back screen, or whatever, your team needs to work together to guard the action and then rotate out of it. Being able to do this well doesn’t just happen, though. It first takes teaching your players the correct way to navigate each type of screen, and then it takes quality repetitions working on it with different basketball drills, 2 on 2 and 3 on 3 small games, and also 5 on 5 situations.
It also takes a certain fight from your team. Not every defensive possession is going to be pretty, and that means that players must fight to get stops. This is especially true when it comes to guarding different screening actions. This defensive basketball coaching article will break down the keys that your team will need to guard screens in basketball. That way, regardless of the type of screen being set or whatever strategy you personally use, they will be able to execute and get stops. Use these five keys with your team basketball defense and teach them how to guard screens at a high-level.
1. Defensive Execution for Defending Screens
Trust Between Players: Players must do their job when it comes to defending a screen in basketball. If one does their job, but the other is not where they need to be, it will not work. Every player has a job to do when it comes to guarding a specific screening action, and they need to handle that job effectively to get a stop.
Potential Guard Responsibilities: Depending on how you choose to guard a particular screening action, guards will have different responsibilities. For example, if you are trapping a ball screen, the guard must force the ball handler to the screen. However, if you are icing a ball screen, the guard must deny them access to the screen and force them away from it to the help defender. Guards need to know exactly what they are doing in every situation.
Force to screen
Deny screen
Go under the screen
Chase
Etc.
Potential Post Responsibilities: The other half of the screen is usually going to be a post player because in most cases, when a screening action happens between similarly sized players, the defense can just switch and not much comes of the screening action. The post player, just as the guard, has their own set of responsibilities. These responsibilities will also depend on how you choose to guard a specific screening action. Regardless of how you choose to guard it, the post defender needs to know exactly what they should be doing and working in unison with the guard.
Hedge
Hard Hedge
Trap
Switch
Soft Show
Etc.
Defensive Timing: The defensive players in the screening action must work in sync to negate the screen. For example, if a post player shows early on a ball screen, they will get split on the ball screen. If they show late, they will get driven by. On the flip side, if the guard defender is late following the ball handler, they will allow a split. These are just two examples, but this is true in any defensive action against screens in basketball. Both defensive players must become one to guard the action.
Guard: Jumping too early to the ball screen allows for refusals.
Posts: Showing too early allows for splits. Showing too late allows for turning the corner.
Take a Great Angle: Angles are a huge part of basketball, and this is no different when it comes to guarding screening actions. Players need to use their body and take quality angles to cut off the offensive players. The timing may be perfect, but if a good angle is not taken, the offense will get an advantage.
The post defender must take a great angle when showing on ball screens.
Force the ball handler away from the basket.
The guard must force the ball handler to help. Either to the screen or away from the screen if denying.
Use your chest, not your hands.
With off the ball screens, it is important that guards and wing players also dictate where the cutter can go if there are multiple screening actions.
Don’t play defense in catch up mode.
Defensive Breakdowns: Against a good offensive basketball team, defensive breakdowns will happen; it is just part of the game. However, that doesn’t mean that it should be an automatic bucket for the offense. Your team defense needs to fight through breakdowns and still find a way to step up and get stops. This has a lot to do with heart and fight, but it also needs to be worked on so that players know how to rotate and help in emergency situations.
Get the job done even if there is a mistake or miscommunication between defenders.
Must use communication to get back on track.
Emergency switch.
Get back.
Etc.
Fight Through Screens: Timing and angles will be essential to guarding a screening action, but equally important is the defensive mindset when guarding screens. The defensive mindset needs to be to fight through screens (unless your strategy is to switch). Players can’t be getting hit by screens. They need to anticipate the screen and then fight through it.
Be willing to do whatever it takes to get through the screen.
No excuses.
Every exchange isn’t going to be pretty, but you can still get the job done if you are willing to fight.
2. Defensive Strategy Against Screens
Strategy: Depending on your players and the other team’s players, your defensive strategy against certain types of screens will vary. The goal as a team defense is to take away what the offense wants to do. So when guarding different screening actions, it will be up to you as a coach to find the best strategy.
Defense Strategy Examples: Here are some different defensive strategies for guarding screens and some keys that should be emphasized with your team.
Take the Same Path
The defender must lock on to the offensive player and take the same path that they do.
