<P> The names given to zone defenses start with the number of players on the front of the zone (farthest from the goal) followed by the numbers of players in the rear zones . For example, in a 2--3 zone two defenders cover areas in the top of the zone (near the top of the key) while three defenders cover areas near the baseline . </P> <P> Match - up zone is a hybrid man - to - man and zone defense in which players apply man - to - man defense to whichever opposing player enters their area . John Chaney, former head coach of Temple University, is the most famous proponent of this defense . Hybrid defenses also include Box - and - one, in which four defenders are in a 2--2 zone and one defender guards a specific player on the offense . A variant of this is triangle - and - two, in which three defenders are in a 2--1 zone and two defenders guard two specific offensive players . </P> <P> Zone defenses are common in international, college, and youth competition . In the National Basketball Association, zone defenses were prohibited until the 2001--2002 season, and most teams do not use them as a primary defensive strategy . The NBA has a defensive three - second violation rule, which makes it more difficult for teams to play zone, since such defenses usually position a player in the middle of the key to stop penetration . The Dallas Mavericks under coach Rick Carlisle are an example of an NBA team that have regularly used zone defenses . </P> <Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This section does not cite any sources . Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources . Unsourced material may be challenged and removed . (December 2017) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> </Table>

Can you play zone defense in the nba