(Rental)-The 1-1-3 Match-Up Zone Defense

Implementing and Adjusting the 1-1-3 Matchup Zone Defense

Jim Myers built high school powerhouse programs in Wisconsin using his 1-1-3 matchup zone defense. In this video he shows you to build the defense from the ground up. Coach Myers won six girls state championships at Barneveld HS and one boy’s state title and he is the winningest girls’ coach in the state of Wisconsin. He starts with the basics and using on-court demonstrations shows you how to properly run the match-up zone.

The Hash Drill

Coach Myers starts the building of the match-up zone with the Hash Drill. The drill focuses on transition defense starting as a 3-on-2 half-court situation. When the defense gets the ball, two players standing by out of bounds join the drill to create a 4-on-3 going the opposite direction. Coach Myers also gets into the 4-on-3 Box Drill to teach rotation in the zone. The offense moves the ball all while touching the lane line. The defense must point the ball, but the same player cannot point the ball once it has been passed.

1-1-3 Matchup Zone Rules

Coach Myers likes to keep things simple, so he presents his three rules for running the match-up zone. First players must always be in a stance. Second, the hands must always be high and active. Finally, defensive players must communicate. When defending, the defense must match the front of the offense and the point defender must contain for at least two dribbles. Coach Myers also shows you how the defense is designed to prevent ball reversals using gap help that must show early.

Coach Myers then shows you how man-to-man principles are added to the defense. He follows these simple rules when applying man-to-man techniques to the match-up zone:

• Switch all screens
• Follow all cutters.
• Help on the post.

Building the Matchup Zone

Coach Myers goes through the responsibilities for each player in the 1-1-3 alignment. This is done to ensure the success of the defense as it strives to defend an offense that can put players in eight possible spots.

The two guards at the top of the zone must apply pressure to the basketball and work together as a unit. The point guard will force the ball to one side while the second guard must be prepared to stop any dribble penetration should the point get beat. Coach Myers also reviews the potential for a run-and-jump situation involving the two guards.

The 3 and 4 must guard the wing entry pass and take away any baseline drive opportunities. The forward that is opposite the ball must provide backside help while the 5, or center, fronts the low post and covers any pass to the corner.

Coach Myers also reviews three adjustments that can be made to deal with different situations that may arise in the course of a game:

• Shadow: focuses on covering a dangerous perimeter shooter
• Glove: an adjustment that is similar to a box-and-one
• Color call: any color call forces a double team in the corner on a pass from a wing

The match up zone, when run properly, can give any offense fits. Coach Myers ran his defense for years and has plenty of wins to show as a result. This 47-minute video can help you do the same in your program. Rent this 1-1-3 Matchup Zone Defense DVD today.