Press break principles

Core concepts that can help break a press.

1. Quick Ball Entry
You do not need to wait for the press to get set up. If the other team is lazy, you can often times pass the ball in and get it up court before they are all set. Teach the kids to not even let the ball hit the ground after it goes through the net.

2. Set up in middle aroud the free throw line
This gives room to move and catch the ball. Also two guys should cross or screen.

3. Reverse the Ball
Traps don’t like ball reversals. Passing it back to the in bounder and one more pass from there usually creates an easy lane up court.

4. If you have a good ball handling big, bring him up
The advantage is with the more mobile big man, who can handle and easily pass it over pesky gaurds. This can be the inbounder.

5. Look to the Middle, Then get it Back Outside
The sidelines are extra defenders. Catching the ball or dribbling into a sideline is a recipe for disaster.

6. Ball Fakes Freeze Defenders

7. Tell a bigs to come up and screen on a man press

8. Stay Out of the Corner Traps
If it is really easy to dribble up the sideline, there is a reason for that. Don’t get into a foot race down the sideline with the ball in your hand.

9. Read the Press and teach the kids where weaknesses are

10. Tell kids to be “Be Available”
Remind kids that they can’t run down and get lost during a press. They can’t run looking for a layup immediately.