These notes and diagrams on playing a 1-3-1 zone defense were provided by Cecil Kegans.
The notes were from Coach Kegans files of watching when John Beilein played a 1-3-1 defense.
I know that there are different versions of a 1-3-1 zone and that Coach Beilein played various styles as he adjusted to fit his personnel. I also know that Coach Beilein finished his college coaching career with teams that played outstanding man to man defense.
I am presenting these notes so that if you feel these rules would help your team, then experiment in practice to see if you are right.
Maybe there is only an idea or two that you can use. Maybe this post stimulates your thinking or discussion among your staff about your defense.
I am merely presenting this idea for your use as you do or do not see fit. I am not suggesting that you take this and incorporate as is.
T (Thief/Top) – Is always halfway direct line of the person with the ball and the guard on the opposite side . He is always facing the ball never flat
C (Clogger/Center) – Is always between the ball and the rim. Always has it’s hands wide to take away high post pass
P (Pushers/Wing) – Always in direct line of the ball and the
corner pass strong or weakside
W (Warrior/Bottom) – Is always matched up with the ball. If a post is down there will play on outside to run the corner pass
As you notice here when the ball is one side of the floor the opposite wing must drop to take weak side skip becuase the warrior has to follow the ball.
On a corner pass:
T- Must take high post
C- Must take the block( Always between ball and basket)
P- Turn around and perform same action
W- Takes the corner pass. The Warrior must closeout on the basline side as he never ants to give up baseline
On a skip pass
T- Will run to a direct line halfway between the ball and the guard on other sIde. Must be wide and facing the ball
C- Will run directly between the ball and the basket and hand wide to eflect high post pass
P- Baliside pusher will run in direct line of ball and corner pass. Weakside take away weakside corner pass
On penetration
T- Will move towards the ball attempting to tip away.
C- Staying between ball and rim
P- Job is to push up and make them retreat out of scoring area
W- Aiways matched up with ball
Once the dribbler has retreated, the defense returns to regular rules.
Dribbling in the Funnel
T Must stunt and play with ballhandler’s ball
P Must stunt and play with ball
C Stay between ball and basket
W Matched up with ball
