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Full-court press

Full-court press

A press needs the full court. Show where the trap happens and where the outlet is if the ball gets through.

A press needs the full court. Show where the trap happens and where the outlet is if the ball gets through.

Who picks up

Decide whether the first defender picks up at half court or as soon as the ball is inbounded. Place those two defenders first. The other three protect the middle and the sideline.

The trap

A trap is two defenders meeting on the sideline. Draw both closing down, then the passing lane you want to take away. Mark the defender who stays home so the drawing does not send all five to the ball.

If they break it

Add one arrow for the outlet pass you are willing to give up, and one for the rotation behind it. Save the press and the break as two plays if the picture gets crowded.

Frequently asked questions

How do you diagram a full-court press?

Use the full 28×15 m court. Mark who picks up the ball, where the trap is, and who covers the middle if the press is broken.

What should a press diagram show first?

Show the trap side and the player who denies the outlet. One trap and one cover are easier to teach than every running line at once.

When is the full court the right basketball board?

Use it for a press or for early offense that starts at the other basket. Half-court sets such as horns and pick and roll stay on the half court.