There are a few strategies that are used in basketball here are some of the strategies and their summaries and how an offense would typically counter.

2-3 Zone

2-3 zone is effective against inside the paint teams. It shuts the Center and Power Forward down if they are in the post. The weakness to this defense is that you can get open for an outside shot and you might have yourself a three pointer. The defense is not a good choice against teams that shoot well.

Against the 2-3 zone, the offense will most likely play a "1-3-1" offense. This will allow them to take advantage of the shooting opportunities given to them. The point guard is the "1" while the Center and 2 other guards are the "3" and are near the free-throw line extended. The final player will be running the baseline, positioning himself near the 3-point line and should be on the ball side of the floor.

3-2 Zone

The 3-2 zone is effective against teams that like to shoot the outside shot. If you get in the guards faces they wil not be able to make a lot of shots therefore rendering their strategy useless. The weakness with this strategy is that once pentrated it will be an easy way to the basket. Also, another weakness is that if the opposing has a good center and power forward they will be able to dominate the key. This defense is useful when your backcourt is quicker and better than your opponent.

Against the 3-2 zone, the offense would be in a 2-1-2 set. They would benefit by doing a lot of passing, causing the opposing guards to exert a lot of energy attempting to trap them.

1-3-1 Zone

A 1-3-1 zone is meant for guarding the wings for penetration and three point shots. The "1" looks to pressure the guards and interfere with passing lanes. This player should be athletic and tall because he will be moving a lot and have steal opportunities. This defense is hoping to force bad passes that result in turnovers

Against the 1-3-1 an offense could employ the 2-1-2 set like against the 3-2 zone. The two guards bringing the ball of the floor should be weary of passing back and forth because their opponent is between them. It would be a good idea to make this defender run between them however to easily tire that player out.