Defense in basketball: how to defend and zone defense

01
Defence is a shared job.
The on-ball defender contains the attack; teammates stay ready to help and recover. A close-out ends with control rather than a reckless leap. Communication lets a teammate know when help is arriving or a screen is coming.
02
Matchups and zones.
Man-to-man starts with individual assignments; a zone starts with responsibility for areas. Neither removes the need to see the ball and nearby threats. Watch the team’s movement over several passes before labelling a defence from a single frame.
03
Practise the second movement.
Adapted practice idea: two attackers pass between the wings while two defenders alternate closing out and moving into help. Begin without live scoring, then add it when everyone understands the rotation. End each repetition with possession, not merely a missed shot.

Defensein basketball