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. This is where the name of the system comes from. Depending on the actions of the players, the zone defense system has two options. At first option(Fig. 86) each of the players, defending his zone, moves from the starting positions indicated in the figure to the shield itself. This option is suitable for teams in which players are of equal height with good mobility.

At second option(Fig. 87) there is always a certain pair of players under the shield. To ensure reliable protection and possession of the ball when it is reflected from the backboard, it is desirable to have players behind tall.

The arrangement of players in zone defense can be different and depends on the game of the opponent. On fig. 86-87 there are two players under the shield and three in front. This arrangement is called 2-3.

It is used against teams dominated by long distance shots. There may also be a reverse placement - 3-2 (Fig. 88), when three players stand under the shield and two are ahead. So it is more profitable to play against teams whose players throw mainly from under the shield and from the corners of the site.

There is also 2-1-2 formation(Fig. 89), in which two players are located under the shield and on the front line and one in the middle. This setup justifies itself against teams using the centre-attack option.

When distributing zones between players, it is advisable to take into account the following: 1) that under the shield there should always be at least one player of high stature or with a good jump, who can take possession of the ball when rebounding from the shield; 2) in the front line there should be the fastest players who move well and prevent throws from afar. Their speed is also important for the timely transition to a counterattack; 3) in the option with one player in the center, the place of the central defender is occupied by the most experienced player, who must manage the entire defense.

The zone defense system requires great attention and the timely and coordinated movement of the entire five in the direction from which the threat of attack is created. If the opponents are concentrating on the left side, then it is necessary, without violating the zonal principle, for all players to move symmetrically in the threatened direction. There is a kind of rotation of the site along with the players (Fig. 90).

In the same way, one should move if opponents threaten from the other side.

The team assumes a defensive position immediately after the opponents have taken possession of the ball. Each player is obliged to occupy the place assigned to him. He must always move on bent legs, arms outstretched to the sides. This position of the players hinders the passing of the ball and the movement of opponents. In some cases, temporary changes of places by players are permissible, but at the first opportunity, it is necessary to take each place again. In zone defense, each player is in his own zone and leaves it only in certain cases. Such cases include the situation when two opponents are in the zone of one player, and one of them may be behind the defender. In a similar position, the defender from the nearest zone is obliged to take on a dangerous opponent.

The division of the court into zones is done for the orientation of the players and should not interfere with their movement around the court when necessary.

The zone defense system is suitable for a team that has players that are tall and lack mobility, as well as against teams that don't use long range shots.

Of great benefit is the alternation in the same game of zone and personal defense systems. Changing the defense system confuses the opposing team, which contributes to the overall success.

Positive aspects of zone defense: a) it is difficult for opponents to approach the shield, due to which they have to throw from a distance, which greatly reduces the result; b) you can easily receive the ball after it bounces off the backboard; c) in comparison with other defense systems, it is necessary to make fewer jerks and stops, which saves the energy of the players.

Disadvantages of the system: a) does not provide full protection when several attackers are grouped within the same zone; b) little advantageous with accurate throws from a distance; c) it becomes more difficult to keep the best player of the opponent; d) the defense is passive, so if the team loses, then it completely loses the initiative. In some cases, some teams use this type of protection as a combination of personal and zone systems. For example, four players form a zone, and one player holds the most dangerous opponent.

After description zone system defense needs to return to offensive tactics again, pointing out how to build an attack against a zone defense.

The most effective way is the speed of dashes and passes, that is, a typical swift attack. Due to the speed of movement of the players and the ball, not all opponents have time to take their places according to the accepted arrangement, and it is possible to attack the basket through the formed passage.

But if all five players have taken the correct defensive position, then the result can only be achieved with the help of thoughtful combinations. Below are some examples of offense against a zone defense:
1) Two or three attackers concentrate on one of the flanks and, using short passes between themselves, get the opportunity to approach the throwing board.

