The 1-2-2 zone defence has strength in the low post and provides a better cover of the corner area compared to the 1-3-1 zone. However, it may be vulnerable when the offence has a dominant centre that is effective in the area from the free-throw line to the low post. Sometimes the defender at the point may be required to drop well back into the lane to deny passes and put pressure on ball handlers operating around the top of the key.
Double-teaming situations are less common with the 1-2-2 zone as it is more conservative and emphasises the restriction of shots close to the basket while conceding the possibility that more shots may come from the perimeter.
Strengths
1. Defending Shooters – Many coaches believe that the 1-2-2 zone defence is better at defending the three-point shot than the 2-3 zone.
2. Fast Break – The positioning of the players should provide better opportunities for offensive transition. The top player and the two wings are in great positions to transition into the fast break. Positioning can vary but a good combination is to have a long, athletic player at the top and the two guards on a wing. The two bigger players usually occupy the baseline.
3. Trapping Opportunities – There are great trapping opportunities out of the 1-2-2 zone defence — especially in the corner.
Weaknesses
1. Rebounding – A problem with most zone defences is boxing out and rebounding. During a possession, defensive responsibilities can change which can sometimes lead to uncertainty with finding a player to box out when there’s a shot.
2. The High Post – Identifying who is responsible for guarding the high post can sometimes be a challenge. You need to establish rules to know who is responsible for guarding the high post/elbow, particularly when the ball is on the wing or corner.
3. Post Players Must Guard Corners – Post players (or players you choose to have on the bottom of the zone) are required to guard players in the corner. This can be a problem if you have players that don’t move quickly and are reluctant to close out quickly to players on the perimeter.