Andreas Rauh
Andreas Rauh
Published 12 March 2024

Basic 2-3 Zone Defense Rotations

The 2-3 zone is the most popular and well-known zone defense. It can be used as a way to change pace, slow down a more aggressive team, or equal the playing field. It can also be used as a way to showcase your athleticism and length, force turnovers, and make teams uncomfortable.

Player Responsibilities
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These are the basic zones of responsibility of each player

3 Out / 2 Low Formation
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Basic initial formation

Ball Rotation to the Wing
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O1 passes to 2.

  • x1 closes out on 2 and keeps the ball in front
  • x2 takes the elbow and doesn't allow any passes to the middle
  • x3 marks 5
  • x4 rotates to get in between 4 and the ball
  • x5 takes the middle of the zone
Ball on the Wing Formation
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Ball Rotation to the Corner
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O2 passes to O5 (after O5 and O4 have cut)

Ball in the Corner Formation
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Ball Rotation to the Other Wing
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All defenders must SPRINT to their next spots on any skip passes.

  • x4 guards O3 and then "bumps" to the corner when x2 arrives
  • x2 takes the ball
  • x1 sprints to take the high post
  • x5 covers the ball side block
  • x3 covers the weakside and diagonal
Offense Rotation to the Strong Side
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O4 cuts to the high post.

O5 cuts to the corner.

  • x2 stays on the ball
  • x4 covers the corner area
  • x5 stays between O5 and the ball
  • x1 covers the elbow
  • x3 covers the backside of the zone
Formation with Forward at the Elbow
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