Press Defenses

The 2-2-1, the diamond, the run and jump, and the 1-3-1 on a full court.

9 steps2-2-1 Press: Sideline Trap at Half Court

The 2-2-1 three-quarter press, drawn as a whole possession. Why it works: it concedes the inbound to a corner and waits for the dribble, then traps on the…

9 steps2-2-1 Press: Two-Up Denial of the Point Guard

The 2-2-1 adjustment for a team whose best ball-handler inbounds and wants the ball right back. Why: a press is beaten by the point guard, so the two-up puts…

9 stepsDiamond Press: Trap the Inbound Catch

The 1-2-1-1 diamond full-court press, drawn as a whole possession. Why it works: it pressures the inbounder and traps the first catch in the corner, where the…

9 stepsDiamond Press: Two-Fist Trap on the First Dribble

The diamond's 'two fist' call: the same alignment, but the trap waits for the receiver's first dribble instead of the catch. Why: a player who has used his…

9 stepsRun and Jump Press: Jump the Sideline Dribbler

The run and jump, a full-court man-to-man press with rules that encourage jump switching and sideline trapping, drawn as a whole possession. Why it works: it…

9 steps1-3-1 Press: Chaser, Sideline Trap, Second Trap

The 1-3-1 three-quarter press ('23'), drawn as a whole possession. Why it works: the chaser (X1, long and athletic) turns his shoulders to the side the ball is…