Press Breaks

In deciding on a fullcourt press offence, there are a couple of key questions,

1. What tempo do you want to play? Do you want to inbound the ball as quickly as possible so the other team can't press you, or organize to break the press (don't be in a hurry to pick up the ball when the other team scores)? For examples of a "pro-style" out-and-in press offence, see Press break - Hoop Tactics, Fast breaks - North Carolina, Larry Brown; for press-break "sets", see Bill Self 1-3-1, LSU Set as examples.
2. How many players do you want to use in breaking the press? Bringing more players into the backcourt can provide passing options and pull defenders away from protecting their basket, but crowd the backcourt.
3. What are your player strengths, especially your big? If he
   1. can handle pressure and pass well, put him in the middle of the press break (see Middle)
   2. can't handle the ball under pressure, put him upcourt, out of the press-break rotation (see Duke vs 1-2-1-1, Versoix, also Bill Self 1-3-1)
   3. is on a par with your other players, use a full five-man rotation (see Ashbury, LSU Set).

For principles and fundamentals of beating pressure, see

• Press breaks - Duke vs 1-2-1-1, Canada Basketball, Hoop Tactics, Versoix
• 5star point-guard push, 5star beating traps, Tar heels rebound-outlet
• Press break tactics.