Also due to strength at this level, it is harder to make the long skip passes necessary to make a zone defence move and then lead to more open shots or penetration, so play is more stagnant and offenses are limited in scoring options. In the younger age groups, it is common for players to not yet possess the strength and coordination to execute a shot attempt whilst maintaining correct shot mechanics (shooting technique). Zones limit an offensive teams’ ability to penetrate the key, forcing the offense to take shots from a greater distance.
While we talk of the benefits of man-to-man for athletes defensively, we haven’t touched on the issues zones cause for the development of athletes offensively.
Inhibits opportunity to encounter defensive situations such as screens and rotations.Disables players from playing defence on different positions and on different spots on the floor.Requires less defensive movement and footwork.Leads to less defensive decision making.Promotes standing and watching away from the ball.Reduces the need for proper defensive fundamentals.Issues caused by Zone on junior defensive development: Their legs get stronger, faster, more coordinated, and more athletic. This is one of the best things you can do. This changing from run, to shuffle, to cross over, is incredible for athletic development. They rarely have to move quickly, get down in low stance, or transition from shuffle to cross over defensive movements. Just look at their feet as they play in the back of the zone. Let’s take your centers and/or forwards that you have towards the back of the zone as an example.
As a result, defensive skills such as ‘closing out’ and ‘containment’ are not taught and/or adopted with any significant value therefore limiting the players development. Players can often play out of stance or upright, lose court vision and not develop correct defensive techniques. Adopting to play a zone in the younger age groups often develops complacency on the defensive end.