How to Play a 3-2 Zone Defense in Basketball

The 3-2 zone basketball defense is played when the opposing team's guards are its dominant offensive force. Playing this defense makes it harder for the opposition to drive the ball to the basket. When you play this defense correctly, the opposing team is forced to take contested outside jump shots. Knowing all of the possible defenses that can be play will give your team the best chance to win.

Things You'll Need

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Instructions

    • 1

      Locate the free throw line and the baseline for the side of the court your team will defend.

    • 2

      Position your two biggest or tallest players on each block of the lane which is located near the baseline,on the right and left sides of the basket.

    • 3

      Instruct these two players that their responsibility is to defend the middle of the lane and the area extending all of the way to the sideline of their side of the court.

    • 4

      Position your three fastest players along the free throw line extend to each sideline. One player should be in the center of the free throw line, with the other two players lined up on each wing.

    • 5

      Instruct these players that their zone is 3 feet to either side of them. The players on the free throw line should be attempting to trap the ball when it enters either of the other two wing players' zone.

    • 6

      Practice boxing out. Zone defenses make it harder to box out and get rebounds. Each player must turn and locate a offensive player to box out when a shot goes up.