Jim Boeheim's (Updated) Guide to Running the Stifling 2-3 Zone Defense

The legendary Jim Boeheim has become one of the winningest coaches in college basketball history by using his patented version of the 2-3 zone defense to dominate opponents for decades. In this video, you will learn how to run this defense, updated to include all new wrinkles and insights, from the '2-3 master' himself!

Coach Boeheim shares his philosophy for the zone defense and the advantages that motivated him to exclusively run the zone. Additionally, you'll see the zone defense broken down into the slides and strategies required to cover the ball in every spot of the court. This video will also give you ideas for using zone defense in out-of-bounds situations, how to optimize your rebounding in the zone, and the tactics Boeheim utilizes to beat even the trickiest offensive strategies.

Slides, Bumping, and Other Tactics

Learn how to smother your opponent with defensive slides that will lock down every scoring option. Coach Boeheim explains the responsibilities of each defender as the ball is moved from the top, wing, corner, and high post. You will also see how to trap along the baseline and rotate on skip passes. See how to take away 3-point attempts with Boeheim's strategy to extend the zone with guards and forwards by bumping. You will also be shown the situations where the 2-3 zone shifts into a match-up defense to optimize coverages.

Boeheim also presents some of the more challenging tactics that opponents will use against his zone defense. You will learn how to defend dribble penetration to protect the rim without losing track of shooters. Boeheim also demonstrates how you can beat "inside" and "outside" screens that are meant to disrupt your guards from covering the perimeter. How to defend the overload is also discussed, along with how you can discourage this tactic with the use of double teams.

Practicing the Zone

In addition to the full breakdown of the zone defense, Boeheim also explains how he builds his defense with ideas for multiple drills and how his practices are constructed to efficiently teach zone defense. You also learn two strategies for using the zone defense against baseline inbound plays. Finally, Boeheim addresses how you can optimize rebounding in the zone defense so opponents are unable to take advantage of missed shots.

This video gives you the unique opportunity to learn from one of the greatest zone coaches in basketball history!

81 minutes. 2018.