Cannot get hit by the player setting the screen.
It may need to be on the offensive player’s outside hip away from the screener to avoid getting hit.
The player defending the screener needs to be able to bump the cutter or absorb the curl.
Shoot the Gap
Cheat under the screen and meet the offensive player on the other side of the screen.
Be careful against good shooters who can make you pay for going under.
The player defending the screener in this situation needs to give space for the defender shooting the gap.
Deny the Screen
Keep your body in between the offensive player and the screener, force them away from the screen to the help defender.
Be careful of getting back cut.
The player defending the screener needs to be in the correct position for the help.
Be on the Same Page
Regardless of what strategy you use, everyone must be on the same page.
This means that you must be willing to spend the time needed in practice to get everyone on the same page.
3. Defensive Scouting Report
Scouting the Other Team: As a basketball coach, the better you can scout the other team, the better you will take away their screening actions. You will be able to see what types of basketball plays and screening sets they like to run, but you will also see how each player uses a screen. For example, one player may be a good shooter, and you must chase them on a screen, and another player may be a driver, and you can go under the screen. This only happens, though, if you are willing to put in the work scouting before though.
Know the Offensive Player
Force the offensive players to their weaknesses when using screens.
This may be a different type of strategy than regularly used.
You must clearly discuss this before playing so that there are no breakdowns.
Defending a Shooter
Chase shooters and make them put the ball on the ground to score.
Be careful about shooting the gap and allowing them to stop behind the screen to shoot.
You may need to emergency switch to contest a shot.
The player switching onto the screener needs to box out.
Defending a Slasher
Don’t allow slasher to catch the ball with a driving angle.
This type of player will look to curl more than use a straight cut.
The defender guarding the screener needs to bump/hedge cutter.
Must stay connected to screeners to prevent slips.
4. Defensive Communication
Communicate Through Screens: You cannot have a good defensive team without communication. It takes all five players on the floor communicating together to get the job done. This is especially true with screening actions. Players must be willing to communicate early, clearly, and often. This will ensure that everyone is on the same page and ready to guard whatever action is thrown at them. Also, it is not just the players in the screening action that are responsible for communicating. Players in the help need to be communicating as well.
Equal Responsibility
Players involved in the screening action MUST communicate with each other.
No player is exempt from having to communicate.
Use team terminology to help the communication process.
Example: White = Hedge, Blue = Under, Red = Trap, Black = Switch.
Come up with your own team terminology, and then make sure everyone is on the same page.
Backside Communication
Players in the help must be communicating as well.
Players guarding the screening action need to know that their help is behind them.
Use relevant communication.
“I am in the help.”
Switch on post role and replace.
5. Ball Pressure and Help Defense
On the Ball and Off the Ball Defense: A big part of guarding screens effectively are the players not directly involved in the screening action. As a team defense in basketball, it can’t be only up to the players involved directly in the screen to get the stop. All five defensive players must be doing their job and working together. When it comes to off the ball screens, a big part of guarding them is ball pressure. The more a defender can disrupt the pass and timing of the pass, the easier it will be for the defensive players involved in the screening action. Off-the-ball help is also going to play an essential role in guarding screens. Whether it is rotating, being a threat to steal a pass, etc., off-ball defenders need to be engaged in the play.
Defending the passer (player making the pass to an off the ball screening action)
Active hands
Mirror the ball.
Try to get deflections.
Don’t allow the passer to sit and read the defense.
Must also be able to contain the dribble.
Don’t give up penetration.
No straight line passes.
Force the passer to loop their passes. This will slow them down and mess up timing.
Help Defense
Be in the correct position to help.
Bump cutters.
Switch if needed.
Move on the flight of the ball.
Don’t leave early. This opens up pass fakes, and a good passer will make you pay.
Be in position, and only move when the ball has left the passer’s hands.
If you are in a good position and athletic stance, you should get there on the catch.
Defensive rotations.
Help the helper.
Every player must be on the same page to know where they are rotating.
5 Keys to Defending Screens in Basketball Conclusion
The reason that an offense sets screens in basketball is to put the defense in a compromising position. The better an offense is, the more they set screens, move without the ball, etc. So being able to navigate screens and execute against them defensively is a big part of locking up as a team.
