Kermit Davis Morphing 1-3-1 Zone Defense - FastModel Sports

Published 09/10/2018 by Matt Barnthouse Favorite Send to FastDraw Print Embed

About This Play/Drill

First-year Ole Miss Head Coach Kermit Davis is famous for using an aggressive style of 1-3-1 Zone Defense that helped his Middle Tennessee State squads to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances. In the video below, Davis outlines the basic principles of this defense, as well as the personnel needed to execute it effectively. 

On the FMS Blog: 

  • Basketball Play - Kermit Davis Morphing 1-3-1 Zone Defense
  • Basketball Play - Kermit Davis Morphing 1-3-1 Zone Defense
  • Basketball Play - Kermit Davis Morphing 1-3-1 Zone Defense
  • - Goal from beginning is to apply pressure from half court and force ball "out and up" as 2 and 4 trap early.

     

    - 5 ALWAYS between ball and rim.

     

    - 3 fights over screens; keeps one foot in the paint on ball side.

     

    - 1's responsibility is to prevent passes to weak side.

  • - 2 and 4 trap 1, 5 must remain active at all times, making court look "full."

    - Goal is to force lob passes over the top.

    - Allowing straight-line passes KILL the 1-3-1 defense.

     

  • - As pass is lobbed, 5 moves to stay between ball and rim.

    - 1 moves out and up with offensive player on 1's back (to prevent lob.)

    - 4 moves over to play similar role on other side.

    - Ball handler may try to "split" the defense, only to find 5 ready to help until ball is under control.

    - 3 moves over the top of any screen to help ball side.

    - 2 may be a bit deeper on weak side to prevent easy pass off of baseline cut.