Basketball Defense - 1-3-1 Zone Defense

By Dr. James Gels, from the Coach’s Clipboard Basketball Playbook, @ http://www.coachesclipboard.net

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The 1-3-1 zone defense has the advantage of being able to apply pressure on the outside arc and high post, and allows for some trapping. The major weakness is when the offense attacks from the corners and into the low post. Coaches may differ on who covers what, but you have to decide which is best for your team and make sure your players all understand how you want them to shift and defend. Rebounding can also be a problem with only one low defender. See Zone Rebounding.

Study the diagrams below to understand the how the zone shifts and players move. Below are two ways of playing the zone. The first is more conservative with less gambling and trapping. The second is a more aggressive, trapping defense which requires quick athletic players.

The top three defenders X1, X2 and X3 (diagram A) should be quick, athletic. X4 also needs to cover a lot of territory. Your actual player numbers (assignments) could be different depending on your personnel. X5 is your strong post defender. The basic rules are:

X5 plays the offensive post player man-to-man, denying him the ball (fronting most of the time)
The wing defenders X2 and X3 must drop to the weak-side block when the ball is on the opposite wing.
X4 stays even or below the block and when the ball moves to a wing, moves out about halfway to the corner.

Conventional, more conservative 1-3-1 zone defense

Diagram A shows the basic setup... X1 on the top, X2 and X3 on the wings (near the arc, free-throw line extended), X5 on the post player, and X4 down low. The arrows show how the defenders generally move in the zone. X2 and X3 are moving vertically up and down as the ball moves, while X1 and X4 move laterally, sideways with ball movement. X5 just follows his man, denying the pass. These are general guidelines, and players must always remember that the ball is the most important thing, and they must talk and communicate. Most offenses will set up with a two guard offense, a 2-1-2 set (diagram B).

Diagram B. As the ball crosses half-court, X1 tries to direct the ball to one side, to the awaiting wing player X2 who then takes the ball. X1 drops toward the high post. X4 moves sideways, outside the paint. The opposite wing X3 drops to the weak-side block to give inside help. X5 is denying.

If the ball is passed to the corner (diagram C), X4 closes-out on the ball and X2 can either drop inside a little, or trap the corner with X4. X5 goes with his man O5 and denies the pass inside. X1 drops to the ball-side elbow, and the zone now looks like diagram D.

1-3-1 zone defense

In diagram D, the ball is passed back out to the wing. X1 will initally cover the ball until X2 can get there, and then X1 will slide over more toward the top. X4 drops back toward (but not in) the paint. X5 denies the post player.

On ball-reversal (diagram E), X1 follows the ball and contains until X3 can get there. (X1 might anticipate and intercept this pass, and get a lay-up on the other end). X3 sprints out and closes-out on the ball on the wing. The opposite wing X2 drops down to the weak-side block to give inside help. X4 sprints across ball-side, again just a little outside the paint. X5 denies the post. The zone now looks like diagram F.

As the ball is passed to the corner (diagram F), X4 closes-out on the ball. X3 can either trap or drop inside. X1 drops to the ball-side elbow. X5 denies the post player. X2 gives help down low, but has weak-side responsibility. Now the zone looks like diagram H.

Trapping, more aggressive 1-3-1 zone defense

This trapping zone defense is more aggressive and puts pressure on the wings, as we look to trap the wings and the corners... (more)

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Helpful DVDs

The Michigan 1-3-1 Zone Defense & Drills
with Dennis Felton, Former University of Georgia Head Coach
This revolutionary 1-3-1 zone defense is on the leading edge of basketball strategy today. Dennis Felton, who had the opportunity to learn the John Beilien Michigan 1-3-1 from the ground up, unveils this innovative defense. Now's your chance to learn about the defense, drills and the inner workings of this secret defense. No one outside the John Belien coaching tree knows these 1-3-1 techniques.

The 1-3-1 zone defense has been very successful for teams seeking to disrupt their opponents' offensive schemes. Now you can take your 1-3-1 to the next level! The Michigan 1-3-1 is designed to restrict passing and force the offense to put the ball on the floor. It creates confusion and anxiety in your opponent, creating turnovers and steals that can lead to game-changing scores for your team... (more info)

Price: $39.99

Buy Now from the Coach's Clipboard DVD Store!

Half-Court 1-3-1 Trap
with Seth Greenberg, Virginia Tech University Head Coach, former University of South Florida Head Coach
Coach Greenberg gives a detailed account of the half-court 1-3-1 trap, a great counter to other zone defenses played today. Areas covered include the responsibilities for each position, trap coverage and rotations, how to defend skip passes and dribble penetration, as well as rebounding assignments. Coach Greenberg also discusses how to use this defense to contain a dominant player. This is an excellent defense to disrupt opponents, change the pace of the game, and to create scoring opportunities... (more info)

Price: $39.99

Buy Now from the Coach's Clipboard DVD-Video Store!

Ed DeChellis: 1-3-1 Extended Half Court Zone
with Ed DeChellis, Penn State University Head Coach
The biggest reason for playing the 1-3-1 zone defense is to neutralize your opponent's best post player. It also gives you the ability to move different players around in the defense. The point of the 1-3-1 zone must be a player who is athletic and can finish on the other end. DeChellis breaks down the zone by putting the ball in different areas of the floor. Drills are included to fine-tune this defense. DeChellis calls the 1-3-1 zone "a high risk, high reward attack" that can change tempo quickly and make athletic opponents lethargic in a hurry... (more info)

Price: $39.99