The goal of this basketball coaching article was written to give you a template of things that you can work on with your team when it comes to guarding screens. It doesn’t really cover specific types of screens. Instead, it includes basketball fundamentals for being able to guard any type of screen. If your players can master these different keys when defending screens, you will be able to put in whatever specific kind of strategy you want, and they will execute.
Follow Us On Social
Facebook-f Pinterest Twitter Instagram
Latest Content
Share:
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
On Trend
Most Popular Posts
Explore more
Protection against screens | Basketball
If the screener is in possession of the ball and is in a safe shooting zone, the following defenses are possible. The defender guarding the screener may step back and allow his partner to pass after the defender. This partner can interfere with the shot by waving his arms in front of the screener and forcing him to cover the ball. The second way to defend is that the defender, guarding the player setting up the screen, remains close to his ward and directs the partner around, behind his back. In the third method, the passing defender breaks between the screener and his defender by aggressively playing the ball, so that the player in possession of the ball must cover him. A defender guarding a passing player may move in advance towards the pass, depriving the screen of effectiveness.
Switching is the simplest way to neutralize obstructions. Of course, it is used only in cases of absolute necessity. The defender guarding the screening player is obliged to warn the partner (“screening on the left”, “screening on the right”, etc.). After being warned, he steps back, allowing his partner to slip through the screen, and yells at him, "Come on!"
If it is necessary to switch, the defender guarding the screening player, shouting: “Switch!”, quickly changes to a defender with a partner.
After the exchange, each defender is responsible for the new player. If there is a discrepancy in the growth of the attacker and the defender, you need to switch back as soon as possible. Failing to do so will result in a taller forward entering the bottom of the free throw area with an undersized defender, and a shorter forward gaining an agility advantage by playing on the edge with a taller defender. If it is not immediately possible to make a reverse switch, it is not worth forcing it, since frequent switches are fraught with the danger of an error leading to the release of the attacker. The defenders stay with the new players until the game phase ends and they have possession of the ball.
Sometimes a defender has to cover a free attacker. In this case, he should shout: "I'm taking the twenty-second, cover the fifteenth!" This alerts the teammate who is responsible for guarding player #22 and forces him to switch to player #15. In this switch option, the remaining defender first rushes to the basket and then looks for his new charge.
When playing in the zone of possible screening, the defender must control the space behind his back, putting his arm back, and listen to the signals of partners.
A defender must not allow himself to be cut off by a screen when his player is playing two passes from the ball. In this regard, he steps back from his player and turns towards the ball in order to see the actions of the opponent.
Side screens or screens when driving across the platform. In side screens, the screened defender can see his player and the screener. When attacking back-row players cross outside the free-throw area, the screening defender of the screener must always step back and let his teammate pass. If one of the back row players has a good percentage of shots from long range and tries to go past the screen with the ball, the defender should break through the screen with him. The defender guarding the player who puts up the screen is obliged, just in case, to move towards the exit of the attacker with the ball. With the movement of the hands and the possible switching, it is necessary to prevent the attacker from performing the throw. In this case, the defender must be ready for a quick exit of his ward in the direction of the basket. Another option for countering the sniper in this situation is to pre-emptively exit the defender towards the aisle. At the same time, the defender should not forget that the ward has good opportunities to go to the basket with a reverse movement. His partner guarding the ball carrier must be ready to help.
Internal or rear damper. The inside, or back, screen, in which the defender cannot see his player and the screener at the same time, is used in the following five positions.
1. A back row player may pass with or without the ball past a screen set by another back row player (who is in possession of the ball) inside or near the free throw circle. A defender guarding a passing player pushes him into the middle, preventing him from going out, as the attackers usually clear the corner for this maneuver. The defender guarding the screener moves to the open side, loudly telling his partner which side is open and where the screen is being placed.
2. A back row player is in possession of the ball and is passing outside of a screen placed by a corner player near the top corner of the free throw area or on the imaginary extension of the free throw line. In this case, the defender guarding the dribbler should receive a loud warning and move to the side of the pass in advance, forcing his ward to move to the middle. If the defender cannot push his ward into the middle, he tries to break between the ward and the player setting up the screen.