2) All five players are placed in the frontcourt, as if surrounding the defenders. Then begins a quick transfer of the ball from one player to another, first in one direction and then back. Defenders are forced to move all the time in the direction where the ball is, but it is clear that they cannot keep up with the flight of the ball, and this is what the attackers should use. A player with the ball rushes into the formed passage to bring up and make a throw, or a player without the ball runs out, to whom the ball should be immediately passed.

3) One or two players (usually defenders) are at the back and the attackers change places in different directions, trying to run into the free throw area from the touchline or endline. All players must be very careful to take advantage of any good move by a teammate and pass the ball to him without delay.

4) If there are one or two players in the team who accurately throw from the corners of the square, then they immediately take their starting position, and one of the partners comes out to screen the opponent closest to the thrower. Thus, conditions are created for an aimed throw. At the time of the throw, the tallest player must run up to the post to catch the ball from the backboard in case of a miss.

5) When attacking by the center, the following combination is advisable: four players are positioned so that they can freely pass the ball to each other, and the center takes place in the free throw area. In the process of transfers, players No. 4 and No. 5 periodically approach the arc of a semicircle (Fig. 91). Opponent No. 2, who holds the post, usually does not move more than one or two steps away from him, so that players No. 4 and No. 5, being close to the arc, have a real opportunity to shoot the ball into the basket. If the opponent No. 2, insuring the throw of player No. 5, approaches him, then the latter passes the ball to the center player (Fig. 92). Having received the ball, the post player can immediately shoot to the basket or bring the ball closer to the backboard. Almost certainly, if the center player takes the ball to the backboard, either one or both opponents (No. 4 and No. 5) will go to him, then he will be able to pass the ball to partners No. 1 or No. 3, running out under the shield from the sidelines (Fig. 93) . This combination requires a long preparation and accurate calculation. Finishing combinations when attacking against a zone defense depend primarily on the capabilities of the team, as well as on how the zone defense is built.

Training in playing defense techniques

Techniques of the game in defense are aimed at countering the attacking team. The main goal of the game is to defend- interrupt the opponent's attack and take possession of the ball before it is thrown into the basket. The defender must constantly strive to take the necessary position to prevent the attacker from reaching the shield or to a place advantageous for the development of the attack. No less significant is the ability of a player to prevent passes and catching the ball, dribbling and throwing the ball. Accordingly, the defense technique is divided into two main groups (see Fig. 1, p. 18): 1) movement technique; 2) the technique of countering and mastering the ball.

Learning the technique of defensive stance and movement should begin in parallel with the study of the technique of playing in the attack. It is necessary to achieve skillful positional play by the defender, i.e., to develop his ability to take the right stance for the game situation and maneuver well, choosing the most rational methods of movement at the moment. In addition, stances and movements in defense are used directly in the process of learning to act in an attack. Thanks to the inclusion of these elements of defense technique in tasks to improve catching and passing the ball, dribbling and throwing the ball, students learn to overcome passive, and then active opposition from opponents.

Active methods of countering and mastering the ball are taught as students learn specific methods of attack, guided by the position that creative activity is always more complex in relation to destructive activity. In addition, the attacker's technical arsenal is much wider and more diverse than that of the defender. And the defense techniques are more universal and quite effective in various game situations, if they are carefully and correctly performed.

Hence, training in counter techniques should be preceded by mastering the basics of attack technique by those involved. Only the confident, unmistakable execution of certain actions by the attackers gives the teacher the right to move on to teaching adequate methods of active opposition on the part of the defender. In this regard, it is advisable to teach:

1) snatching the ball after mastering holding and catching;

2) kicking the ball after

3) interceptions of the ball after mastering catching, passing and dribbling;

4) covering and hitting the ball after mastering throws;

5) taking the rebound (taking possession of the ball in the fight for the rebound) on your backboard after mastering throws and finishing.

Such a sequence of teaching defense techniques corresponds to the content, structural features and the very logic of the game of basketball. It allows you to gradually bring students to the effective use of all the technical arsenal they have acquired in the conditions of game competitive confrontation.

