How to Break the Half-Court Press Trap in Basketball

The half-court press is a defensive strategy in basketball in which the defending team allows the point guard to make it halfway down the court before starting to apply serious pressure. The "trap" occurs when the defender forces the point guard to the sideline, blocking his field of vision. In a zone defense, a second player can pressure the point guard, sometimes forcing a bad pass. In order to break a half-court press trap, coaches need a skilled ball handler and a playbook detailing what all five players must do when the first defender approaches the point guard.

Instructions

    • 1

      Choose a skilled ball handler to cover the first half of the court. The point guard must be able to deal with the defender's pressure, avoid being sidelined and quickly pass the ball when a second defender arrives.

    • 2

      Place two players on the sides. This way you force the defense to spread out, which can allow a skilled point guard to drive right to the basket if he gets by his defender.

    • 3

      Practice each player's position and movements for when you're on offense. When a double-team occurs, the uncovered player must receive the ball immediately, and it helps greatly when the team knows where everyone is (or should be) on the court.

    • 4

      Move your center out of the low post, allowing him to attract or "screen" a defender guarding a shooter. This is especially helpful when your team has skilled shooters and you decide to focus on scoring from the high post.

    • 5

      Take the shot when you have a clear view of the basket. That does not apply for centers at the high post or extremely long shots. Do not force a shot, and make sure you are truly open. A quarter of a second without a defender on you will not allow you a clear view.