The 2-3 Zone That Forces Turnovers
Most coaches think a 2-3 zone is passive — something you use to protect the paint.
But what if your zone defense could attack instead of react?
In this video, we’ll show you how Coach Mike Tartara’s Lockdown 2-3 Zone Defense transforms the traditional zone into a turnover-creating machine, using the same principles that Merrimack College used to become one of the best defensive programs in Division I basketball.
The stats don’t lie:
-Since going to the 2-3 zone 5 years ago, Coach Tartara’s program has consistently set school records for steals.
-Merrimack annually ranks as one of the top turnover-forcing teams in Men’s D1 college basketball.
Coach Tartara’s Cuyahoga Heights teams averaged 250+ steals per season after switching to this system — proof that you can win more games while playing zone defense that pressures opponents instead of sitting back.
Then, watch Merrimack College execute the same rotations at the D1 level — showing how these high school principles produce elite-level results.
Life is about choices.
Here are 8 choices we all have to make.
1. Attitude is a Choice
2. Character is a Choice
3. Work Ethic is a Choice
4. Leadership is a Choice
5. Consistency is a Choice
6. Commitment is a Choice
7. Daily Habits are a Choice
8. Encouragement is a Choice
3 Effective Drills For Passing and Screening
These drills come from The Screening Game With Bob Martin. @rfmhoosiers87
In this video, Georgia HS State Championship Coach Bob Martin takes you through 3 drills from his Screening Game Offense that have helped make his King’s Christian teams some of the best offensive teams in the country.
Among their offensive feats:
-Top 3 in Georgia in 3 Point % (39%)
-Offensive rebounded 37% of their misses
-1.5:1 Assist to Turnover ratio
Coach Martin explains how players are assigned roles as a screener, cutter, or screener/cutter.
By doing so, players have clarity on what their jobs are within the offense. That allows players to work together as a cohesive unit, with all 5 players involved in the offense.
By focusing on passing and screening, Coach Martin’s offense generates extensive ball reversals and pain touches, resulting in much higher points per possession.
Stats show that 1 ball reversal raises points per possession from .706 to .935. If you add in a paint touch along with the ball reversal, points per possession skyrocket to 1.189.
The drills in this video will help you create an offense that passes and screens efficiently and effectively. That will lead to better scoring opportunities, more points, and more wins!
GIVING UP ADVANTAGE
Players being able to recognize when they have created an advantage is critical to being able to play within a system.
There is a time and place for pull back dribbles, but I see more and more players using them WHEN THEY’VE ALREADY CREATED THE ADVANTAGE!!
Playing more 2v2 and 3x3 instead of 1v1 allows players to work on their individual skill while having to read and create for others
13 Plays To Destroy A 2-3 Zone From Top NCAA Men's Programs
The clips in this video were compiled by Ashland University Men’s Basketball Graduate Assistant Luke Metzger.
These plays come from some of the best men’s college basketball programs in the country.
They have been successful at the Division 1 level and will work for your team at the level you coach.
Each play has a variety of scoring options, making your team difficult to defend. After showing you the primary scoring option, we will also show you secondary options for each play.
Additionally, these plays use a variety of different actions that produce high percentage shots at the rim, as well as open 3’s. This means you can choose what best aligns with your philosophy and personnel.