The 2-1-2 zone defense can be a great defense if you have the right player to put in the middle. A long athlete can shut things down in the paint and allow the other four players to focus on the outside and prevent open 3-point shots, which is oftentimes the downfall of zones. And with a couple of minor modifications, you can even make the 2-1-2 zone into a defense that pressures the offense into multiple turnovers by positioning defenders in the passing lanes.