man-to-man defense

noun

, Sports.

1. a method of defense in team sports, especially in basketball and football, in which each member of the defensive team is designated to guard a particular member of the offensive team.

Word History and Origins

Origin of man-to-man defense¹

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

The Huskies, who shot 50% from the field in the first half, had trouble getting into their offense against Arizona’s man-to-man defense in the seconds half.

From Seattle Times

After mounting external pressure, seventh-year coach Mike Hopkins, a zone-defense devotee, adopted a man-to-man defense in the offseason and even had Hall of Fame coach Larry Brown implement schemes last summer.

From Seattle Times

In recent weeks, Hopkins has relied on the 2-3 zone in spurts because backup center Braxton Meah tends to collect unintended fouls while playing man-to-man defense and garnered All-Pac-12 second-team defensive honors last season as the anchor in UW’s zone.

From Seattle Times

In a battle for first place in the Baseline League, Etiwanda made clutch three-point shots while relying on its man-to-man defense to knock off Damien 49-39 on its home court Thursday night.

From Los Angeles Times

UW could never find its shooting rhythm against the Cardinals’ aggressive man-to-man defense.

From Seattle Times