Defender's stances and movements

Defender's stances

Theoretical background.

The defending stance of a basketball player is the most rational position of the player's body links for maneuvering defensive actions, which makes it possible to effectively prevent the attacker's attacking intentions.

The variety of game situations dictates the existence of several varieties of racks. Their difference lies in the location and work of the legs and arms.

In the technique of protection, there are three types of racks: a rack with parallel setting of the feet (parallel); stance with a forward leg and a closed stance.

Defender's stance with parallel feet (parallel-and I) It is used to guard an attacker with or without the ball away from the backboard, when there is no immediate threat of an attack and taking a basket, as well as when accompanying the movement of an opponent on the platform. Characteristic of this stance are the placement of the legs with the feet on the same line slightly wider than the shoulders with the toes turned outward and the arms slightly bent at the elbows to the sides and down. Body weight is evenly distributed on both bent legs. The body is slightly forward. The position of the head and back is straightened (Fig. 28, A).

Depending on the angle of bending of the legs in the knee joints, there are three varieties of the defender's parallel stance: high(130-145°), middle(115-130°) and low(less than 115°).

The degree of bending of the legs is determined by the position that the defender underestimates in relation to his shield and the ball, as well as the nature of the opposition provided. So, for example, countering an attacker who dribbles the ball should always be carried out in a low stance, and when guarding a post player,

attacking with his back to the shield, you need to use a high parallel stance.

Defender's stanceWith exhibition lazy forward foot(Fig. 28, b) used when guarding a player in possession of the ball, and is intended to prevent a throw or pass under the backboard.

In and. n. the player takes a position between the opponent and the shield. One leg, almost straightened, is put forward with the foot placed straight (toe forward), the arm of the same name is extended forward and upward, warning the expected 6docok.

The rear leg accentuated is bent and placed with the foot turned with the toe out, and the arm of the same name is set half-bent to the side and down to counteract the ball in the direction most dangerous for the basket. Body weight is located mainly on the rear leg. The head is raised, the gaze is directed forward. The back is straight.

The angle of the torso forward and the degree of bending of the legs are interconnected and determined by the game situation. So, for example, when guarding an attacker who has taken possession of the ball on the far approaches to the basket (on the perimeter of the three-point line), the defender leans forward strongly and extends the hand of the same name with the forward foot far forward. Thus, being as close as possible to the opponent in order to actively counteract any of his attacking actions, the defending player at the same time is located as far as possible in relation to his center of gravity in order to have space and time to stop the attacker's sudden high-speed pass. In another situation, when the opponent has just finished dribbling, the defender, approaching him as close as possible, fully straightens up and, actively waving his arms, prevents the attacker from aiming to throw or perform an accurate pass to his partner.

closed rack(Fig. 29) is used in active forms of defense and differs from other types of stances in the close position of the defender facing the attacker, putting forward the leg closest to the ball from the side at the level of the opponent’s legs and actively stretching forward the arm of the same name to prevent a possible pass. With the other half-bent arm, the player controls the location of the attacker in order to timely prevent his maneuver. At the same time, he must constantly keep an eye on

the ball and the player being guarded, to be in a stable position on bent, springy legs.

Defender stance training.

1. Explanation and demonstration.

2. Re-execution of varieties of racks in place.

3. The same, but at the signal of the teacher after running or jumping in place.

4. The same, but after mincing running in place in a parallel stance with the maximum frequency and impact nature of running steps.

5. Same as in ex. 2, but after changing

movements in a given way and stops in an arbitrary way at the specified points of the site.

6. Same as in ex. 4, but after movements with a change in direction of movement and in combination with the performance of varieties of stops on an audio or visual signal.

7. Performing varieties of racks to designate a conditional defender in the study of catching, passing, dribbling and remote throws of the ball.

