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Playing great Zone Defense is not just about our defensive rotation and positioning. We need to make sure we set up a set of rules and non-negotiables for our players that they follow before they even get set in the zone. 

Lots of times when our zone gets broken, players will need to improvise, so therefore every player needs to follow basic defensive fundamentals that will help us to still get a stop, even when our zone gets beat. 

Today, we are going to be over basic defensive rules and zone non-negotiables with Division 1 Head Coach Donnie Jones. Coach Jones is currently the Head Coach at Stetson University and previously coached with Coach Billy Donovan at the University of Florida, where they won two national championships. 

Defensive Non-negotiables 

First, we want to go over our basic defensive non-negotiables. One of the first ones is not to allow any easy 3s and emphasize the importance of a hard close-out, especially when we are in the Zone. We deny the middle and absolutely put every effort for the ball handler not to be able to see any gaps open in the paint. 

Watch Coach Donnie Jones break down his defensive non-negotiables: 

Defensive Non-negotiables

It is extremely important we emphasize all these points in practice, and use every possible drill to enforce them, so by the time we get into actual game, it is second nature for our players.

Fast Break Defensive Rules

Just like in any fast break defense, stopping the ball should be number one priority, number two is getting the rim. Now in the zone especially, once we stop the ball, we have to communicate, whoever gets the ball needs to be loud and others need to get in position instead of matching up or trying to help to stop the ball. 

We have to make sure we are able to be aggressive without fouling and eliminating early post-up opportunities. 

Watch Coach Jones break down his Fast Break Rules for Zone Defense: 

Fast Break Defensive Rules

Factors

What factors do we emphasize before we learn defense? (or any zone defense) Coach Jones breaks down key points of what makes a great defensive team that need to be constantly reminded to players. 

Factors

Great teaching points by two-time NCAA champion Coach Donnie Jones.

When we understand how to build toughness and togetherness and how to keep developing them in every practice and every drill, we are going to improve.

Thank you Coach Jones and the NJBCA for these great clips taken from the Zone Defensive Strategies clinic.

Always keep improving,

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