zone defense

noun

|Updated on: 19 Jun 2018

Definition of zone defense

: a system of defense (as in basketball or football) in which each player guards an assigned area rather than a specified opponent

See zone defense defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of zone defense from the Web

Mercer County led 30-25 at halftime and pulled away in the third quarter after switching to a 3-2 zone defense.

— jason frakes, The Courier-Journal, "U of L signee Seygan Robins leads Mercer County to win in Girls Sweet 16 opener," 7 Mar. 2018
Allen's leadership and ability to blend with four freshmen in the lineup last season, particularly after a switch to a zone defense in February, were crucial for the Blue Devils.

— andrew seligman, chicagotribune.com, "Grayson Allen addresses concerns head-on: 'I think the NBA, they like competitive guys'," 18 May 2018
Bagley is so bad on defense that Coach K had to switch to a zone defense at several points throughout the season.

— peter dawson, star-telegram, "NBA Mock Draft 3.0: Mavs take Duke star with No. 5 pick | Fort Worth Star-Telegram," 15 May 2018
Astrid Hacker/Courier Journal Kareem Richardson's Missouri-Kansas City team was preparing to face an opponent that used a peculiar zone defense, and the former Louisville and Xavier assistant coach needed some pointers.

— jeff greer, The Courier-Journal, "'His guys will never lack in confidence': Chris Mack brings physical, brash style to Louisville," 29 Mar. 2018
The Panthers, back in the bracket for the first time since R.J. Hunter’s 2015 first-round game-winner against Baylor caused his coach and father Ron Hunter to fall out of his chair, play a zone defense that will demand Cincy find its range early on.

— paul daugherty, Cincinnati.com, "Doc: In NCAA Basketball Tournament, landmines abound for Xavier; UC has the easier path," 12 Mar. 2018
Malone and the Fords’ coaching staff were aware that the Quakers play a tough zone defense.

— aaron carter, Philly.com, "TJ Malone leads Haverford School boys' lacrosse past Penn Charter," 13 Apr. 2018
The governing bodies also suggested lowering rims, playing with smaller balls and not playing zone defense at younger ages.

— tom schad, USA TODAY, "Stephen Curry supports NBA, USA Basketball recommendation to outlaw threes before age 11," 3 Apr. 2018
In the minutes after his team's victory over Clemson on Friday, Self was asked about playing a zone defense in his team's upcoming Elite Eight game Sunday.

— jesse newell, kansascity, "This Bill Self comment about threes shows his evolution as a coach and KU's as a team | The Kansas City Star," 24 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'zone defense.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.