FREE — Tactics board for 15 sports
PlayDiagram

2-3 zone

2-3 zone

A 2-3 zone puts two defenders up and three along the baseline. The useful diagram shows the gaps, not only the five spots.

A 2-3 zone puts two defenders up and three along the baseline. The useful diagram shows the gaps, not only the five spots.

The five spots

Two defenders start at the elbows or the slots. Three defenders protect the lane and the short corners. Place the offense outside first, then add the ball, so the overload is visible.

Where the ball goes

A skip pass from one wing to the other moves the top of the zone. Draw that arrow over the top, then a pass into the short corner or the high post. Those two catches are the usual holes.

How you attack it

Write whether the post flashes middle or the wing drives the gap. Save a second copy if you also want to show how your own 2-3 shifts.

Frequently asked questions

How do you beat a 2-3 zone?

A 2-3 has two defenders up and three along the baseline. Attack the gaps with a skip pass over the top and a catch in the short corner or at the high post.

How do you draw a 2-3 zone on a tactics board?

Place two defenders at the elbows or the slots and three along the lane and the short corners. Put the offense outside first, then draw the ball into the hole you want.

Should a 2-3 diagram show the defense or the attack?

Draw the attack on one saved play. If you also need your own shift, duplicate the board and show how your 2-3 moves. One court should answer one question.