defense
Three front defenders and two defenders nearer the basket form a 3-2 zone. In the documented example, the middle front defender stays closer to the high post—the area around the free-throw line—than the front defender in an extended 1-2-2 zone.
One 3-2 example: X5 guards the right corner while X4 moves to protect the basket. Other teams may assign the corner differently. This starts closer to the basket than an extended 1-2-2.
1–5 are players on offense. X1–X5 are defenders. Each number stays with the same player in every step; it does not lock that player into a position.
Diagram 1 of 5
Three high, two near the basket
1 passes to 2. X1 starts near the free-throw line. X2 moves to guard 2 on the wing.
Diagram key
Use Previous and Next beside the court, or choose a numbered step. Arrows on the court show where players or the ball move. CoachAssist drew this example; it does not show every way to run the scheme.
This is a compact half-court 3-2, not an extended 1-2-2. Our numbered examples select particular corner and drive responses; other sourced options below are written-only.
X1 is the rover near the free-throw line; X2 and X3 cover wings; X4 and X5 work lower. The rover protects the high post rather than automatically pressuring a distant top shooter. On a wing catch, the near wing takes the ball and the far wing moves inside.
Source-backed summary; versions may differ.
Start with the ball at the top and ask each defender to name a responsibility, not just a spot. Walk a wing catch, corner catch, return pass and reversal. Stop wherever two defenders claim the ball or nobody can identify the nearest inside attacker. Repeat that single change before running the whole sequence. On the final shot, require a spoken rebounding assignment; occupying the correct zone is not the same as finding a player to block out.
CoachAssist suggestion—not the source’s exact practice.
When: A lower defender takes the corner.
Do this: The opposite lower defender protects the basket.
Then: The wing can sag, deny the return, or join a called trap; choose one.
Source-backed summary; versions may differ.
When: The far wing reaches the opposite catch first.
Do this: Keep that defender on the ball until the lower defender arrives.
Then: Then restore the wing’s inside responsibility.
Source-backed summary; versions may differ.
Problem: The offense scores from space your chosen alignment leaves.
Try this correction: Mark where those shots originate. Test an agreed higher starting position in a separate practice segment, without quietly changing X1’s job during every possession.
Check: Compare the new high-post openings as well as outside shots.
CoachAssist suggestion—not the source’s exact practice.
Problem: The ball is contained but a nearby receiver gets an uncontested catch.
Try this correction: Replay the first committed help step. Ask the second defender to identify a different threat before restarting.
Check: Finish with the pass and rebound; do not grade only the first stop.
CoachAssist suggestion—not the source’s exact practice.
Changes: setup, coverage.
When to use it: These alternatives are written-only; the base diagram selects no corner trap.
Written variant · this option does not have its own walkthrough here.
Source-backed summary; versions may differ.
Choose the level that matches what your players can do now. These steps work for boys and girls. Start simpler if players need more practice.
Set it up: Use two guided attackers and one defender near a suitable basket; this is a seeing-and-moving task, not a full zone.
Add more when: Players locate both threats before moving.
CoachAssist suggestion—not the source’s exact practice.
CoachAssist wrote these teaching steps. They are not an exact copy of any coach’s practice plan.
We have not confirmed a specific coach or team using this version. Teams may use the same name for different plays.
The level selector changes the teaching steps above. It does not change these drills. Check the number of players, equipment and difficulty before using a drill.
Builds a skill used in this scheme: Trains finding and claiming a rebounder from zone position. It supplies no 3-2 wing, high-post or corner rotation rules.
Two defenders communicate which of five numbered attackers to account for on a shot.
7–12 players · 6–10 minutes · basketballs
Two defenders communicate which of five numbered attackers to account for on a shot.
Seven players: five numbered perimeter attackers and two lane defenders, plus a coach shooter. Begin with a held or gently tossed ball and controlled, non-contact positioning before live rebounds. Spare balls and waiting players stay outside the active routes.
Optional: within a short coach-chosen timed interval, count sound decisions, controlled catches or completed defensive possessions. Stop at the planned time or sooner; no required makes, winning streak or exercise penalty. Rotate roles and allow rest regardless of the score.
The sources support the system guide. CoachAssist created the practice steps and checks; they are suggestions, not tested programs or a coach’s full playbook. The linked drills practice parts of the system.
Coaches run this in different ways. The sources below describe the versions covered here. These sources do not cover every possible version.
Basketball For Coaches · Basketball For Coaches · publication date not listed
Public defensive guide reviewed for wing penetration, low help and corner recovery. Organization credited because no individual byline was established; no linked paid material reviewed.
