Teach Basketball Pressing the Right Way, Part 2

If Teach Basketball Pressing the Right Way Part 1 explained the why behind pressure, then Part 2 digs into the part every coach cares about most: the actual drills and teaching progressions that make a press work.

This section moves from philosophy to execution, showing you how to build cutting angles, trap timing, scramble rotations, and seamless transitions from press to halfcourt defense. Whether you run man, 2-2-1, or 1-2-1-1, these core drills give your players the habits and communication skills they need to press with purpose.

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Core Drills to Teach Basketball Pressing

Here are the bread-and-butter drills these coaches use to build their pressing system.

1. Zigzag (with a twist)

They start zigzag in the middle of the floor, not on the sideline. It gives the offense more space and makes it harder for the defender.

Teaching points:

• Force the ball to the outside.
• Turn the dribbler at least once or twice.
• Vary the tempo:
  • First trip at 50 percent for footwork and stance.
  • Second at full speed.
  • Third trip, allow the offense to beat the defender, and practice sprinting ahead of the ball, getting nose on the ball, and turning it again.

Variations include:

• Hands behind the back or holding a towel/tennis balls to emphasize feet and body.
• A “help” version where if the defender yells “help” when beaten, the offense must stop and a teammate rotates over. This builds communication and trust.

2. 1-on-1 Cut Drill

This one is used almost every day.

• Offense starts halfway between block and free throw line on the left side.
• Defense is a step or two ahead, slightly top side.
• The offensive player must dribble toward the corner. The defender’s job is to cut them off before they reach the corner, never allow a straight-line middle drive, then recover back to the high shoulder to funnel them down the sideline.

This drill teaches:

• No-middle defense.
• Trusting the help that will be there later.
• Conditioning, since it is basically a 94-foot sprint in a stance.

3. 2-on-1 Cut & Trap

Now you add a second defender to the 1-on-1 cut.

• One defender cuts the ball handler.
• The second defender arrives to seal the trap.

The biggest mistake you will see and must correct:

• The second defender overruns the trap and gets split.
• Or both defenders chase from the same angle and give up a straight line.

You want the dribbler cut, the second defender breaking down and sealing the outside hip, and no daylight between them.

4. 2-on-2 “Rugby” Drill

This is where it gets fun.

Rules:

• The ball can only be advanced by the dribble, just like running in rugby.
• All passes must be backward.
• Defenders are still using the cut and trap principles from the previous drills.

Once the offense gets the ball inside the three-point line and kicks it back out, it becomes live 2-on-2 to a finish. This drill:

• Teaches spacing and movement under pressure.
• Forces the ball handler to make decisions while being cut and bumped.
• Shows defenders how to stay in the press, then “seamlessly” get back into halfcourt man.

5. 3-on-3 Rugby

Same concept, now with three attackers and three defenders. You can:

• Face guard one player.
• Use a “center fielder” in the back.
• Emphasize taking away the middle and trapping the sideline.

This builds toward fullcourt man run-and-jump concepts and tests communication as more bodies enter the action.

6. 3-on-4 Halfcourt Rotation Drill

This is a staple for teaching scramble rotations.

Setup:

• Three defenders start with their backs to the coach.
• Four offensive players are spaced on the perimeter.
• Coach throws the ball to any offensive player.

Rules:

• On the catch, one defender must take the ball, one must protect the basket, and one must take backside.
• Defenders may never guard consecutive passes. If you guard the first pass, you cannot close out on the next one.
• This becomes a frenzy drill where the “right” defender is simply the one who gets there first on airtime.

They often run this as a shooting drill, too. For example, if the offense hits two threes before the defense gets three stops, the defense runs.

7. 4-on-4 Fullcourt Rotation

To connect the press to the halfcourt:

• Play 4-on-4 fullcourt with press rules.
• One offensive and one defensive player must stay in the backcourt until the ball crosses half court so you do not just give away a layup.

You can flow from press into halfcourt man, then immediately go the other way in transition. This helps your players understand that pressing is not a separate sport. It is just an extension of your halfcourt identity.

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Pressing Game Management: Fouls, Layups, and Gambles

A few more nuggets from the conversation that matter when you teach basketball pressing:

• Fouling negates hustle.
  There is nothing worse than pressing hard, rotating, and then bailing the ball handler out with a cheap reach.
• Can you live with a layup?
  If you are going to press, you will give some up. You and your staff have to be honest about when that is acceptable and when it is not.
• Late-game gambles are dangerous.
  They referenced Bill Self breaking down film where Duke gambled and gave up a big three late. In the last 10 seconds, solid defense often beats hero steals.
• Players think pressing is only fullcourt.
  You may need a call like “Cheetah” or similar to remind them you can press in the halfcourt too by getting into passing lanes and denying catches.

Conclusion

Teaching a press isn’t about memorizing alignments. It’s about building instincts, communication, and confidence through daily, deliberate reps. The drills in Part 2 give your players a foundation they can rely on when the game speeds up, whether you’re trapping fullcourt or flowing back into halfcourt man.

Start simple, stay consistent, and let the habits stack. Your press will grow with your team.

If you want more drills, practice ideas, or one-on-one support, or if you need help installing a shooting workout with your team, explore everything on TeachHoops.com. With a 14-day free trial, one-on-one mentoring, and a library of proven practice tools, it’s one of the best places for coaches who want to take the next step.

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