Basketball defense

Basketball defense is the coordinated effort to prevent an opponent from scoring by contesting shots, limiting penetration, and disrupting possession.

Man-to-man defense: A defense in which each player is primarily responsible for guarding a specific opponent. It assigns direct matchups, unlike defenses organized around zones of the court.
Defensive stance: A balanced, low posture that helps a defender move laterally and react to an opponent. It is the starting posture for containing a ball handler.
Box-and-one defense: A hybrid defense using four players in a zone and one player assigned to guard a particular opponent. It targets one dominant scorer while retaining zone coverage around the basket.
Defensive rebound: A rebound secured by the defending team after the opponent misses a shot. Securing the miss completes a defensive possession and can start a fast break.
Basketball offense: The coordinated effort to create scoring chances and score points in basketball. It is the opposing team activity that defensive play seeks to disrupt.
Zone defense: A defense in which players guard designated areas rather than following specific opponents. It concentrates defenders in areas to protect the basket and limit driving lanes.
Closeout: A defender's controlled approach to an opponent receiving or holding the ball, intended to contest a shot without conceding a drive. It governs how defenders challenge shooters while staying able to move.
Triangle-and-two defense: A hybrid defense with three players forming a zone triangle and two guarding specific opponents. It can focus pressure on two scoring threats while protecting the interior.
Turnover (basketball): A loss of possession by a team before it attempts a field goal or completes a free-throw sequence. Pressure and disruption can end an opponent's possession without a shot.
Basketball block: A legal deflection of an opponent's field-goal attempt by a defender. A block is one visible defensive action, but defense also includes positioning and coverage.

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