Word
zone defense
Definition
compound. a defensive strategy in team sports where each player guards a specific area of the field or court instead of following one specific opponent. It helps the team protect the most important parts of the playing area.
compound. a defensive system in team sports in which players are responsible for guarding a designated area of the playing surface rather than marking specific opposing players. It is designed to protect high-percentage scoring areas and force difficult shots.
Examples
“The basketball team switched to a zone defense to stop the opponent's drives.”
“The coach implemented a zone defense to limit the opposing team's ability to penetrate the paint and force them to shoot from the perimeter.”
“While a man-to-man scheme relies on individual defensive prowess, a well-executed zone defense requires constant communication and disciplined rotation to prevent gaps from opening between defenders.”
Examples
simple
“The basketball team switched to a zone defense to stop the opponent's drives.”
contextual
“The coach implemented a zone defense to limit the opposing team's ability to penetrate the paint and force them to shoot from the perimeter.”
complex
“While a man-to-man scheme relies on individual defensive prowess, a well-executed zone defense requires constant communication and disciplined rotation to prevent gaps from opening between defenders.”
Usage
Often used with the preposition 'in' when describing the defensive formation.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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