If it becomes necessary to exchange players, the defender marking the screening player gives the signal: “Switch!” - and pushes the dribbler to the endline, trying to stop him. He then attacks the dribbler aggressively, keeping his arms up and blocking the pass to the attacker moving towards the basket along with the shorter defender. The small defender must move between the ball and his new player, ready to intercept the bounce pass. Thus, the striker with the ball is deprived of the opportunity to perform both the top and bottom passes.
If a screen is placed more than 6 m from the basket, the defender guarding the screener must signal for slip.
3. A back row player passes the ball to a corner player at the top corner of the three-second zone or on the free throw line extended and passes him towards the end line or basket. In this screening, the defender guarding the screening player warns the partner to send his ward to the middle. The defender moves with the passing player from the side of the ball, not allowing a return pass.
4. A corner player is in possession of the ball and a back row player passes a center in the top or middle of the free throw area. The defender guarding the post must loudly warn the partner about the screening. The defender guarding the passing player moves with him to the ball in an open stance, positioning himself between the ball and the ward.
5. Center player screens a corner player in possession of the ball 4-5 meters from the basket. The defender guarding the post must warn the partner to close the direction of the pass along the end line. The defender guarding the nearest back row player is pulled back to assist in the event of a corner player passing into the middle. The defender guarding the post takes a step back, also to secure a possible pass to the basket. He signals to the offensive player that he will stay in this position to stop the pass or interfere with the shot, as well as to cover the post, which opens after setting the screen in the direction of the basket. The defender guarding the corner player is responsible for him until he hears the switch signal. After this signal, he must close the center's exit to the basket. The safety net of the hinged pass falls on the shoulders of the defender guarding the far corner player.
Basketball team defense - CyberPedia
Navigation:
home Random Page Feedback TOP Interesting to know Favorites
Top:
Evaluation of the effectiveness of communication policy instruments: External communications - the exchange of information between an organization and its external environment. ..
The problem of the typology of scientific revolutions: Global scientific revolutions and types of scientific rationality...
Evolution of the circulatory system of vertebrates: Biological evolution is an irreversible process of the historical development of wildlife...
Interesting:
Principles of cash flow management: one of the methods of controlling the state of cash is ...
Artificial elevation of the surface of the territory: Options for artificial elevation of the surface of the territory must be selected based on an analysis of the following characteristics of the protected area...
Treatment of advanced cancers: One of the most important achievements of experimental tumor chemotherapy, started in the 60s and implemented in the 70s, is...
Disciplines:
Automation Anthropology Archeology Architecture Audit Biology Accounting Military science Genetics Geography Geology Demography Journalism Zoology Foreign languages Computer science Art History Cinematography Computerization Shipbuilding Culinary Culture Lexicology Linguistics Literature Logic Marketing Mathematics Mechanical Engineering Medicine Management Metallurgy Metrology Mechanics Musicology Engineering Law Entrepreneurship Education Industrial Security Programming Pedagogics Psychology Radio communication Religion Rhetoric Sociology Sport Standardization Statistics Building Theology Technology Trade Transport Pharmacology Physics Physiology Philosophy Finance Chemistry Economy Drafting Ecology Economics Electronics Energy Jurisprudence
⇐ PreviousPage 2 of 3Next ⇒
The main goal of team defense in basketball is to limit the attackers' ability to take the opponent's ring, stop a fast break, counter against a positional attack.
Usually the type of protection is chosen based on the individual characteristics of the players on the basketball team. A good defense combines the strengths of both zone defense and personal defense. The defense must limit the attackers' capabilities, push them as far away from the ring as possible [1].
All players must be able to use both personal defense and zone defense, changing the formation in time, thereby misleading the attacking players. All changes must be agreed upon by all players on the court. In most cases, this is announced by the point guard, returning from an attack in defense.
In today's basketball, almost every team is good at playing zone and personal defense. Almost always, zone defense consists of separate elements of personal protection. So, for example, players using zone defense to intercept the ball, covering the line of passing the ball, basically apply the principles of personal protection against the ball carrier.
Aleksandr Nikolic, professor of the Faculty of Physical Education, former player of the Yugoslav national basketball team, and then coach of club teams and doctor of technological sciences, psychologist Paranosich, wrote the book Selection in Basketball. The book is not actually a scientific study, but it is written in full accordance with system analysis - a modern methodology for studying objects by presenting them as systems and analyzing these systems [6].
