press
Zone-trap describes an intent within several formations, not a mandatory alignment. In Sartini's 1-2-2 variant, the front defender and ball-side wing trap at the chosen sideline trigger.
One 1-2-2 trap example: X1 and X3 trap, X2 covers the middle, X5 covers the next sideline pass and X4 protects the long pass and basket. Other zone traps can start differently.
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 6
Trap only at the agreed spot
1 moves toward the right sideline. X1 stays in front. X3 waits lower and joins when 1 reaches the agreed spot. X2, X4 and X5 first name the passes they will cover.
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.
“Zone trap” is a family label. This page selects a 1-2-2 sideline trap and two original escape examples. A trap without the three off-ball jobs and a recovery call is not a complete coverage.
Our right-side example uses X1 and X3 on the ball, X2 in the middle, X5 toward the next sideline receiver and X4 deepest. A later sideline catch can produce a different vertical trap if a pursuing defender arrives. A pass through the middle requires retreat rather than chasing another trap.
Source-backed summary; versions may differ.
Set the first trap without contact and let the ball handler point to the middle, return and long diagonal receivers. Ask the three off-ball defenders which of those passes they can actually reach. Then let the passer choose. A defender cannot be credited with covering two distant receivers merely because the diagram places them between both. Finish the escape with the next catch, the next defensive assignment and a shot or clear stop.
CoachAssist suggestion—not the source’s exact practice.
When: The middle defender contains the receiver.
Do this: The trappers sprint back instead of seeking another double.
Then: Restore the selected half-court coverage.
Source-backed summary; versions may differ.
When: The long-pass example puts the receiver beyond the original trap.
Do this: Use the nearest reachable ball defender and keep another defender at the basket.
Then: Our sequence selects an orderly exit; it is not permission to chase a new trap from behind.
CoachAssist suggestion—not the source’s exact practice.
Problem: Two players surround the ball while the other three watch.
Try this correction: Have an observer ignore the trap and grade only the middle, advance and deepest threats. Repeat the same start with the passer using the first open receiver.
Check: The three off-ball players can each name a useful job.
CoachAssist suggestion—not the source’s exact practice.
Problem: The receiver dribbles past a lone defender while a teammate is still far away.
Try this correction: Allow the receiver to attack immediately in practice. Require the first defender to contain without waiting for a promised partner.
Check: The coverage still works when the second trap never forms.
CoachAssist suggestion—not the source’s exact practice.
Changes: coverage, continuation.
When to use it: This alternative is written-only. The displayed escape branches deliberately end pressure.
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 a guided passer, two receivers and two defenders without a trap.
Add more when: Players understand that covering the ball is not covering its outlets.
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: Practices two defenders trapping without reaching and a third defender responding to the pass out. The circle is not a zone-press alignment or its deepest basket protection.
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: Builds sideline influence before a chosen trap trigger; it does not identify the other four defenders’ responsibilities.
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.
Ken Sartini · Coach's Clipboard · publication date not listed
Public written coaching reference; undated unless specified. No linked paid video reviewed.
Basketball For Coaches · Basketball For Coaches · publication date not listed
Selected public trap, advance-pass and recovery choices reviewed. Brief synthesis, not source artwork or a complete reproduced tutorial. No individual byline or date established.
