Man-to-man defence only

In these age groups, teams must play man-to-man defence for the whole game. Each defender is responsible for guarding one opponent, rather than protecting an area of the court as in a zone defence.

Why?

Basketball England has used this rule since 2008, following FIBA guidance for under-14s. Playing man-to-man means every young player practises guarding the ball and the player they’re marking, which builds better all-round players for the future.

What counts as a zone?

Any defence that doesn’t follow normal man-to-man principles. For example:

• a defender not in a normal position relative to their player and the ball
• a player cutting through the key without being followed, switched or bumped by a defender

Helping a team-mate or sagging off your player towards the ball is still fine — that’s part of good man-to-man defence. Referees decide, and give the defending team the benefit of the doubt.

What happens if it’s broken?

The referees first stop the game for an “officials’ time-out”, warn both coaches, and give them 30 seconds to talk to their players. After that, every further breach gives the coach a bench technical foul and the other team one free throw. A coach is sent off after three bench technicals.

Basketball England also publishes a guide with diagrams of legal man-to-man positions: see their “No Zone Defence” guidance.