Zone Coverage Meaning in Handball

Zone coverage is a defensive style where players guard specific areas of court. Instead of following one person each defender is responsible for their own zone. Players move together as a unit to follow the movement of the ball. This strategy aims to protect the goal by creating a solid wall. It requires excellent communication to ensure no gaps open up between the defenders. The defense uses zone coverage to stop a team with strong interior play. This setup makes it very difficult for the offense to pass to pivot. Defenders must slide laterally to cover the space as the ball moves across. Success depends on the coordination and speed of every player in the defensive. Zone coverage is the most common defensive system used in modern professional handball.