press
An extended 1-3-1 places a pressure defender ahead of a middle layer with two wings and a central defender, plus a deep rim protector.
This 1-3-1 starts farther upcourt than the half-court version. X4 covers the middle, and X5 stays deepest to protect the basket.
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 4
Start pressure before halfway
1 brings the ball up the right side toward halfway. X1 guides the drive. X3 waits on the right, X2 covers the opposite side and X4 covers the middle.
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 the full-court 1-3-1, separate from its half-court namesake. Our examples choose a controlled reversal handoff or an exit after an advance pass; they do not display every aggressive source variation.
Our X1 leads, X2 and X3 are wings, X4 is middle and X5 is deepest. The source numbers these pressure roles differently. In the standard side trap, the lead and near wing trap, the middle covers the sideline advance, the far wing covers the middle and the deepest defender protects long.
Source-backed summary; versions may differ.
Walk a long reversal with the ball handler allowed to pass again as soon as the catch is controlled. Ask which defender can arrive first without crossing through another player. A handoff between defenders is only available if the first arrival can contain the receiver while the partner travels. Repeat from the second catch when that timing fails. Do not make the offense hold the ball merely to preserve the original formation.
CoachAssist suggestion—not the source’s exact practice.
When: The middle defender can meet the catch.
Do this: A wing may join a new trap if the call and arrival permit.
Then: The deepest defender still protects long; a middle escape ends pressure.
Source-backed summary; versions may differ.
When: The second example ends pressure after the ball reaches the middle.
Do this: Keep the first containing defender on the ball until the called replacement arrives.
Then: Our half-court handoff is an original selected exit, not a source-prescribed universal rotation.
CoachAssist suggestion—not the source’s exact practice.
Problem: A source’s top defender has a different number, so the staff moves the wrong player.
Try this correction: Create a role key with lead, wings, middle and deepest before comparing the drawings.
Check: Compare starting location and responsibility before copying any number.
CoachAssist suggestion—not the source’s exact practice.
Problem: The trap gets tighter while the basket becomes unprotected.
Try this correction: Replay from behind the press and ask who is deepest after the proposed move. Reject the adjustment until another named defender can actually arrive.
Check: A safety exchange includes its timing, not just its destination.
CoachAssist suggestion—not the source’s exact practice.
Changes: setup, coverage.
When to use it: That is a written-only coverage change, not a simple mirrored trap or renumbering.
Written variant · this option does not have its own walkthrough here.
Source-backed summary; versions may differ.
Changes: names only.
When to use it: Compare roles before numbers.
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 guided passers over a short distance with two defenders.
Add more when: Players see why both defenders should not chase the nearest pass.
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: Develops two defenders arriving to trap and another responding to the pass out. It does not rehearse the extended 1-3-1’s middle replacement or deepest basket protector, nor the half-court zone.
Three defenders coordinate a controlled two-player trap and one outlet-reading responsibility.
6–12 players · 4–8 minutes · basketballs
Three defenders coordinate a controlled two-player trap and one outlet-reading responsibility.
Six players alternate three attackers and three defenders around a comfortably spaced circle, one ball. Begin walking; leave space to pivot without trapping a player against bodies. 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: Prepares the pressure defender to influence the ball toward a sideline. Pickup point, trap trigger and all press rotations must be taught separately.
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.
Coaches run this in different ways. The sources below describe the versions covered here. These sources do not cover every possible version.
No byline displayed · Basketball For Coaches · publication date not listed
Public written coaching reference; undated unless specified. No linked paid video reviewed.
