Zone Defense

[localspider]

I enjoy some of the most athletic teams in the Sweet 16 switching to various zone defenses and have always questioned why CM never switches to a 2-3 or 1-3-1 to comfise opponents ? I believe it would have helped to stop the UM run on Tuesday. I recall they only made 2 of 16 3's. CM rarely if ever use a traditional zone. Am I mistaken?

 

[SpiderFan26]

We never switch. That's the basis of many groans on here are the lack of adjustments. Even if only for a few possessions.

 

[PhiDeltaSpider]

That problem is and will continue to be one of the negatives of CM as a coach.

 

[coachfezz]

I like to see double team when ball screen in defense sometimes.

 

[Anachnoid]

There are some really big players on these remaining teams. The court has looked smaller on the TV.

 

[Stonewall D]

That is a great point. However, the Spider Defense was outstanding in the end of season run. So who knows. The match-up zone is one of those things that confounds teams. He didn't adjust, probably because he had a pretty good, veteran team, on the court.

 

[SpiderK]

Since we didn't play a tight zone and make them make shots to close the 18 point deficit, their guards just went to the basket and dumped it in the Zone. We either fouled them, or they made the shot, or they had an easy offensive rebound and stick back. Just like ASU did. Rebounding is our obvious weakness and must be worked on.

 

[Eight Legger]

I had asked in another thread what kind of defense we played int he second half vs. ASU, but I guess either nobody knows or I was mistaken in thinking that it was something very different from what we normally play. It definitely seemed to be a very unique style and I couldn't figure it out.

 

[localspider]

I didn't see a change in the defense. The reason it looked different was UM spread the court to prevent our normal switching man to man/ match up zone. The only exception was when they use the big guy at the low post, set a pick for the opposite wing, and passed to him cutting through the paint. When CM adjusted UM simply went to the dribble drive with their bigger guards and crashed the boards with four for the rebound. A 1-3-1 zone would have stopped both approaches, however would have left the three open but at that point UM was 2 for 19, amd we were getting over run so what would it hurt .