How to Run a Basketball Defense: Zone 1-3-1

The 1-3-1 is a good zone defense against teams with a penetrating center.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Athletic Socks
• Basketball Uniforms
• Basketball Hoops
• Basketball Shoes
• Basketballs
• Basketballs

1. Set the point guard at point.

2. Place the center beneath the basket.

3. Position each forward on the far wings, just inside the three-point line and just downcourt of the free-throw line.

4. Put the off guard directly in the center of the paint and even with the forwards.

5. Engage any ball handler entering the zone.

6. Stay between the ball and the basket.

7. Shift the defenders slightly to the left or right, following the movement of the ball on the court.

Tips & Warnings

• The 1-3-1 zone leaves the baselines (and the corners, in particular) exposed.
• A zone defense, although effective, is often boring. It forces the offense to take outside shots, which for young teams can be difficult.

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on 11/22/2005 Point player will overplay their point guard to his strong side forcing them to start their play from the weak side. It will also give your bottom player to anticipate passes in the baseline. You will notice how your opponent reacts to your defensive pressure.

on 11/22/2005 When the offense passes the ball to a wing, the weak side wing on defense needs to "sag" down into the lane to prevent the pass going to a weak side baseline player. If that pass happens, they will get an easy layup.

on 4/17/2007 By placing a quicker player under the basket, the corners can be covered. The center should be in the middle at the foul line. Trapping in the corners discourages corner play.

on 11/22/2005 You need to position the off guard under the basket at the "anchor" position and put the center at around the foul line.