Each tactic can be useful depending on the make up of your team and the strengths and weaknesses of your opponent. For example, if you play a team that has weak outside shooting, a zone may be effective. If you play a team that has good inside players, an inside defense orientated defense may be the best such as a 2-3. And again on offense you must play to your strong points and the other teams weaknesses. If you have good big men and they do not, you may want to play look inside or low post. So in summary, no tactic is the best. Its just a matter of preference and depends on the opponent you are facing. If you are still lost, the generic defense you can play is man to man.