Three Two Zone
The 3-2 zone defense is a variation of the 1-2-2 zone defense.In dropping the point defender back to the free throw line, it allows the wing defenders to play wider and exert greater pressure on the passing lane from the point to the wing. This stong wing pass denial can totally disrupt or stymie most zone offenses since they normally begin with entry pass to the wing. In dropping the point defender back to the free throw line, it also protects against passes into the high post area.
The 3-2 zone does allow the point guard open shoots. However, most point guards are not outside threats. In the case where a point guard is an excellent outside shooter, the 3-2 can simply be adjusted to a 1-2-2 zone or changed to a 1-3-1 zone.
With the 3-2 zone, the point and an active, taller wing can be interchanged. With a taller defender at the point, it makes a pass into the high post area more difficult. This player interchange also allows the weakside baseline defender to stay on the weakside for rebounding purposes, since the taller point rotations are basically the same as the middle defender of a 2-1-2 zone.
Like the 1-2-2 Zone, the 3-2 zone is an excellent defense to fast break from since the defenders are already aligned in their fast break lanes.
Basic 3-2 Zone Shifts
Home - Ball in the Middle
Point defender X1 drops back to free throw line, wing defenders, X2 and X3 play wide and deny wing passing lanes, baseline defenders, X4 and X5 play above the block.
Ball on Left Wing
Wing defender X2 is on ball, X1 moves to ballside elbow, X3 drops into the middle, X5 is half way to the corner and X4 is in front of the basket.
Ball in Left Corner
Baseline defender X5 is on ball, X4 covers low post area, X3 drops to weakside baseline, X2 cuts off pass out of corner and X1 defends the high post area.
Ball on Right Wing
Wing defender X3 is on ball, X1 drops to ballside elbow, X2 drops into the middle, X4 is half way to the corner and X5 assumes a position in front of the basket.
Ball in Right Corner
Baseline defender X4 is on ball, X5 covers low post area, X2 drops to weakside baseline, X3 cuts off pass out of corner and X1 defends the high post area.
3-2 Zone Point Wing Interchange
This point/wing interchange is viable and potent option when the wing is tall and very athletic.
Home - Ball in the Middle
Point defender X3 drops back to free throw line, wing defenders, X1 and X2 play wide and deny wing passing lanes, baseline defenders, X4 and X5 play above the block.
Ball on Left Wing
Wing defender X2 is on ball, X3 moves to drops to a postion between ball and basket, weakside wing X1 drops into the middle, X5 is half way to the corner and X4 remains on weakside.
Ball in Left Corner
Baseline defender X5 is on ball, point X3 covers low post area, X4 remains on weakside baseline, X2 cuts off pass out of corner and weakside wing X1 defends middle.
Ball on Right Wing
Wing defender X1 is on ball, point X3 maintains a postion between ball and basket, weakside wing X2 drops into the middle, X4 is half way to the corner and X5 remains on weakside baseline.
Ball in Right Corner
Baseline defender X4 is on ball, point X3 covers low post area, X5 remains on weakside baseline, X1 cuts off pass out of corner and weakside wing X2 defends middle.
