Press Break Offense: Plays to Attack Full Court Pressure

Basic definition

A press break offense in basketball generally consists of set plays that could be used to attack or counter against a press defense, particularly with actions such as quick passes and off-ball cuts, while also creating one or more potential scoring opportunities near the basket or near perimeter areas of the court.

Examples of press offense plays and scoring options

These are example diagrams of press offense plays that features fundamental actions such as passing and dribbling as well as multiple ways to score against a press defense.

Furthermore, it should also be noted that for all of the diagrams, each offensive player is indicated by a number that generally represents one of the standard basketball positions and each defensive player has a correlated number to a similar position that is shown alongside the letter X.

Essentially, 1 and X1 are the offensive and defensive point guards respectively.

2 and X2 are the offensive and defensive shooting guards respectively.

3 and X3 are the offensive and defensive small forwards respectively.

4 and X4 are the offensive and defensive power forwards respectively.

Lastly, 5 and X5 are the offensive and defensive centers respectively.

Press offense play 1

This section includes the first press offense play that comprises two example variations with certain similarities and some minor differences.

This particular play could be possibly favorable for beginners such as youth basketball teams or middle school teams.

Additionally, the example diagrams of this play are based on certain actions within Chapter 10 of the book titled The Baffled Parent’s Guide to Coaching Youth Basketball by David G. Faucher.

Example 1-1: Simple press breaker featuring a few passes

This is an example diagram that showcases a simple basketball play to break a press by executing a few passes as well as dribbling action within the offensive team’s frontcourt area.

In terms of the initial set-up, 3 has possession of the ball, indicated by the black dot, on the out of bounds side of the court behind the baseline adjacent to the offensive team’s backcourt area.

1 and 2 should form a small stack near the free throw line while 4 and 5 set up near the sidelines in the offensive team’s backcourt area.

Next, 1 cuts towards 3 and receives the ball via the inbound pass, shown via the dotted arrow. At the same time, 2 should cut away from 3 to occupy the defense on the opposite side.

Immediately after 1 gains hold of the ball, 3 should quickly step on the inbound side opposite of 1 and sprint quickly towards the team’s frontcourt.

As that happens, 5 should cut toward the middle of the court and receive the ball from 1 while 4 begins to cut towards the basket as well.

Following that, 3 can receive the ball and dribble towards the basket, represented by the arrow with a wavy line.

From there, 4 can receive the ball from 3 and then score via a layup at the rim.

Alternatively, if 4 is not open, then 3 can stop and pop for a mid-range shot.

Example 1-2: Simple press breaker featuring multiple passes and dribble action

This is another variation of the simple press breaking play that features a few passes as well as dribble action.

To start, 1 cuts towards 3 in possession of the ball while 2 cuts away on the opposite side, similar to the previous variation of the play.

However, this time, 2 receives the ball from 3 instead of 1.

Additionally, as that happens, 1 should begin sprinting into the offensive team’s frontcourt adjacent to the sideline.

Next, 4 cuts to the middle of the court and receives the ball from 2.

It should also be noted that 2 can take one or two dribbles toward the adjacent three-point line area to throw the ball at a better passing angle if necessary.

This is demonstrated via the gray arrow with the wavy line as well as the gray dotted arrow.

Following that, 1 should receive the ball from 4 and begin dribbling it towards the basket.

Furthermore, as 1 is dribbling, 5 should run as quickly as possible towards the rim.

From there, 5 can receive the ball from 1 and score near the basket via a layup.

Alternatively, if 5 is not open, then 1 could continue dribbling, indicated by the gray arrow with the wavy line, and score the layup.

1 could also shoot a mid-range jump shot as well if that is feasible.

Finally, if no scoring opportunity is available, then 1 could simply run the team’s set plays or some other basketball offense strategy.

Press offense play 2

This section contains the second press offense play that is more advanced than the first with various passing options to potentially score points, primarily near the basket as well as near perimeter areas of the court as an alternative choice.

Additionally, these example diagrams are referenced from Game-Winning Plays for Special Situations by Jay Wright.

Example 2-1-A: Initial player actions

In terms of the set-up, 2 begins in possession of the ball out of bounds and will execute the inbound pass.

1 starts behind the three-point line near the right sideline within the offensive team’s backcourt, which would also be the left wing area in the opposing team’s frontcourt.

4 starts behind the three-point line, somewhat similar to 1. However, 4 is located at the top as opposed to near the wing or sideline areas.

3 and 5 both begin near the half court area near the left and right sidelines in the offensive team’s backcourt area.

Next, to initiate the actual offensive action, 1 gets open with a small V-cut towards 2, who has possession of the ball.

What’s more, Coach Wright emphasized that 1 should not go lower than the first hash mark near the lane line, which would be slightly below the free throw line.

