(Rental)-2-3 & 1-3-1 Zone Defenses

Learn how to use two types of zone defenses, and attack them with great success.

• Your players should be taught the duties of each spot in the defense zone. This will help them to function as a unit.
• Learn how to manage the 1-3-1 zone so that opposing teams don't score
• Watch Coach Jones breakdown multiple sets that can be used against zone defenses of 2-3-1 and 1-3-1.

James Jones, Yale's head basketball coach, has made Yale a formidable Ivy League powerhouse. They have been consistently at the top of the standings despite being ranked outside the top 300 since Jones took the job. This is due to their 2- and 3-2-1 zone defenses. Jones demonstrates how both defenses can be used to stop your opponent's offense in this presentation on the court.

2-3 Zone Basics

Jones begins by teaching his 2-3 zone. This zone is different than the traditional 2-3 zone. From the top of the court, the guards are responsible for protecting the basketball until it is passed to a wing. They have their heels on or near the 3-point line, and can touch the ball as close as they can. Guards are instructed to stop 3-pointers from the top and penetration. The two forwards remain one step from the lane line, and the free throw line is extended. Both forwards must be angled so that their backs face the corners. They will be asked to remove wing 3-pointers. The center must also be a talker and be able take out middle penetration.

The coach also handles bumps in the zone. The forward covers the ball on a pass to a wing player from the point until the guard on the other side requires him to bump off to the block or corner depending on the position of offensive players.

1-3-1 Basics

Jones' 1-3-1 zone approach is for teams with length who want to play a different style. Coach Jones uses an inside-out approach to explaining the responsibilities and building the zone. To force the ball to one side, the longest and most athletic player is at the top. The "warrior", the most difficult player on the floor is located in the back.

Coach Jones demonstrates a drill that teaches the wings how they can play in the zone. He has two players at each side and four along the baseline. This drill teaches the tandem nature of wing play. The "Spine Drill", which teaches the players how to defend, is used for the three players in middle. The "Melting drill" is used to teach defense techniques such as fake and fade.

Plays Against Zones

Coach Jones will cover the 2-3-1 and 1-3-1 zones defenses from a defensive perspective. He also demonstrates how to exploit these defenses. Jones teaches both the "Open" and continuity actions from a 2-1-2 play. This offense creates overload actions which create confusion for defenses in the 2-3 zone.

Overall, Coach Jones does a great job of explaining the responsibilities to everyone in his zone defenses and how to teach them.

57 minutes. 2020.