8. Relay races and outdoor games, including the performance of the studied racks in and. p., at the end of the movement at the signal of the driver or teacher.

9. Performing varieties of reception in combination with other actions in defense in a situation of a numerical minority in front of the attackers: game exercises 1 x 2, 1 x 3, 2 x 3, etc.

10. Same as in ex. 8, but in a situation of numerical equality of defenders and attackers in the conditions of game confrontation: 1 x 1, 2x2, 3x 3, etc.

11. Variable performance of varieties of defensive stances in combination with methods of countering and mastering the ball (as the defense technique is mastered) in preparatory and educational games.

Zone defense according to the 2-3 system (diagram 1) provides for the placement of two players almost at the free throw line, one in the center and one from the flank.

This system provides the location of the players for the successful rebounding of the ball, dressed from the shield and for organizing a quick break and counterattack. When choosing this protection, you need to think about the following aspects:

1. at the disposal of the coach there must be players capable of establishing a reliable defense, they must be fast and trained in tough defensive actions;

2. the player should not miss the defense, the player against the player - is the basis of the game in defense;

3. if the players of his team are weak in the player versus player defense system, then the coach will prefer the 2-3 system and refuse the first type of defense until he improves the necessary one (diagram 2).

and break through to the center, then he is forced to jump out to intercept the jump shot. As a result of this, 3 opens and passes from behind. Another weak point of the 2-3 system is the center of the floor.

option to play the combination.

The players also have the opportunity to re-throw in the jump.). And yet, with a quick, effective, accurate implementation of the main provisions of this zone defense, the attack can be reliably covered (Scheme 3).

The main disadvantage of this system is the possible jump around the ring from a distance of 3-5 meters. In scheme 2, the shaded areas show the weakness inherent in the system. They can be closed with aggressive hard actions. These sections will be weak in cases where they deviate from the chosen scheme. If the attacker succeeds through those specified areas, then this is a sign of a shattered defense.

Zone defense according to the 2-3 system, like other types of defense, has both strengths and weaknesses. But if it suits the team, if it is properly prepared for its correct implementation.

The 2-3 zone defense, used by some coaches as a variant of the 2-1-2 zone defense system, must be used with care.

It helps the coach solve the problem of preparing teams, providing an advantage in rebounding the ball, making it difficult to pass under the basket, despite the seeming simplicity of the installations.

Standard protection systems 2 -- 3

To create pressure in the zone and to avoid inertia, there are certain rules for each deployment in the zone. The main arrangements are shown in diagram 1 in accordance with figure 2). The defender is located in the main passages to the ring and at the intersection of the free throw line, the forwards are one step away from the black circle, and the center is near the dotted half of the conditional jump line. If the ball approaches the attack zone of the hoop, the following rules apply:

1. one of the defenders puts pressure on the player with the ball, forcing him to give the first pass over the head to his side in accordance with figure 2, scheme 2). Leaving defenders to cut off the free-throw line, and on his side, ensures that the first pass is thrown to the defender's side. Thus, dictating which side the defense should act on;

2. A defender on the dribbling side must exert pressure on the flank at the edge of the back court line in accordance with Diagram 3 Diagram 3). The wingers must keep a close eye on the opposing players if they act through the post players. At the same time, one should not lose sight of the point guards, who have clearly placed shots from the six-meter line.

Figure 2 (schemes 1,2)

Combinations of zone defense systems 2-3 by playing with defenders

The pressing defender steps back and soon the main task is assigned to him. The attacker can cover the back line.

basketball defense zone ball

Figure 3 (scheme 3)

2-3 zone defense combinations with wingers guarding

3. The center player must close the attacker, act within the back line, giving the command to the defender Connect!, who steps back to close the place of the back line player (Figure 4, Diagram 4).

This 2-3 variation provides good coverage of the approaches to the inside zone and moderate pressure on the ball carriers.

If a team is losing and if the opposing team is adjusted to the standard 2-3 system and successfully overcomes it, there may be a change in zone pressure that will securely close all approaches to the backboard and interceptions of the ball.

