Zone Defense

[throwback]

After watching NU look awful in the 2-3/2-2-1 zone defense in the first two games at Charleston, I was thinking we might not see it again this year. But I think NU has made strides playing zone the past couple of games, which I like seeing - I've always thought having the ability to switch to a zone from time to time for a few possessions in a game can be a momentum changer, while also protecting guys in foul trouble - perhaps even more so with the changes in rule emphasis on defense.

 

I always liked when Nee's teams would take advantage of their length and use some 1-3-1 half court trap in games. Watching Okla St use some of that 1-3-1 against Purdue Thursday just made me wonder - now that we seem to be doing a much better job with the zone, anyone think NU may start playing more zone and/or add in some additional packages, just to take advantage of our length?

 

I don't know much about Miles' history with playing some zone defense, although listening to him talk, it's obvious that he doesn't like doing it much and prefers man defense. Anyone want to take a guess based on his history as a coach whether he'd expand NU's zone packages? 

 

Although it seems like a simple concept, zone defense certainly isn't something you can just throw out there on a whim during a game and be good at - it takes practice time to understand roles/angles/concepts. And for an NU team that struggles on the defensive glass already, playing more zone isn't going to cure that problem, so I guess I'd be surprised if Miles was willing to expand the zone packages. But the zone defense NU used against both Georgia and NIU really shut down their offenses late in the games. Perhaps it worked because UGA and NIU are really poor 3-point shooting teams? Any thoughts?

[Huskerpapa]

I think Coach Miles is smart enough to adjust as necessary.  Philosophically he wants to play man defense.  However, with the rule changes, I think more coaches will have to explore multiple defenses.  They are even doing it in the NBA.  I am glad we are seeing the flexibility.  I also liked the occasional 1-3-1 that Nee through at teams.  Can you imagine Petteway or Webster at the top?

 

It is also important to note that man-to-man can be played in a number of ways.  It will also be interesting to see if/when we expand our defense.  We seems to have the guards and wings that would be able to press.