Installing an Early Offense & Press Break
Teaching & Implementation
The key to the success of an early ofense is in its precise execution and coordination. Get coaching done prior to, not during a game. Coach players not the system. It's not what you run, but how you run it that counts. Use the time tested "Whole-Part-Whole" method of teaching. Be creative and design your own offensive breakdown drills that will fit your needs and player abilities. Insist in correct spacing and timing along with precise footwork and execution at all times. Bad habits can be practiced as well as good ones.
| Coaching Objectives | Implementation | Breakdown Drills | Game Strategies |
Coaching Objectives
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To develop the poise and confidence in attacking presses.
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To develop the ability and attitude to run press break on every possession.
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To develop the ability to force the defense into defending the entire court.
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To develop the ability and intelligence to make the proper outlet/inbound pass.
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To develop the ability advance the ball quickly under control with short, crisp passes. .
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To develop the ability to successfully attack outnumbered situations.
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To develop the ability to combat and attack double teams.
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To develop the ability to flow directly into early offense when the press break does not produce a good shot.
To develop the ability to anticipate missed shots and go to the offensive boards.
Whole-Part-Whole Method
Start building your press break the first day of practice using visual means when available. On the court, demonstrate and explain all of the player roles and responsibilities. Then have the players walk through these basic options along with their defensive reads and counters. Next, employing the "Whole-Part-Whole Method" break down the press break into its components using a series of progressive breakdown drills. One-on-One, Two Player Break, Three Player Break, Four Player Break and Five Player Break drills. Lastly, go live, motor skills must be learned at game speed.
You want to practice against good defense. Don't wait until game time. Motivate the defense. For example, have the defense make 5-6 stops (combination of defensive rebounds, offensive turnovers, and steals) before they can go to offense. No dummy defense! The toughest defense you face all season should be in practice. The offense will probably struggle at first. However, players will learn to adapt to the importance of creating leads and attacking defensive pressure. Press break should be an integral part of every practice. Basketball is a game of habits.
Drills for Skills
Proven Transition Drills to Improve Individual Player Skills & Team Performance
"Wolf" One-on-One Full Court - View Click Here
Two Player Break Series - View Click Here
Three Player Break Series - View Click Here
Post Fly Three Player Break - View Click Here
"Michigan" Three Player Break - View Click Here
Full Court 3-on-2 / 2-on-1 - View Click Here
Continuous 3-on-2 with Trail - View Click Here
Back-to-Back-to-Back Break - View Click Here
Longest Run: Free Throw & Press - View Click Here
Half and Full Court Scrimmaging - View Click Here
Game Strategies
Play disruptive, tenacious defense. Tough defense enhances the effectiveness of Early Offense.
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Look to break on every possession. Made & Missed shots.
Move directly from Push to Flow to Continuity without hesitation.
Scout your opponent. Players need to know what defensive tactics to anticipate during the game especially full or half court presses.
When scouting is not possible, scout your opponent during the game.
Don't be a spectator and watch the ball during the game. Be conscience and alert to any defensive changes or adjustments, especially after substitutions and timeouts.
The Case for the Defense
When teams continuously push the ball up the court and flow into early offense, it can prevent or hinder the best of preplanned defensive disruption scenarios. However, by applying defensive pressure immediately, it will not only disrupt any fast break and early offense flow, but it can also catch a team unprepared to counter defensive pressure on missed shots off guard, resulting in easy steals and baskets.
To learn about defensive preses - Click Here.
Return to Early Offense - Click Here
Return to Offensive Strategies - Click Here
Return to HoopTactics - Click Here
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