Effective Zone Defense System

with Kim Williams,
Wesleyan University Head Women's Coach;
2019 NCAA Final Four appearance;
3x NCAA Tournament appearances;
helped Wesleyan set a program record for wins (17) in 2019;
2017 IWLCA Berkshire Region Coach of the Year;
2017 NESCAC Coach of the Year;
as a player at C.W. Post, was named WomensLacrosse.com Division II Midfielder of the Year as a senior, IWLCA Division II Defender of the Year as a sophomore, and a IWLCA All-American three times

From the National All Sports Coaches Summit, Coach Kim Williams walks through the thought process when establishing a zone defense. Through the use of slides and video that cover her own approach to running a zone, you will learn to create a zone your zone defense based on your goals and rules of play.

Coach Williams explains that it's important to drill into the "why" of your zone, and how you will accomplish it within your personal goals and rules. You'll learn to consider questions such as, "How will we transition into our zone?" and "How will we break out of our zone in transition?" Coach Williams walks through how she developed her defense and provides insights on how you can create your own.

On and Off Ball Responsibilities

Williams breaks down each of her zone spots and the expectations of the players within those zones with attention to both on and off-ball details. You'll understand how the defense operates in all of her zones, and how her players develop the chemistry required to be successful. She explains why you may treat your two low zones differently as well.

Next, you'll learn to consider the role of the backer and the goalie, and how you may want to implement those positions within your zone defense. Coach Williams will help you gain a better understanding of how and when to make adjustments to your zone defense based on differing offenses, successful attacks, and substitutions.

Creating Drills for Your Zone

In this section, Williams passes along ideas to train the footwork, checking & crashing, and movement to be successful in your zone. She discusses her favorite drills, including her Split Field 3v3 drill and its various modifications. You will also learn why Coach Williams is preferential to "numbers up" drills and why she feels they benefit players when learning her zone defense.

This video provides a comprehensive look at the considerations of creating a zone defense, and effectively uses examples from Coach Williams' own zone defense to emphasize key points. From examining the "why" behind your zone, to the detailed understanding of each position, you'll get a template for success.

54 minutes. 2021.