Another book that we used in our work is called Encyclopedia of Basketball Drills. This book was written by American coach T. Pinholster. This book is intended for the widest range of basketball professionals. Here are exercises for learning and improving the playing skills necessary for every coach [5].
The requirements for personal protection are characterized by the following concepts - it is to save players in the event of a threat of receiving fouls, to strengthen the near approaches to the basket. Finally, the zone defense can be used to change the pace of the game, and can also be used by players who are unable to operate effectively in personal defense.
Application of zone defense
Zone defense in basketball has many varieties. This system consists in the fact that each player guards a certain place (zone) of the court, keeping any of the opponents located in his zone throughout the game. Jerry Dugan, senior coach at Lee High School in Huntsville, Alabama, used the 1-3-1 zone defense system. He doesn't think it's the most versatile defense, but it's one of the best ways to get things done. zone defense in a 1v1 game.
Positioning is very important in this type of zone defense. Back row players should be the most mobile. Great success will be brought by the game of defense with movements from one corner of the court to another. In the 1-3-1 zone, the left-back can best rebound, because. most players play with their right hand, respectively, the player on the left side has the greatest chance of picking up the ball.
The center player is in the middle position, he must be a tall, powerful player who is able to put his back on the rebound and cut off the player entering the center from receiving the ball.
The front centre-back takes over the dribbler (in most cases the point guard - number 1) as he crosses the center line, he should try to push him into an uncomfortable position for throwing and passing. After pushing the attacker to the wingback, he can play in a pair with the winger, or take a position between the wingers, try to cut the pass to the side without the ball, and in case of transferring the ball to the other side, make an interception.
In this setup, the defense must force the attacker to throw the ball over the defender or force the attacker, who is without the ball, to break into the center of the court to receive the pass.
Full defenders on the side of the dribble move forward and take on the attacker with the ball, when they come out, they must prevent the attacker from throwing a long-range shot, close the line of passing the ball to the center of the court. When dribbling the ball, accompany the attacker until the moment when he is forced to stop and take the ball in his hands or bring it to another defender. He must be ready to cover and pull up the attacker on the side without the ball if the ball is passed over the head of the advanced post.
Defensive center guarding center forward in the middle of the court in a player-versus-player system. If the attack comes through the center, he plays behind or close to the opponent's post, blocking the passing line. He must insure his teammates, help, if the attacker in their zone decides to go into the passage under the basket, go to the player as early as possible.
Back row player remains parallel to the ball. He must move very quickly around the court, depending on where the ball is and where the pass went. The central defender helps and prompts him. If the ball is passed to the corner of the court, then the player of the back line uses the player-on-player defense against him. Protects the backline and puts pressure on shots from the corner.
While preparing for the season, the head coach of Kazanochka-Akademia BC considered different types of zone defense, according to which her team could play. She stopped at the 1-3-1 zone. Since this is the most effective zone for the players of this team. Throughout the season, the team used this type of zone defense. At the beginning of the season, there were some problems with the understanding of this principle of protection by the players, as the team included players of different levels. As the season progressed, the team worked hard to apply this defensive principle.
1.4. Types of zone protection
In the works of A.Ya. Gomelsky, we can see a description of the most basic structures of zone defense. According to him, each of the zone defenses should easily transform depending on the attack - stretch out during attacks from a distance and group around the ring [11].
Even type of zone defense formations includes systems: 2-2-1, 2-1-2, 2-3.
Odd formation: 1-2-2, 1-3-1, 3-2.
Each of these constructions has its advantages and disadvantages, which are useful to analyze.
The arrows indicate the direction of movement of the players. The shaded places on the court are the weak positions of the defense.
Zone defense 1-2-2: #1 - the lightest, fastest defender, #2 and #3 - quite mobile, jumpy, good if they are at least 2 m tall. #4 and #5 - centers. Their task is to fight with the opponent's centers, picking up balls from the shield.
This system is most useful against teams trying to attack from under the shield through the post. Disadvantages - weak positions indicated in the figure.
Fig.1. 1-2-2 Zone Defence
2-1-2 Zone Defence: Used against opponent's strong centers who are dangerous on the "second floor" when rebounding. Good for developing a counterattack with fast #1 and #2 players. Vulnerable in corners under 45, in the center for long and medium throws. The task of post #5 is to guard the opponents' post and together with #3 and #4 create a rebounding triangle. #3 and #4 are mobile and high wingers, they can be swapped depending on the place of the sniper's attack.
