What Does Break the Press Mean in Basketball?
Break the press is a basketball term used to describe a strategy employed to break an opponent’s press defense. The goal of breaking the press is to create an open court and quick transition to offense. This strategy is often used by teams that are looking to capitalize on their speed and athleticism.
In the game of basketball, a press defense is when a team aggressively guards the ball handler, usually in full court, in an effort to force a turnover and gain possession of the ball. A press defense can be extremely difficult to break, so teams must have a plan in place for how to do it.
Defining Break the Press
The term “break the press” is used to describe the strategy used to break an opponent’s press defense. This strategy can include a variety of tactics such as passing and dribbling. The goal is to create an open court and quick transition to offense.
Using Speed and Quickness
Teams that are looking to break the press defense must use their speed and quickness to their advantage. This means that ball handlers must be able to dribble quickly and accurately, and all players must be able to move quickly up and down the court.
How To Break the Press
There are several strategies teams can use to break the press:
- Passing: One strategy is to quickly pass the ball to a teammate who is open. This can be done by using a “skip pass” or a “baseball pass”.
- Dribbling: Another strategy is to use dribbling to break the press. This can be done by quickly dribbling through the press defense and/or using quick changes of direction.
- Screening: Teams can also use screening to break the press. This can be done by setting a pick for the ball handler, which can create space for them to either pass or dribble.
- Transition Offense: Once the press defense is broken, teams can quickly transition to offense. This can be done by having players sprint up the court and quickly move the ball to the open player.
Benefits of Breaking the Press
There are several benefits of breaking the press:
- It can create an open court, which can lead to easy baskets.
- It can create fast break opportunities, which can lead to easy transition baskets.
- It can lead to a higher tempo of play, which can be beneficial for teams that have speed and athleticism.
- It can lead to increased scoring opportunities.
- It can lead to increased confidence in ball handlers and the team as a whole.
Drawbacks of Breaking the Press
Although breaking the press can be beneficial, it can also be risky. If done incorrectly, it can lead to turnovers, which can be costly. Additionally, it can be difficult to break the press if the defense is well-organized and the players are not moving quickly enough.
Tips for Breaking the Press
When trying to break the press, it is important to remember the following tips:
- Communicate with teammates and be aware of the court and who is open.
- Be decisive when passing or dribbling and keep your head up.
- Stay in control of the ball and move quickly but under control.
- Be aware of the opponents and their press defense.
- Practice the strategy in practice to become comfortable with it.
- Be prepared to transition quickly to offense when the press is broken.
Conclusion
Break the press is a basketball term used to describe a strategy employed to break an opponent’s press defense. This strategy can include a variety of tactics such as passing and dribbling. The goal of breaking the press is to create an open court and quick transition to offense. Teams must use their speed and quickness to their advantage and be aware of the opponents and their press defense. By following these tips and practicing the strategy in practice, teams can be better prepared to break the press defense and capitalize on the opportunities created by it.