How to Break a 1-3-1 Full Court Press
Breaking a 1-3-1 full court press is a crucial skill for any basketball team looking to gain an advantage on the offensive end. This aggressive defensive scheme, often used by teams like the Miami Heat, can put immense pressure on the ball handler and force turnovers. In this article, we will discuss various strategies and techniques to effectively break a 1-3-1 full court press and maintain offensive flow.
1. Communicate and Set Screens
Communication is key when facing a 1-3-1 full court press. Players must be aware of their teammates’ positions and movements to create effective passing and screening opportunities. Here are some tips for setting screens:
– Set screens early in the play to free up your teammates and create passing lanes.
– Use multiple screens to keep the defense guessing and disrupt their communication.
– Make sure screens are set at an angle that allows the defender to recover to their man after the screen.
2. Use Quick Pivots and Cuts
Quick pivots and cuts can help break down the 1-3-1 full court press by creating passing lanes and opening up space for your teammates. Here are some techniques to consider:
– Pivots: After catching the ball, quickly pivot to the basket to create a passing angle for your teammates.
– Cuts: Make sharp, unexpected cuts to draw defenders away from your primary passing options and create open shots.
3. Ball Handling and Passing
Good ball handling and passing skills are essential when breaking a 1-3-1 full court press. Here are some tips to improve your offensive capabilities:
– Keep the ball low and dribble with purpose to avoid picking up the dribble.
– Look for the open man and pass the ball quickly to avoid turnovers.
– Use cross-court passes to avoid the press and create scoring opportunities.
4. Use the Post
Utilizing the post player can be an effective way to break a 1-3-1 full court press. Here are some strategies to consider:
– Post up on the weak side to draw defenders away from your primary passing options.
– Use screens to free up the post player and create scoring opportunities.
– Look for the post player’s moves and finishes around the basket.
5. Keep the Pressure On
Don’t let the defense settle into their 1-3-1 full court press. Keep the pressure on by:
– Moving the ball quickly and maintaining offensive flow.
– Pressuring the defense with aggressive defense and constant ball movement.
– Creating turnovers and transition opportunities to exploit the press.
By incorporating these strategies and techniques, your team can effectively break a 1-3-1 full court press and maintain offensive dominance. Remember, communication, quickness, and ball handling are key components to overcoming this challenging defensive scheme.
