One-Two-Two Zone
The 1-2-2 Zone is very strong defense to use against an outside shooting team. In the 1-2-2 zone is an excellent defense to fast break since defenders are already aligned in their fast break positions. It is also a defense to consider late in the game to protect a hard earned lead when the opponent must shoot three point shots in a disperation attempt to catch up.
Basic 1-2-2 Zone Shifts
In the 1-2-2 Zone the point is position at the top of the circle. Wings assume positions at the elbows and the baseline players are postioned just above the "blocks." Defenders must keep the arms and hands extended and shift while the ball is in the air on all passes.
Ball in Left Corner
X5 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 Left Wing
Defender X2 is on ball, X1 drops to ballside elbow, X3 drops into the middle, X5 is half way to the corner and X4 is in front of the basket.
Home - Ball in the Middle
Defender X1 is on ball, X2 and X3 are at the elbows, and X4 & X5 are above the blocks.
Ball on Right 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
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.
Ball In the Middle
If the ball should be passed into the middle, all of the defenders collapse on ball.
Shifts by Position
In the 1-2-2 Zone, the two baseline players work in unison as if there is a line tied to them.
Ball in Corner
X5 on ball and X4 covers low post area
Ball in Corner
X4 on ball and X5 covers low post area
Ball on Wing
X5 half way out and X4 in front of basket
Ball Out Front
X4 and X5 assume home positions above the blocks
Ball on Wing
X4 half way out and X5 in front of basket
1-2-2 Wing Shifts
In the 1-2-2 Zone the wings work opposite. They are also responsible for weakside rebounding when the ball is in the corner.
Ball in Corner
X2 denies return pass and X3 assumes a weakside rebounding positionWing Shifts
Ball in Corner
X3 denies return pass and X2 assumes a weakside rebounding position
Ball on Wing
X2 on ball and X3 moves to middle position
Ball Out Front
X2 or X3 assume positions at the "elbows"
Ball on Wing
X3 on ball and X2 moves to middle position
1-2-2 Point Shifts
The point is responsible for guarding the ball when it is out front and defending the high post area when the ball is on the wings or in the corner. A tall athletic player can assume the point position very effectively with the point guard moving to the wing.
Ball in Corner
X1 protects the high post areaPoint Shifts
Ball in Corner
X1 protects the high post area
Ball on Wing
X1 protects the high post area
Ball Out Front
X1 assumes an on ball position
Ball on Wing
X1 protects the high post area
1-2-2 Adjustments & Variations
Wing Corner Shift Options
When the ball is passed to the corner, the wing defender has the option of staying out or dropping down to help the low post defender. Although, staying out is a provides for a much more aggressive zone, the option to stay or drop is a coach's decision.
Option 1: When the ball is passed into the corner, the wing defender assumes a pass denial position. This will lead to an interception on any return pass or force a long skip pass which X1 has the opportunity to intercept.
Option 2: On the pass to the corner, the wing defender drops and helps out on the post. This option can be used against a dominate offensive post.
Corner Trap Option
When the ball is passed into the corner, the 1-2-2 zone can readily trap the ball handler.If the opponent is not prepared, this corner trap can be divestating.
On the pass to the corner, the wing defender follows the pass and traps the ball handler with X4.
X1 steps out and cuts off the return pass to the wing, while X2 steps up and defends the high post area anticipating the pass out of the trap.
Changing to a 2-1-2 on the First Pass Option
Since most zone offenses deploy a two guard front against a 1-2-2 zone, the 1-2-2 can easily switch to a 2-1-2 zone on the first pass matching the offensive alignment. Switching to a 2-1-2 also has the benefits of moving an athletic, active defender into the middle of the zone, and keeping a rebounder on the weakside at all times.
When switching from a 1-2-2 zone to a 2-1-2 zone, The point position is assumed by X3 the middle defender of the zone.
On the pass to the wing, X3 drops into the middle of the zone, assuming a position between the ball and the basket. Wing X1 guards the ball handler, x2 shifts over while X4 moves out.
If the ball is passed back out front, the defenders stay in a 2-1-2 zone.
Click to view graphically illustrated 2-1-2 zone details.
Extending the 1-2-2 Zone
The 1-2-2 Zone can be readily extended into half or full court press. Since defenders are already aligned in trapping position, it does not take a lot of adjustment or practice.
"X" Half Court Press
1-2-2 Full Court Press
Click on desired press to view graphically illustrated details.