Fig.2. 2-1-2 Zone Defence
1-3-1 Zone Defence: Helps keep #3, #5, #2 between the ball and the basket at all times, used against strong opponent centers and shots from medium to close positions. Her weakness is throws from the corners of the site and passes to the shield along the front line.
#1 - the fastest defender, running into the gap in every possible situation, #2 and #3 - mobile, jumping players, #5 - center, #4 - the fastest winger, able to move into the corners of the court.
Fig.3. Zone Defense 1-3-1
Zone Defense 3-2: #1, #2 and #3 are aggressive, mobile players, the success of the whole system largely depends on their activity. All three are focused on intercepting the ball and counterattacking. This system is most acceptable against teams seeking to attack from a distance, and less suitable against strong centers. The 3 second zone and 45 angle positions are the most vulnerable. #1 is in charge of the foul line. #2 and #3 are in a rebound fight. #5 and #4 are the first and second centers.
Fig.4. Zone Defense 3-2
Zone Defense 2-3: strongest under the backboard, in the corners of the court along the endline. It is used against a tall, powerful team attacking from close positions and from under the shield. Often used for group selection of the ball in the corners of the court. When interacting #4 and #2 or #3 and #1, the defense is less effective on the foul line and at a 45 angle. #5 - center, #4 - second center, #3 - winger, #1 and #2 - defenders, constantly aimed at interception and counterattack.
2-3 Zone Defence
2-2-1 Zone Defence: This defense is used by agile and short teams aiming to intercept the ball and constantly counter-attack. This zone counterattack is used against teams seeking to attack from medium distances. Center #5 is responsible for rebounding, wingers #3 and #4 are responsible for positions in corners and under 45 , rebounding the ball and for the foul line.
Defenders #1 and #2 tend to close the passes to the shield and into the three-second zone, while they themselves are constantly aimed at counterattacking.
Fig.6. Zone defense 2-2-1
Features of zone defense games.
The main feature of zone defense is the distribution of responsibility of each defender for a certain area of the court, depending on the position of the ball. Defenders must face the ball and move around the court at the same time as the ball moves, changing their position continuously. In other words, in a zone defense, the players must always be on the move in order to create the worst conditions for the attackers to attack.
The movements of the defense are completely dependent on the movements of the attackers. If the ball receiver is in a good shooting position, the nearest defender must prevent him from receiving the ball, try to intercept. If the attacker still got the ball, everything possible must be done so that the attacking player makes a mistake. For defense, it is better to allow the attacker to shoot from a long distance, but not to let the player under the basket. The defender's main stance with his arms constantly wide apart should give the attackers the impression of an impenetrable barrier [1].
Zone defense allows the coach to place players on the court depending on their physical and psychological characteristics. Center players should be positioned closer to the basket, they are less mobile, but they must fight under the basket on the rebound, cut off the attackers from the entrance to the center and under the basket. Small and fast players should be positioned in the front line of the zone where they have a big advantage to intercept the ball and run into a fast break.
Zone defense is easier to train and can hide some players' lack of personal defense technique. With such a zone, the defenders are less afraid of making a mistake, because they know that a teammate will always help them. If the attack is not the first time it implements its attack through the inside of the zone, then this is a weak zone. Usually, the zone defense loses its initial preparation after the first or second pass of the ball, becoming more mobile. The zone can shrink and stretch depending on the movement of the attacking players and the ball [1].
As a result of all this, coordinated team movements are the basis for maintaining a good zone defense. A zone defense can contract and expand depending on the movement of the ball and offensive players around the court. The zone stretches in the direction of the ball and in the corners of the court towards the sidelines, this allows attackers to penetrate into the zone behind the defenders or parallel to the movement of the ball. Rear defensive players must voice their partners if they have moved too far and violated the integrity of the zone formation, making it more vulnerable to offensive players.
