How to Break Pressure Defense in Basketball

Every team should be prepared for full-court pressure defense. When not prepared, the game can get out of control and your team will find itself in a hole. There are several press break sets that can be used, but it is ultimately how the players execute against the pressure that will determine your effectiveness. When done well, your team can get easy baskets. In this article I will focus on breaking pressure defense.

Things You'll Need

  • Basketball team
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Instructions

    • 1

      For every pass made, the passer should see the front of their teammate's jersey before throwing the pass. This will insure that a clean pass is possible.

    • 2

      Try to make all passes before being fully double-teamed. Ideally, the pass is being made while the double-team is coming. This would mean that a teammate is open.

    • 3

      When making a pass, utilize pass fakes (fake high and pass low/fake low and pass high). By faking passes, the defenders' hands will have to move, and you can catch them out of position to prevent deflections.

    • 4

      All players should see the ball and the passer must keep his/her head up to spot the open players. All players should be within 30 feet of the passer, but well-spread out around the court. In many cases the ball can be advanced down the middle of the court or along the sidelines with passes--it is difficult for the defense to cover everywhere.

    • 5

      Upon catching a pass, the player should sweep the ball and be in a strong position, so it is not easily taken out of his/her hands. Do not dribble right away unless you have a clear path up the court. Get open space by using jab steps and pass fakes. By keeping the dribble alive, you have that option if everything else is covered.

    • 6

      Don't be in a hurry--be patient and let the teammates get into open spots to receive passes. The defense wants you to make hurried decisions, which often lead to stolen passes.

    • 7

      When the opportunity to get up the court presents itself, proceed to the basket and try to finish with a layup--you will probably have an advantage if you break the pressure. Be smart with your decisions, and don't force it if it is not open. It is OK to just set up the offense and run it.