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1-3-1 Zone
Description

The 1-3-1 zone defense requires more activity to be effective than other zones but can payoff in traps and hopefully turnovers. If you have athletic players, it might be a good zone for you.

The Defense
ANIMATION
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  • The player at the top of the zone needs to force the other team's point guard to the sides and into trap situations. The ideal player for this position is either a quick guard or a forward with good agility and a long wingspan. A bigger player with agility at the top can make it very difficult for the other team's pont guard to reverse out of a trap.
  • The player in the middle of the "3" row in the 1-3-1 configuration should be your biggest post player. He will need to defend everything inside the paint.
  • The two outside players in the middle row of 3 should be your forwards and best rebounders.
  • The player in the last row must be very mobile because she must run the baseline and be quick to recognize and help out in the traps that can be created in the corners. Ideally, this player should have some rebounding ability as well so if you have an long-armed, quick guard or forward, use them here.
Pros
  • Your opponents probably haven't seen the 1-3-1 as much as the other, more popular zones. They may be totally unprepared to attack it from this lack of experience.
  • A good zone defense to use if you have players with good agility and long wingspans.
  • Creates trap situations.
  • Takes away open shots at the wings where your opponent may be more comfortable shooting than the corners.
Cons
  • Vulnerable to quick easy shots on the weak side if the ball is allowed to be reversed.
  • Requires quite a bit of energy from the top and bottom defenders.
  • A bit more complicated to learn and master than the other zones that basically protect the paint area