Master the Wheel Press Break and Break Any Full-Court Press
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- Why Do Teams Press?
- The Three Key Concepts to Break the Press
- The Wheel Press Break
4.1 Starting Set-Up
4.2 Flashing to the Middle
4.3 Filling Open Spots on the Floor
4.4 Advancing the Ball
- Scenario 1: Making a Skip Pass
- Scenario 2: Making a Ball Side Pass
- Practice Makes Perfect
- Conclusion
🏀 Breaking the Full Court Press: Mastering the Wheel Press Break 🏀
Introduction
Facing a full court press can be intimidating. It's a strategy used by teams to disrupt their opponents, speed up the pace of play, and force turnovers. But fear not, as I, Coach Scott from Hoop Sense, am here to teach you the ins and outs of breaking the press successfully. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the reasons behind teams pressing, the key concepts to break the press, and a specific press break strategy known as the Wheel Press Break. So, lace up your sneakers and let's dive in!
Why Do Teams Press?
Before we delve into the mechanics of breaking the press, it's essential to understand why teams employ this strategy in the first place. Teams press for several reasons:
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Speeding up the Pace of Play: Pressing allows teams to dictate the tempo of the game. By applying pressure on their opponents, they aim to force quick and rushed decisions, resulting in turnovers.
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Eliminating Half-Court Offense: Many teams excel in the half-court game, where they have time to set up their plays and exploit mismatches. Pressing disrupts their rhythm and forces them out of their comfort zone.
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Exposing Ball Handling Weaknesses: Pressing teams look to exploit opponents with poor ball-handling skills. By applying pressure, they increase the likelihood of steals and capitalize on turnovers.
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Overcoming a Deficit: Teams often resort to pressing when they are trailing in the game. Pressing can create chaos, disrupt the opponents' offense, and potentially help regain momentum.
The Three Key Concepts to Break the Press
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💪 Rip Face and Ball Fake: 💪 The most crucial concept in breaking the press is teaching every player to rip face and ball fake when catching the ball out of the press break. This automatic and instinctive move creates chaos for the defense and opens up passing lanes for the offense.
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🎯 No Backward Passes: 🎯 It is essential never to throw passes backward toward the opponent's basket. This common mistake in press breaks gives the defense an easy scoring opportunity and adds unnecessary pressure to the player receiving the ball. Eliminating backward passes is crucial for a successful press break.
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🔄 Move Together, Fill Open Spots: 🔄 In a press break, it is vital for all players to move together and fill open spots on the floor. Think of the press break as a zone defense in football. Rather than running specific plays, players must recognize and occupy open areas to advance the ball effectively.
The Wheel Press Break
Now, let's delve into the specifics of the Wheel Press Break, a versatile strategy that works against various types of presses.
Starting Set-Up (4 Cross Set):
In the Wheel Press Break, rather than positioning the best ball-handler in the middle, we place the four and five players in the middle. This strategy aims to draw attention away from the guards, making the entry pass easier.
Flashing to the Middle:
Once the ball is inbounded, the four and five players interchange or set a screen to get open. Their primary objective is to receive an easy entry pass from out of bounds.
Filling Open Spots on the Floor:
As the entry pass is made, the player on the side closest to the ball flashes to half-court, opening up the middle. Simultaneously, the one player fills the spot left by the ball-side wing. This creates a spread floor and avoids tempting backward passes.
Advancing the Ball:
Now that the initial actions are complete, the offense runs a wheel action. The five player flashes from the middle towards the ball, the three player flashes from half-court to the center, and the one player fills where the three player left. This continuous movement keeps the floor spread and makes it easier to advance the ball.
Scenario 1: Making a Skip Pass
In this scenario, where a skip pass is made to the two player, the wheel action continues. The five player flashes from the middle to the ball side, the three player fills the spot left by the five player, and the one player fills the spot left by the three player. This creates opportunities for an easy layup or further ball advancement.
Scenario 2: Making a Ball Side Pass
Alternatively, if the pass is made to the one player instead of a skip pass, the wheel action adjusts slightly. The three player cuts down the floor into an open area, and the wheel action continues as before.
Practice Makes Perfect
Breaking the press requires consistent practice. Implement drills that emphasize finding open spots, no-dribble press break scenarios, and the principles outlined in this guide. By instilling these concepts in your players, they will be equipped to break any press thrown their way.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You've now mastered the Wheel Press Break and the essential concepts needed to break the press successfully. Always remember to rip face and ball fake, avoid backward passes, and move together to fill open spots on the floor. By implementing these strategies and perfecting them through practice, your team will confidently navigate full-court presses and emerge victorious. So, get out on the court, put these principles into action, and outsmart your opponents!
Highlights:
- Mastering the Wheel Press Break
- Three Key Concepts: Rip Face and Ball Fake, No Backward Passes, Move Together
- Versatility against Various Presses
- Skip Pass and Ball Side Pass Scenarios
- Emphasizing Practice for Success
FAQ:
Q: Can the Wheel Press Break work against any type of press?
A: Yes, as long as the core concepts are understood and implemented, the Wheel Press Break can effectively break any press, whether it is man-to-man, zone, or a trapping press.
Q: How important is practice in executing the press break successfully?
A: Practice is crucial. Consistent drills that focus on finding open spots, no-dribble press breaks, and the principles outlined in this guide will enhance your team's ability to break the press with confidence and ease.
Q: What if the defense adjusts to the Wheel Press Break?
A: The Wheel Press Break serves as a foundation, but adaptability is key. Coaches should encourage players to read the defense and make adjustments accordingly, such as changing passing angles, utilizing decoy movements, or employing alternative press breaks.
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