The basic arrangements in this case are identical to the standard ones, as well as the initial movement of the defender. When thrown over it to the edge, approaches to the ring are blocked in accordance with Figure 4, Scheme 5). The power defender must quickly come back and apply passive pressure to the winger. The free defender retreats to the place of the center to cut off the passage.

The defender on the side of the ball blocks the back line, and the center returns under the basket. When the defender is moving quickly and prudently, the same pressure must be applied to the winger. The main thing in blocking these passages under the shield is the technicality of the power defender and special vigilance on the main approaches to the ring.

Extreme forwards secure their point guards (defenders), try to put a barrier on either side to open up for a shot from long distances, or again give the ball to the defender for a quick pass under the ring.

One of the defenders guards his ring in case one of the opponents breaks off, and at the same time he will be able to continue the attack, or play a new combination in accordance with Figure 4, scheme 4,5,6.

Figure 4 (schemes 4,5,6)

Combinations of 2-3 zone defense systems through a post player and power defender

Combination 2-3.

The important concept is defense, player versus player in a given zone, putting enough pressure on that player and keeping the balance in the zone.

In scheme 6, zones and four points, key points and the intersection of approaches and the free throw line are indicated.

Zone 1. Never leave the assigned zone, i.e. do not change places with partners. Play with the player closest to the hoop.

Choose a good position to pick up the bounced ball.

Zone 2 and 3 - play around approach:

Play in the corners (control the front line);

Play on the sideline.

If your zone is free, move to a key position. Watch for zones 1, 2, 3, constantly trying to put up a barrier.

Zone 4 and 5 - play near sets:

Try to intercept the ball, move to a "key" position;

Play on the sideline.

General rules for the zone.

1. Interrupt an opponent's dribbling by playing against a player without the ball:

A). try to intercept the ball pass;

b). watch out for other attackers of the enemy;

2. When there are two people in the zone, keep the player out of the zone, and the player of the "key" position covers the player closest to him:

a) move to a key position;

b) control zone 1;

c) look for the ball;

d) stop the attacking enemy.

This variant of the zone defense is not universal against all types of attack. It causes problems:

a) dribbling through the zone;

b) congestion of zones in the corners of the site;

c) the formation of a large center in zone 1 to close the fast passage.

It can confuse the attacking order of the opponent, with sufficient preparation and the average level of talent of the players, this is the best system.

In this section, you will find fascinating materials (both text and in the format of training videos), in which you will learn everything about the game of basketball players in defense. Personal defense, 1v1 defense, zone defense in basketball and much more on the pages of our website.

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Team defense actions are implemented using game systems - personal, zone and mixed. They differ in the principles of countermeasures applied: guardianship by each player of a predetermined opponent; guardianship of opponents operating on a controlled defensive area of ​​the site and, finally, the simultaneous use of both principles by different players of the team. Each system includes several options for protective actions. Their main differences are the area on which there is resistance to the enemy and the degree of activity of the defenders. In each game system, there are three main options:

concentrated protection- it involves active actions in the immediate vicinity of the basket; The main effort here is directed against players seeking to receive the ball and operating with it in the free throw area;

dispersed defense- it provides for counteraction on half or 3/4 of the site; the most active actions are carried out against the player with the ball and players seeking to get it in a dangerous position for the basket;

pressing- his task is to simultaneously counteract all attackers, regardless of their positions and possession of the ball; when pressed, the defenders act tough, always being close to the wards.

The effectiveness of the team's actions in defense depends on the psychological mood of the players, the speed of the transition to defensive actions, the partners' understanding of their tasks, the possession of methods for solving them, and the degree of coordination of interactions.

