Let’s face it, a press can be a thorn in the side of any coach.

I’ve personally witnessed dozens of games over the years where a team has been up 10-14 points in the second half, only to get beat because they couldn’t handle their opponent’s press.

Presses can EASILY give offenses 8-10 point runs in the blink of an eye.

So how do you combat that as a coach?

Our press break expert, Coach Mike Tartara, provides 5 must-dos to make sure you never lose a game simply because your team couldn't handle a press.

What qualifies Coach Tartara as a press break expert? Early in his career, Coach Tartara’s teams commonly faced great presses. 

And they faced teams with elite athleticism.

That didn’t faze Coach Tartara. 

Adapt or die. 

So he adapted.

And since installing his Press Break system, check out some of the success he and the team has had:

• Back-to-Back Coach of The Year Awards (‘23-’24)

• 104-39 record

• Regional Finals Championship

• Now the winningest coach in school history

5 Ways To Guarantee Success Against Pressure

You may not know when, but you do know that you will see pressure from opponents. Some teams use presses all season, while others slap a press on come tournament time to try to steal a win.

Don’t be caught off guard. Use the tips below to guarantee a positive outcome against any pressure you see!

1. Stay In Attack Mode & Make It Disappear

   Ok, that sounds kind of obvious, but it is probably the best way to get teams out of their press.

   Yeah, some teams are going to press 24/7 because that’s what they do. You should be prepared for those teams because you know they are going to press, and you probably know the exact press you’ll see.

   But how about the teams that don’t press the entire game?

   I can almost guarantee you that if you can attack and score a couple quick buckets, the press will disappear.

   How do you make sure your team attacks the press? It starts in practice!

   You must make scoring off the press a priority in practice–that mindset has to be locked in so it carries over to gametime.

   And you must have a press break system that has players cutting and attacking downhill.

   Players should look to advance the ball with passes up the floor to create numerical advantages such as 3-on-2s and 2-on-1s. And when you have these advantages, players should decisively attack the rim!

   Being safe and just trying to get the ball across half-court is fine, but it definitely won’t get your opponent to stop pressing.

2. One System = Timesaver

   There is not sufficient time to install a different press break system for every type of press you may face.

   Your press break system should be a universal one that can attack all presses.

   Not only will this save you time in practice, but it gives your players much more confidence because they will be more prepared each time they face a press.

   For example, Coach Tartara’s press break system can be run against:

   • Zone Presses

   • Man-to-Man Presses

   • Full-Court Presses

   • Three-Quarter Court Presses

   • Half-Court Presses

   Small details may change… but it is the same concepts, actions, and movements against all presses. It is one of the reasons his teams have been so successful against presses. They ALWAYS know what they are doing!

   Pro Tip: Coach Tartara labels all of his positions. By having a clear name for each position on the court. Players are better able to understand the spots to fill and communicate with teammates.

   

3. Inbound Solution - Something Up Your Sleeve

   It is essential to have a sound plan for inbounding the ball against pressure. Many close games are decided by late turnovers on inbounds plays.

   Coach Tartara shares a proven set he has successfully used at the end of games.

   Below is a set with a couple of variations.

   Coach Tartarta refers to it as “ Football.” It works because it gives teams a look they haven’t seen before.

   Football - Triple Slant & Drag

   • The three players on the right run a slant pattern.

   • The player on the left runs a drag pattern and receives the pass.

   • The offense clears out for the ball handler.

   
   
   

   Football - Twins X

   • Both sets of players cross over each other to get open.

   • Player 3 receives the pass.

   • Player 1 steps in, ready to receive the swing pass.

   

   The options out of the Football Set are endless. If your opponent hasn’t seen you run this before, you’ll likely catch them completely off guard!

4. Drills To Pressure Proof Your Team

   Practices should include intentional drills designed to prepare your team for pressure. These drills must consistently place the offense–and especially the ball handler–under game-like stress.

   A few categories include:

   • Disadvantage Ball Handling Drills (bringing the ball up court 1v2 or 2v3 situations)

   • Ball Toughness Drills (drills where the offense has no dribbles and the defense is aggressive, reaching and slapping at the ball). The Pressure Passing Drill below is one example.

   • Decision Making vs. Double Teams (trapping drills with a numbers advantage for the defense)

   • Game Contact Drills (drills where the defense is making lots of contact with the offense and trying to disrupt them by being physical)

   

   Not only will drills like this help your players against any press they face, but they will also benefit them against any defense that is a tough, physical, half-court defense.

5. Randomize Pressure In Practice

   Don’t simply have a 10 minute slot on your practice that says “Press Break Work”. Once you’ve installed your press break system, randomize this work in practice.

   Anytime you are scrimmaging or working transition offense or defense, have one team randomly throw on a press.

   Try to do this as “quietly” as possible. Maybe it is an assistant coach who is working with one of the teams who lets them know when to press.

   However you choose to do this, try to do it in a way that catches your team by surprise.

   This will force your players to:

   • Get into their press break on the fly

   • Communicate with each other

   • Execute in a stressful situation

   It may be ugly the first time or two you do this, but they will get better the more frequently you do this. And ultimately, it will help them not get caught off guard during a meaningful game!

Building A System To Handle Any Press

As a coach, it is your job to help make sure your team is prepared for any situation. Coach Tartara has been using the philosophy above to successfully dismantle presses for years. Follow his formula to punish teams who press!

If you want to dive deeper into beating any press, including:

• A Complete Press Break System

• Pressure Drills

• Inbounds Sets vs. Pressure

Reminder: the NEW Coach Tartara Press Break Mastery product will drop Tuesday, Feb. 17th at www.Breakthroughbasketball.com

Check out The Press Break Mastery System by Coach Mike Tartara.

Comments Most Likes First   Oldest First   Newest First

Leave a Comment Name : Email (not published) : Eight minus four is equal to?  (Prevents Spam) Answer :  Load New Question Comments : Leave this Blank :