zone defense
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.