man-to-man defense

American  

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.

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Etymology

Origin of man-to-man defense

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 • Mar. 6, 2024

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 • Jan. 18, 2024

Knight quickly restored the Hoosiers’ basketball tradition with a revolutionary offense and an almost exclusively man-to-man defense.

From Washington Times • Nov. 1, 2023

While the Saints missed their first 10 shots, UW gave a sparse crowd at Alaska Airlines Arena a preview of its new high-octane offense and stingy man-to-man defense.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 29, 2023

It was an isolation offense to run when another team played us man-to-man defense.

From "All American Boys" by Jason Reynolds