The "11" Defense has the same base principles as both the Double Fist Havoc Press and our Diamond press. The only difference is how we align our top two people. The two guards in this instance are stacked vs. playing side by side. We will still use our quarter system along with our "Taker", "Reader", and "Teaser" system with all players off the ball. With this defense we really are allowing the offense to relax a little and not see all the pressure at once. We are wanting the ball to be … [Read more...]
Double Fist Havoc Press Defense
Philosophy of the Double Fist Havoc Press Defense: “Pressure, Pressure, Pressure” We want to keep pressure on the opponent on both offense and defense What are we Trying to Get Out of the Press: Turnovers (Live Ball Turnovers) Quick / Bad Shots From Our Opponents Create More Offensive Opportunities Force Tempo / Disrupt Offensive Flow Difficult To Prepare For Make Opposing Players Do Things They Aren't Comfortable Doing Create Fatigue (Overall Cumulative … [Read more...]
Run and Jump Press
The Run-and-Jump Press is designed to force your opponent into mistakes, turnovers, bad shots, and to make them struggle to get into their offense. Philosophy of the Run-and-Jump The basic philosophy in the run-and-jump press is that you do not need to steal the basketball. If you are thinking "steal" you will invariably reach, get out of position and commit a foul. Reaching and gambling defensively make the run-and-jump defense ineffective. You want your opponents to make mistakes, turn … [Read more...]
2-2-1 Zone Press Basics
The 2-2-1 Zone Press was first made popular by Coach John Wooden's early UCLA teams. This article explains Coach's basic player responsibilities when executing the 2-2-1. The objective of the 2-2-1 Zone Press is to force the offensive into certain areas and situations. The diagram below shows where the players should line up as the ball is inbounded. 2-2-1 Player Assignments X1 is responsible for guarding the player that receives the inbounds pass. Actually, X1 invites the inbounds pass to … [Read more...]
5 Tips When Applying a Press Defense
You may not be a 'pressing' team, but it is good to have the ability to press at different points in a game. You may simply need to press towards the end of a game in order to come back from a deficit. You may also like to mix it up once in awhile to catch the other team off guard. Whenever you decide to press, the following points should be stressed to your players. When to Press It is possible to press at any time but it is most effective to press after a made basket, after a free throw, … [Read more...]
Diamond Press Zone Defense
Diamond 3: Full Court Rules for Top or Point Person - X1 Number one priority - no penetration down the middle. Keep pressure on the ball at all times. (Note: Even though the pickup point of the defense might call for the Top or Point to pick up at the free throw line, the Top or Point is allowed a great deal of leeway in picking the ball up early. Remember: we want pressure on the ball even if the Point's position has to be somewhat extended. Push the ball out of the … [Read more...]