need to slow down and throw off a team. When you switch to zone you see the other team pause, back it out and change their offense up so if that's a need, then go for it. But after a few possessions, like others have said it's get eaten up. I remember one game against 'cuse a couple years back, we destroyed Boeheim's zone by simply getting the ball to the middle and either driving or kicking....and he was the best at zone. I'd support zone in these limited situations -less than 15 seconds left in half (and preferably not until they cross halfcourt) -less than 10 seconds left in shot clock on an out of bounds situation -other team is on a hot streak and you need to force a change of pace for 1-2 possessions Other than that, zone is meant for elementary schools kids who don't know how to guard man to man. It's not a sustainable defense at this level. Using it to stay out of foul trouble is a myth IMO.....since guys don't know who to box out, you end up with 2 guys guarding / boxing out 1 and a 1 guy with free path to the rim....when he gets the rebound close to the hoop, either you give up a layup or you foul