As the season gets underway, you are no doubt implementing your defensive systems and strategies.

Most teams have some sort of press in their repertoire... that they may use, occasionally.

Here are 7 reasons you may want to consider using pressure defense more each game (or even pressing the entire game!):

• Play More Kids - Playing time is always an issue. Pressing requires you to play more players. It also allows less skilled players to make an impact.
  
  In a press, players can make up for some skill deficiencies with relentless effort. Subbing players in and out frequently keeps them fresh and allows them to play at max effort. The bottom line, pressing creates better team morale since more players get to play and feel like they are contributing to the team (and this doesn't hurt with parents as well).
• More Exciting - In today's world, there are so many things competing for kids' time. This has led to fewer kids playing sports. One way you can retain more good athletes is by playing an exciting style.
  
  Pressing does just that. It's fun and fast. Players and fans will be attracted to the style, bringing better athletes and more attention to your program.
• Uniqueness - There is value in zigging where others zag. Because most teams don't press, you become harder to prepare for if you do. This gives you a leg up on your competition. Your team becomes unique and forces opponents to prepare for more!
• Wear Down Your Opponent - I can't tell you how many games I've coached where we've pressed and after the 1st quarter the score is 24-22. At halftime, we were up 10. By the end of the 3rd quarter, it's 20.
  
  Pressing has a cumulative effect. Because other teams aren't used to the pace and don't sub as much, you can wear them down. As the game goes on, you start to pull away. Make your superior conditioning your ally!
• Create More Skilled Players - If you press every day in practice, your players' passing and ball handling will improve.
  
  By going against your pressure every day, players get more reps passing and dribbling under duress. That leads to better game time performance.
• Generate Easy Offense - Scoring can be hard. Pressing creates a bunch of transition opportunities for your team. These should result in quality scoring opportunities.
  
  Yes, your opponent will get some transition opportunities too. However, they won't have practiced them as much as you because they don't play at your pace. Additionally, because of the fatigue factor, you'll be able to run for 4 quarters, while they'll start to wear down.
• Minimizes Scouting - When you press, the game becomes about players and not plays. This means you don't need to spend nearly as much time scouting, as you aren't allowing your opponent to 'run their stuff.'

That means you can spend more time on making your players better!

Press Your Way To Success

Pressing is fun for your players and frustrating for your opponents. It's a great feeling when you see your opponent ready to quit because they can't take 1 dribble without it being contested.

Almost all teams HATE BEING PRESSED!

To learn how to press effectively from a 3X State Champion coach, check out The Relentless Pressure System With Mike Hilmer.

What do you think? Let us know by leaving your comments, suggestions, and questions...

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