One attacking player sets up near sideline with the ball.
2 defenders set up in line to defend players.
Other attacking player sets a screen on first defender. This opens the player up for a pass and a shot or clears the way for a lay up.
Screening defnder needs to set a wide base with a purposeful pivot.
Seal the player off throughing picking and rolling, this takes the defense out of the equation.
Screening player to keep an open body.
The ball screen produces almost half of all professional offensive possessions, yet most teams still teach it as a memorised play. The modern approach trains the read - giving players a framework to decide based on what the defence does, not what the coach called.
The closeout is the most repeated defensive action in modern basketball. With fouls per game climbing in the 2025-26 season, coaches must teach defenders to contest the three without surrendering the drive or putting shooters on the line.
The 2-3 zone defence remains one of the most effective defensive systems in basketball when coached and executed properly. This guide covers the fundamentals of running a 2-3 zone, including player roles, rotations, and when to deploy it for maximum impact.
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