press
Each defender guards an opponent across the full court. The ball defender first works to stop the dribbler getting past. The coach decides whether to add traps.
One man press example without traps. The offense moves from the far end toward the near basket. X1 through X5 start by guarding players 1 through 5.
1–5 are players on offense. X1–X5 are defenders. Each number stays with the same player in every step; it does not lock that player into a position.
Diagram 1 of 5
Keep the ball toward the sideline
1 brings the ball up the right side. X1 stays in front with legal footwork. X2 and X3 watch nearby players. X4 and X5 stay with players farther downcourt. No trap is called.
Diagram key
Use Previous and Next beside the court, or choose a numbered step. Arrows on the court show where players or the ball move. CoachAssist drew this example; it does not show every way to run the scheme.
This is a man-pressure family, not one universal full-court trap. Pick an entry, screen rule and exit. Use pressing only where the competition permits it; beginner tasks below teach movement and communication, not compulsory full-court pressure.
The ball defender guides toward a side. Nearby defenders deny useful returns; weak-side defenders protect against advance passes. After a live change of possession, taking nearby attackers can precede a later matchup repair. After a stoppage, establish assignments before the inbound.
Source-backed summary; versions may differ.
Begin practice from a pass that has already beaten the first defender. Ask who can legally stop the receiver and who protects the basket. Let the remaining defenders identify attackers they can reach instead of sprinting toward old starting spots. Once that ending works, add the inbound and early pressure. A deflection that leads to an uncovered layup is not a completed defensive success; finish the whole possession before giving feedback.
CoachAssist suggestion—not the source’s exact practice.
When: A called switch can preserve coverage.
Do this: Both defenders name their new attackers.
Then: Keep the exchange after the pass rather than chasing original matchups.
Source-backed summary; versions may differ.
When: The pressure no longer contains the ball.
Do this: The available defender slows the catch while teammates recover toward the paint.
Then: Call the next half-court assignments.
Source-backed summary; versions may differ.
Problem: A defender crowds the ball side while an attacker runs beyond everyone.
Try this correction: Replay from the passer’s view. Have the deepest defender point to the actual deepest attacker before adding more denial.
Check: The press protects the basket even when no steal is available.
CoachAssist suggestion—not the source’s exact practice.
Problem: Two defenders cross while the receiver advances unguarded.
Try this correction: Start the next rep after the exchange, not before it. Ask each defender to keep one reachable attacker until a deliberate repair can be called.
Check: The repair does not remove the only defender in front of the ball.
CoachAssist suggestion—not the source’s exact practice.
Changes: setup, coverage.
When to use it: 41 Deny is written-only; the screen-switch example does not diagram that separate entry.
Written variant · this option does not have its own walkthrough here.
Source-backed summary; versions may differ.
Choose the level that matches what your players can do now. These steps work for boys and girls. Start simpler if players need more practice.
Set it up: Use one guided receiver, one defender and an adult passer over a short distance.
Add more when: Players understand the basket-side relationship.
CoachAssist suggestion—not the source’s exact practice.
CoachAssist wrote these teaching steps. They are not an exact copy of any coach’s practice plan.
We have not confirmed a specific coach or team using this version. Teams may use the same name for different plays.
The level selector changes the teaching steps above. It does not change these drills. Check the number of players, equipment and difficulty before using a drill.
Builds a skill used in this scheme: The documented pursuit technique supports recovery after ball pressure is beaten. Begin controlled and abandon unsafe tips; it is not the entire man press.
Practice safely tipping an exposed dribble from behind, then returning to a legal defensive position.
2–6 players · 5–12 minutes · basketballs
Practice safely tipping an exposed dribble from behind, then returning to a legal defensive position.
Two players, one ball and a clear lane with a marked stop before the basket/landing area. Begin walking: passer feeds the runner, then follows at a controlled distance. Spare balls and waiting players stay outside the active routes.
Optional: within a short coach-chosen timed interval, count sound decisions, controlled catches or completed defensive possessions. Stop at the planned time or sooner; no required makes, winning streak or exercise penalty. Rotate roles and allow rest regardless of the score.
Builds a skill used in this scheme: The documented continuous two-on-two includes pressured inbound passes, first passes outside and role changes. Keep all eight players; it is not a five-player press alignment.
Connect a defensive stop to a first pass outside, getting open against pressure, and the next 2-on-2.
8–24 players · 5–12 minutes · basketballs
Connect a defensive stop to a first pass outside, getting open against pressure, and the next 2-on-2.
Eight players: two attackers, two defenders, two outlets and the next attacking pair, one active ball. Mark a return route outside the playing/landing area; rehearse the role changes before linking possessions. Spare balls and waiting players stay outside the active routes.
Optional: within a short coach-chosen timed interval, count sound decisions, controlled catches or completed defensive possessions. Stop at the planned time or sooner; no required makes, winning streak or exercise penalty. Rotate roles and allow rest regardless of the score.
Builds a skill used in this scheme: Practices legal full-court containment and influence toward a sideline before adding teammates, denial, switches or traps.
One defender practices legal influence and recovery against an advancing ball handler.
2–14 players · 5–10 minutes · basketballs
One defender practices legal influence and recovery against an advancing ball handler.
Two players, one ball and one clear lengthwise lane. Mark a stop with room before the wall or basket; one pair is active and others wait outside the route. Spare balls and waiting players stay outside the active routes.
Optional: within a short coach-chosen timed interval, count sound decisions, controlled catches or completed defensive possessions. Stop at the planned time or sooner; no required makes, winning streak or exercise penalty. Rotate roles and allow rest regardless of the score.
The sources support the system guide. CoachAssist created the practice steps and checks; they are suggestions, not tested programs or a coach’s full playbook. The linked drills practice parts of the system.
The main ideas are supported by the sources below. These sources do not cover every possible version.
James A. Gels · Coach's Clipboard · publication date not listed
Public written coaching reference; undated unless specified. No linked paid video reviewed.
