10 Quick Pointers For Teaching The Press Offense

Every year, coaches try to prepare their teams with various schemes. Certainly, a lot of preparation is required and, because of that, every facet of the game needs attention.

However, there is no single aspect of the game that gives offensive teams fits any more than the full-court zone press. Listed below are 10 teaching points for the press offense that I have implemented over the years. They might be of help to you and your team in beating the zone press. Regardless of the press offense that you employ, stressing to your players fundamental concepts like these should assist you and your team in running a more effective press offense.

- Be organized and understand full-court pressure principles.

- Keep the proper spacing; the optimum spacing is 15 feet, but players should be no more than 20 feet apart.
- Meet all passes aggressively; don't wait for them to come to you.
- Time your cuts; go to daylight.
- As a passer, always square up the floor and size up the situation.
- Stay away from lobs or long passes (for the most part). Use short, crisp passes, as they are very difficult for defenders to anticipate and steal.
- Always maintain three passing outlets.
- Beat the press before it has a chance to set up.
- Look for the reversal (pass) first and then the penetrating pass.
- Look to score from the pass-reverse. This swings the psychological pressure from you to them.

By implementing these concepts, your team can develop a sense of confidence and assurance in one another to play turnover free and get the ball up the floor.