3-2 (1-2-2) Zone Rotations

3-2 (1-2-2) zones are commonly used to defend teams with good outside shooting and/or weaker post players. You can also use it as a trapping defense.


Youth Coaches: Even though, you CAN win more games, AVOID playing any type of zone defense, because it can teach bad habits and hinder the long-term development of your players. Our advice would be to focus on Man to Man Defense. If you would like to read a detailed explanation of why we advise youth coaches to avoid zone defenses, click here.


Basic Rotations and Positions of the 3-2 (1-2-2) zone

Starting Positions

Ball on wing: Defender 3 comes out to guard the ball. Defender 1 drops down to the high post area.

Ball in corner: Defender 5 goes out to guard the ball. Defender 4 slides over to defend the low post. Defender 2 drops down to either defend the opposite low block or the wing if a skip pass is thrown. Defender 1 defends the high post area. Defender 3 can either sink in to stop penetration or apply pressure by denying the reversal pass.

Trapping wing: Defender 1 and defender 3 form the trap. Defender 2 slides over to slightly above the free throw line. He is anticipating a pass back to the top of the key or a skip pass to the opposite wing. Defender 5 takes a step out to try to anticipate a pass to the corner. He shouldn't sneak out too far if there is a player in the high or low post area.

Trapping the corner: Defender 3 & defender 5 form the trap. Defender 4 slides over to defend low post. Defender 1 anticipates a pass into the high post or wing. Defender 2 plays 'center field.' He covers the top of the key until defender 1 recovers. He covers the skip pass to the opposite wing. He covers anybody cutting to the middle of the lane.