Personal protection system. For this system, the personal responsibility of each player for the actions of a particular opponent is important. The wards are shown taking into account their physical capabilities, technical, tactical and psychological readiness, as well as the functions performed. The defender pays the main attention to the ward, continuously monitoring his actions. The main advantage of the system is the ability to constantly actively influence the attackers. The main disadvantages are the relative ease of individual outplaying, the lack of effectiveness in dealing with barriers, difficult conditions for mutual assistance and with dispersed defense and pressure.

Concentrated personal protection. It is effective against teams that are successful under the shield and weaker attacking from long distances. This defense option examines the neutralization of the actions of the centers, countering individual passes under the shield and combinations ending with a throw from under the shield. Its essence is as follows: having lost the ball, the players return to their shield and, having settled down in the free throw area, wait for the approach of their wards. Active resistance with a safety net is mainly provided to the center, regardless of whether he owns the ball or not, and to players operating with the ball in positions close to the shield. The advantage of this option is the possibility of effective mutual assistance in the fight against very high centers and individually strong attackers, as well as rebounding the ball after an unsuccessful throw. Its relative weakness is in the freedom of action of players far from the shield.

Dispersed personal protection (video) (video). It is used when it is necessary to counteract throws from any distance and organize a combination attack. In this case, active resistance appears to be all over the back zone or on 3/4 of the site.

After completing the attack, the players return to the middle line and, having dismantled their wards, follow them. At the same time, the defenders can guard all wards closely or only the player with the ball and his closest partners.

Personal pressure. It is used to take the ball away from the opponent before throwing it into the basket and to restrain the rapid development of the combination attack immediately after the ball is lost. It is especially effective against teams whose players are not distinguished by psychological stability, speed and maneuverability of movements, and a high level of possession of the ball.

The essence of personal pressure is that, turning to defense, the players immediately begin to patronize the forward or nearest attackers and actively resist them, playing close to the wards, the defenders make it difficult for them to exit, try to intercept or take the ball away. Special attention they give to the players who dribble the ball - they try to stop them or direct the side of the nearest partner in order to create conditions for an attack by his two defenders. Having stopped the leader, the defenders aggressively attack him, trying to knock the ball out, force him to make an easily intercepted pass or an unprepared throw. Partners guarding players without the ball boldly connect to the attack of the attacker with the ball, and, if necessary, switch to the player who has left the guard. Depending on the distance of those defending themselves from their shield, the tasks and nature of their actions change.

The main advantages of personal pressure are difficult conditions for orienting attackers, imposing one's own nature of the game on the opponent, and the presence of favorable opportunities for organizing a quick breakthrough.

Its main disadvantages are the high price of mistakes, which lead to an increase in the effectiveness of enemy attacks, and the difficulty of conditions for mutual assistance.

Zone protection system. Zone defenses are effective against teams that are weak on fast break, build play through tall centers, and seek to finish attacks from close range. Zone defense is also advisable on narrow and shortened grounds, in the presence of a critical number of fouls, with the individual superiority of the attackers.

The essence of the system is that the players are located in the zones assigned to them and counteract any attacker who finds himself in the territory they defend. At the same time, the defenders continuously change positions depending on the movement of the ball, the location of partners and opponent players.

A distinctive feature of the zone system - collective action. They move towards the ball at the same time with the whole five in such a way that there is no gap between the lines of defense inside them. ]Each player not only counteracts the opponent in his own zone, but also moves to others to help his partner, replacing him when he enters the player with the ball and helping in the fight against him. The distribution of players into zones takes into account their physical data, mastery of the techniques that are most important for certain zones, as well as the ability to switch from defensive actions to attackers.

The first line of defense is agile players who react quickly to changes in the situation. They are constantly focused on intercepting the ball and organizing a fast break. In the second and third lines, there are taller, jumping players who successfully counteract close-range shots, effectively fight for possession of the ball at the backboard, and have good skills when passing the ball into a breakthrough.