Zone defense - defense of a certain area of the site during the movements of the defending players and their concentration in the attacked attacking zones. Zone defense allows defenders to act more freely without clinging to one player. All players must be in constant motion. The defender closest to the attacker in a good attacking position must act aggressively, using the principles of personal defense to force the attacker to pass the ball back, away from the basket, or rush the shot. The transition from defense to attack is fast. From the zone setup it is very convenient to start playing fast break. It is also very important to quickly transition from attack to defense. Players in zone defense may be to the side of the offensive player closest to the basket on or in front of the ball, thus blocking it from the passing line. In this position, it is very convenient to put your back so that the attacker cannot pick up the ball. The movement of attackers is blocked alternately by different defenders, depending on the zones where the attacker is heading. In some cases, the defender may leave his zone to cover the movement of a free hitter under the basket. Proper movement and anticipation of opponents' movements leads to interceptions of the ball. Offensive players moving away from the ball can anticipate a pass to the other side of the court. Good foresight in defense allows for the ability to intercept passes and increases defenders' ability to attack with a fast break [15].
Zone defense can be aggressive or passive. This defense is not very effective when the team is behind in the score or when the opposing team has sharpshooters who are good at hitting the basket from long range shots.
Regardless of the activity of the zone defense, its choice is determined by the composition of the players, the characteristics of the opposing team, the score and the remaining time of the game. Zone defense allows you to place tall players in advantageous positions under the basket, and fast players in front (for intercepting the ball, organizing a fast break). The front line of the zone should be fast and aggressive, and the back line should be high, consisting of players who skillfully fight for the ball in case of a failed shot. Responsibility in the fight for the ball bouncing off the backboard or ring must be borne by all five players on the court.
Good conditions for defense are created if four defenders actively go to the backboard during the throw, maintaining positions between the backboard and their charges, and the fifth moves towards the opponent's basket, then at least one, or even two attackers will be forced to pull back to insurance. In this case, the defenders will have an advantage in the fight for the ball when rebounding from the backboard or ring. If the defenders at this moment take possession of the ball, good conditions are created for a fast break. Interceptions and clearances are usually made by fast players in the first line of the zone. The defenders of the back line of the zone are located next to the attackers closest to the ball. They must never allow attackers to get inside the area close to the ball. None of the defenders in the zone must guard an empty area of the site. The players of the back line are obliged to direct the zone towards the strong, or overloaded with attackers, part of the court by voice. One of the conditions for zone players is to be constantly on the alert in an imaginary six-meter semi-circle under the basket. Positioned inside this semi-circle, they keep their arms stretched up or spread out to the sides, since a six-meter distance is usually available for effective throws by almost any attacker [1].
According to A.Ya. Gomelsky, the meaning of zone defense is that the players are responsible for a certain area of the site, in accordance with the position of the ball and the formation of the attacking team [11].
Benefits of zone defense:
1. Gives the opportunity to arrange players according to their physical, technical and mental characteristics.
Tall, jumpy players position close to the backboard. Mobile, fast players are in positions farther from the shield.
2. More team-oriented, easy to master, able to compensate for the individual players' gaps in defense.
3. Promotes fast breaks and frequent interceptions of the ball with the greatest possible degree of risk, because. Partners are always ready to help.
4. The number of fouls in a zone defense is usually less than in a personal defense.
5. This defense is less vulnerable against combos that have screens.
6. Can concentrate with a strong center opponent and stretch out in the presence of snipers.
7. More than personal protection, it saves players' strength and protects leaders from fouls.
8. Most effective against opponents with strong centers.
9. A team that owns a zone defense can easily build mixed forms of defense: 3-2, 2-3,1-3-1,2-1-2.
10. Suitable for any team.
Disadvantages of zone defense:
1. Inferior to the personal psychological responsibility of the players, their charge for individual victory in defense.
2. Less useful against teams with strong snipers.
3. As a rule, the corners of the court are less protected in zone defense.
4. Zone defense may be used occasionally and should not be the main form of defense. It is inappropriate to use zone defense at the beginning of the match, when the opponent's players are not yet tired, energetic enough - their throws are more accurate and productive than at the end of the game [11].
Mobile zone protection
Tom Dickman - Senior Basketball Coach at the High School. Gavelor Tomos, Frederick, Maryland. He used various defensive measures in basketball, pursuing different goals. Mobile defense pursues one goal - to reduce the number of attacks by attackers, including reducing the number of hits in their ring, not allowing soft throws, limiting their number with a minimum of fouls.
