zone defense
compound.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.
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.
Often used with the preposition 'in' when describing the defensive formation.