The initial location of players in the zone has several varieties. The most common are 2-3, 3-2, 2-1-2, 1-3-1. Each type of arrangement has its own heavily and weakly protected areas and is applied taking into account the location of opponents and methods of attack. Zone defense provides for the continuous transformation of one type of arrangement into another. (video) (video) (video)

Arrangement 2-3, (video) A) useful against teams attacking through the post, acting directly at the shield, and attackers, completing attacks from the corners of the site. The weakly defended part of the zone remains the center of the free throw area and the long-range shooting positions at 45° and in the center.

The 3-2 formation is effective against teams that finish their attacks primarily with medium to long range shots. In this case, three defenders take up positions in front of the free-throw line, two tall partners operate under the shield from different sides of it. Vulnerable in this variant are the corners of the site and the center of the free throw area.

The 2-1-2 formation consists of three defensive lines. The player who, in the previous variants, occupies a middle position in the first or second line of defense, is moved to the center of the free throw area. This setup is especially effective when the attackers are attacking, mostly entering the free throw area.

The 1-3-1 formation is useful against teams attacking with two centers occupying different positions - in front of the line and on the side of the free throw area and supported by a player attacking from the arc of the free throw area, as well as offensive players who finish attacks mainly at an angle of 45 degrees . Weakly protected areas are the corners of the site and the front line.

The advantage of zone defense is the effectiveness of countering attacks from close range, relatively good neutralization of tall post players, providing conditions for mastering the ball rebounding from the backboard, good opportunities for organizing a fast break.

Its main disadvantages are the difficulty of dealing with long-range shots and low efficiency against a fast break.

Depending on the territory on which resistance is made, three variants of zone defense are used: concentrated zone, dispersed zone and zone pressure.

concentrated zone. Its peculiarity is the heap arrangement of players near the protected basket. The main goal is to counteract the completion of attacks from close range, to ensure the neutralization of the centers and the possession of the ball after the rebound from the shield. The crowding of players in the free throw area does not allow the opponent to effectively use it for close shots.

dispersed zone. Its essence lies in the fact that, having completed the attack, the players of the front line of defense remain in close proximity to the enemy. Retreating along with attackers moving forward, they counteract their movement, making it difficult to organize an attack. The main tasks of these defenders are the transformation of the first transfer for a fast break; increasing the time the enemy stays in the rear zone; creating a gap between the lines of attack and trying to take the ball away. Positive in this variant is the decrease in the speed of the opponent's attacks, the difficulty of organizing a combination game and the possibility of mastering the ball on the far approaches to one's basket. The main disadvantage is the gap between the lines of defense in the first phases of the organization of the defense, which can lead to the creation of a numerical superiority by the attackers in the middle part of the site.

Zone pressure. (video) This is the most active, difficult to overcome variant of defensive actions. It is especially effective against psychologically unstable or non-versatile players. In zone pressing, the main efforts are directed against the player with the ball.

Its essence is that the players begin to defend themselves without stepping back after losing the ball, but create a zone in the opponent's half, immediately starting an active fight for the ball with him. Depending on the chosen arrangement, the players are located in two, three and even four defensive lines. Stepping back, . the defenders move along the longitudinal and transverse zones in such a way as to always attack the attacker with the ball - two defenders, and the rest of the partners to take up positions that prevent dangerous passes from being made and create opportunities for intercepting the ball.

Three phases are distinguished in zone pressing. The first is the actions of the defenders when the ball is put into play from behind the lines of the court or, at the moment of mastering it at the shield. The main efforts in this phase are aimed at intercepting the ball. These actions are implemented in the immediate vicinity of the opponent's shield, in the area from the end line to the arc of the free throw area. The second phase is the actions of the players when retreating to their shield. Here it is important to take the ball away and force the attackers to make mistakes when passing and moving under pressure from the group counteractions of the defenders. These actions ‘are carried out on the middle section of the court, between the arcs of the free throw areas. The third phase is the actions of players in the immediate vicinity of the protected basket - in the free throw area. Defenders actively resist passes and aimed shots, organize the fight for the ball bouncing off the shield and create good starting positions for counterattacks.