Defense: A Primer
to the basket. A 1-2-1 zone thus has one player near the three point line, two players guarding zones closer to the basket, and one player assigned a zone even closer to the basket. There are practically an infinite number of zone defenses, but the most common are the 2-3, 2-1-2, 1-3-1, 3-2, and the 2-2-1.
Each zone has its own strengths and weaknesses depending upon its characteristics. For example, a 2-1-2 zone allows good general overall coverage, sets-up good rebounding positioning, provides good positioning for running a fast break off a defensive rebound, and provides good coverage against teams that rely on working the ball inside. The 2-1-2 is, however, vulnerable to good outside shooting teams and good baseline moves to the basket. It also often gives-up too many high-percentage shots from the top of the key.
In general, zones improve rebounding positioning (although a poorly played zone will result in poor rebounding as players will not box-out opposing players), set-up the fast-break off a missed shot, and allow a coach to "hide" a poor defender. Zones also can be used to "clog" the paint and prevent the opposing team from being able to take high-percentage close shots.
Hybrid, or combination, defenses are those that utilize both man-to-man and zone principles at the same time. The most common hybrid defenses are the match-up zone, box and one, and triangle and two. There are too many differences between different hybrid defenses to go into detail about their strengths and weaknesses, but in general each attempts to use those features of man-to-man and zone which best enable the team to reduce the efficiency of the opponent.
For example, the box and one is most often used when the opposing team has one superstar player. Four defenders are spaced in a "box" formation and play zone defense. The fifth is assigned to play man-to-man defense on the superstar. Thus, the superstar is automatically double-covered at almost all times. However, the other four offensive players have an easier time getting open. In addition, the defender playing man-to-man can quickly become fatigued.
Presses are the fourth type of defense. A press defense has as its goal forcing an opponent to turn over the ball before a shot of any kind is even taken. A press can begin with the in-bounds pass (called a full-court press) or at any point after. A team can press from either man-to-man or zone,
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