He talked about the need to always set the highest goals for your players. Therefore, playing in zone defense, make as many interceptions as possible, implementing them with a fast break, to prevent the attackers from making many attacks and, moreover, hits. In basketball, every ball counts. Therefore, you need to let the opponents score the least number of points. Then it is considered that the protection worked harmoniously. By doing the main tasks in defense, you can achieve two important things that reduce getting into the ring:
1. force the opponent to throw from extremely uncomfortable positions, reducing the percentage of hits;
2. avoid the situation associated with the punishment of personal remarks (foul).
The main task of protection is correct movement. The main mistake is that it is assumed that reliable protection can be provided simply by remaining in the places given by the arrangement. In addition, each player is given an additional task. Players must anticipate the prerequisites that are created for its rapid implementation. In no case should players always stand in certain positions. Zone defense involves constant movement of players. Sometimes it turns out that the zone formation switches into a game of personal defense, in which each player plays one on one with his attacker. It all depends on the implementation of the attack, what arrangement they will take to break the zone [1].
Another function of the zone defense is to exclude or, in extreme cases, impede throws from five critical points along the perimeter of the zone. This is especially important if the opposing team has good snipers in their arsenal, who can implement shots from distant points. To do this, the defense diverts the attention of the attackers by covering the view of the ring with their hands, this leads to a decrease in the percentage of hits and a small score of the enemy.
The last obligatory task of a player is to know the principles of coordinated blocking of an attack when rebounding the ball, usually coaches call this - setting the back. At the moment, this is the main problem of women's basketball, since many children's coaches do not teach this element from the very beginning of basketball lessons. In senior as well as collegiate basketball, coaches believe that by playing zone defense and forming a rebound triangle, you can outplay the opponent by recovering almost every ball on defense. This way of picking up a bounced ball always leads to success, since the defenders know exactly which attackers they need to push back from the ring and backboard. Mobile zone defense includes simple rules for rebounding the ball and the consistency of the game under your basket, ahead of the opponent when rebounding the ball. Performing these functions allows you to pick up the ball and quickly start a counterattack, go to the lead if the players are in a suitable position.
Zone defense players are divided into two groups: players 1 and 2 - defenders who can change places; players 3 and 4, 5 - forwards or defenders - forwards, which are also interchangeable.
Speed is much more valuable here than growth in all aspects of mobile zone defense. That is, a tall center is not required here. Typically, this type of zone defense is chosen by a team that does not have prominent tall players in its arsenal - centers.
Mobile Zone General Rules:
1. A defensive player against an attacker who has the ball assumes a basketball defensive stance. The defender tries to take possession of the ball, forces the attacker to throw the ball from a long distance, give an inaccurate pass, prevent his pass, do everything necessary for the attacker to make a loss;
2. Defenders must identify all attackers in a favorable position for a low pass, warn them by voice, take a position between the ball and the attacker. The defender constantly moves to stay in front of the attacker, pushing him away from the ball. This task is the key to preventing attackers from getting inside the court. It is assigned to the main players 3, 4 and 5;
3. protect the lanes along the touchline. The defending player must block the main passage with one hand;
4. The defender is in the position of "support at a distance of two steps, making a protection "player against player"". He, along with a nearby defender, should provide for the interception of high passes;
5. Permanent mobile movement is carried out by players 3, 4 and 5. If one of the players has to leave his zone, the nearest defender moves to his place.
Communication is a key element for defending any type of screen. Always go on the ball side, and fully extend the arm on the side that’s closest to the ball.
It first takes teaching your players the correct way to navigate each type of screen, and then it takes quality repetitions working on it with different basketball drills, 2 on 2 and 3 on 3 small games, and also 5 on 5 situations.
If one does their job, but the other is not where they need to be, it will not work. Every player has a job to do when it comes to guarding a specific screening action, and they need to handle that job effectively to get a stop. 
The post player, just as the guard, has their own set of responsibilities. These responsibilities will also depend on how you choose to guard a specific screening action. Regardless of how you choose to guard it, the post defender needs to know exactly what they should be doing and working in unison with the guard. 
However, that doesn’t mean that it should be an automatic bucket for the offense. Your team defense needs to fight through breakdowns and still find a way to step up and get stops. This has a lot to do with heart and fight, but it also needs to be worked on so that players know how to rotate and help in emergency situations. 
Defensive Scouting Report
