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1-2-1-1 Zone Press
Description

This zone press attempts to force the ball into trap areas on the court where your defense can create turnovers.

The Defense
ANIMATION
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  • Player #4 is positioned in front of the inbounder and should over-defend any pass into the middle of the court. The initial goal is to have the inbounds pass go to either sideline area.
  • Players #1 and #2 start at each foul line extended and must work to stop any penetration to the middle of the court after the inbounds pass.
  • Depending on which side the inbounds is forced to, either player #1 or #2 work with player #3 to force a trap situation along the sideline.
  • The classic trap area is along the sideline or in the corner.
  • Player #3 must be quick to help on the trap and both trapping defenders must smother the ball handler without reaching in for an unnecessary foul.
  • All players not involved in the trap must fill the gaps in the passing lanes.
  • A smart ball handler will see the trap coming and try to get the ball back to the middle of the court. Your gap defenders must anticipate this and be ready to intercept.
  • The players not involved in the trap on the sideline, must position themselves in the passing lanes based on where the ball is trapped. This is key because many times a trapped player will attempt an ill-advised pass across the court and the defense must be ready to intercept.
  • Player #5 may have to "feather" his position and cover more than one passing lane. This player absolutely must stop any pass from going behind him because he is the last defender.
Key Points
  • Teach your players to sprint back on defense when the press is broken.
  • Unless this is an end of game situation where a foul is necessary, stress that a reach in foul while executing a trap is the last thing your players want to do. This only negates the press but may even put the other team on the foul line for some free shots.