Find strategies to make better decisions. Author Nassim Taleb (Skin in the Game) reminds us not to oversimplify, "complex systems do not have obvious one-dimensional cause-and-effect mechanisms."
To understand an argument better argue the opposite side. I won't rehash the reasons we don't play zone defense. Here is why we should play zone defense. Good man defense has ball pressure, good help, and thoughtful positioning away from the ball. Good zone defense shares similar principles.
1. Zoning works. Young players (especially girls with less strength) struggle with perimeter shooting. Sometimes zones intimidate young players.
2. Other teams play zone, so offense gets regular practice against zone. (*Best reason)
3. It helps protect players in foul trouble, which seems inevitable, especially in certain road venues.
4. It allows teams to disguise man coverage.
5. It helps launch transition...and we want to run.
6. Zone neutralizes the pick-and-roll.
7. It puts additional pressure on the opponent's 'star' player.
8. Players will play zone in high school, so they get a head start in middle school.
9. It's all about winning, right?
Our core responsibility (end state) is developing players to succeed in high school basketball. When winning occurs during intermediate stages as a result of good process and luck, we'll take it.
Lagniappe: SLOB (Love a Parade)
