Players pair off one defensive one attacker. The attacker start with the ball on the baseline, with the defender standing in front in a defensive guard.
Attacker takes 2 to 3 explosive dribbles forward around the defender, then makes a jump stop. (No traveling or stepping aloud) Pivots 180 degrees either forward or backwards. As he pivots, he should swing the ball into a triple threat position while leading with his elbow (this is referred to as a ball swing). This will keep the defensive players from smothering the offensive player.
Attacker then passes to the defender, follows the pass and then takes up a defensive guard in front becoming the defender. Players switch rolls and repeat.
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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