Read the spacing
The numbers in a zone tell you how five defenders are arranged.
2–3 zone
Two defenders start higher and three start closer to the baseline. The arrangement puts more defenders near the basket, while leaving space that the offense can use on the perimeter.
These are starting positions. Defenders move as the ball moves.
Watch the space between players
A pass can make several defenders move at once. Watch the receiver, the nearest defender and the next open teammate. That is often more revealing than following only the ball.
A zone asks players to protect areas together. A player-to-player defense starts from individual matchups. Real possessions still involve help, switches and recovery.
Next lesson
Your first practice