To give even more clarity of this as it relates to the diagram, 1 should not go approximately lower than the bottom of the dotted semi-circle within the lane that is also below the free throw line.

Coach Wright stated as well that if 1 cuts lower than the first hash mark and immediately receives the ball from 2, then that could lead to a quick trap by the defense.

Additionally, as 1 makes the V-cut, 5 should immediately cut to the rim, mainly to occupy any backside defenders.

Moreover, 5 could potentially catch a long distance pass from 2 while stationed in the frontcourt and then score by way of a layup at the rim.

However, that particular scoring opportunity will typically not be available most of the time.

Furthermore, 3 and 4 should exchange locations on the court; again, this is mainly to occupy the defense.

Following that, after 1 receives the ball, 5 should cut back to the right sideline area in the offensive team’s frontcourt.

As that happens, 3 should cut towards the left sideline in the offensive team’s backcourt, which would also be the right wing area in the opposing team’s frontcourt.

Finally, 2 should step onto the inbound side of the court within the lane area.

In relation to the diagram, this would be between the basket and the dotted semi-circle.

Example 2-1-B: Backcourt to frontcourt passes and scoring options

This portion of the diagram features multiple passes and various scoring opportunities.

Next, 3 should cut towards the middle of the court and receive the ball from 1.

At the same time, 4 should sprint into the frontcourt near the left wing area while 5 also cuts toward the basket.

From there, 4 receives the ball from 3. Immediately after that, 1, 2, and 3 sprint into the frontcourt as well.

Moreover, 2 and 3 should fill the right and left slot areas respectively between the top and the wing areas while 1 cuts to the right side wing, adjacent to where 5 was previously located.

Following that, 5 could receive the ball from 4 and score at the rim via a layup or dunk.

Alternatively, if 5 is not open within the lane area, then 1 could receive the ball from 4 via a skip pass.

From there, 5 could turn and establish position near the right side low post area, receive the ball from 1, and then attempt to score via a low post move.

It should be noted as well that 1 could possibly take a three-point shot as another viable scoring option instead of passing to 5 if that is open.

What’s more, since all offensive players are now in the frontcourt, 1 could also execute the team’s basketball offense strategy if desired.

Example 2-2-A: Counter option when point guard is not initially open

This example diagram demonstrates what could possibly occur when 1 is not able to get open following the V-cut.

In essence, if X1 prevents 1 from receiving the ball, then 1 will simply cut back towards the right sideline area.

At the same time, 3 and 4 will exchange spots while 5 runs to the rim and cuts back to the sideline in the frontcourt; this all being similar to action on a previous diagram.

However, this time, 3 will cut to get open near the three-point line on the left side of the offensive team’s backcourt, which would also be near the right wing area of the opposing team’s frontcourt.

From there, 3 receives the ball and 2 steps onto the inbound side of the court, similar to a previous diagram as well.

Example 2-2-B: Backcourt to frontcourt passes and scoring option

This example diagram showcases three quick passes that could lead to a scoring opportunity at the rim.

What’s more, this particular part as well as the immediate diagram below further assumes that both post players, 4 and 5, have the ability to catch and pass the ball, specifically near perimeter areas of the court.

To start, 1 should cut to the middle and receive the ball from 3. As that happens, 4 should begin sprinting towards the basket as well.

Next, 5 receives the ball from 1 while positioned near the right sideline area. Afterwards, 4 receives the ball from 5 and scores around the rim via a layup or dunk.

Example 2-2-C: Additional counter option when point guard is not open

This example diagram features an alternative passing option from the offensive team’s backcourt to their frontcourt.

Essentially, if 1 cannot receive the ball in the middle, mainly because of denial action by a defender such as X1, then 4 could come back towards the high wing area from the left side low post.

Afterwards, 4 could receive the ball from 3 via the somewhat long distance pass while 5 cuts to the basket.

Following that, 5 could receive the ball from 4 and score around the basket.

Example 2-2-D: Variation counter option when point guard is not open

This example diagram displays yet another alternative passing option from the offensive team’s backcourt to their frontcourt.

Similar to the previous diagram, 1 is not able to receive the ball from 3.

However, this time, instead of 4 cutting back towards the ball, 5 cuts to the right slot area from the right wing area in the frontcourt.

Afterwards, 5 receives the cross court skip pass from 3 while 4 ducks into the lane. Next, 4 could receive the ball from 5 and score around the basket.

Example 2-3-A: Inbound counter option when point guard and small forward are not open

This example diagram showcases an alternative throw-in pass to one of the post players.

Additionally, this particular action could occur after 3 and 4 exchanged and 5 has already sprint towards the basket.

From there, if 1 and 3 cannot get open to receive the inbound pass, primarily due to denial defense by X1 and X3, then 4 could cut to the middle of the court.

Following that, 4 could receive the inbound pass from 2.

Coach Wright also stated that if 4 is tall and athletic, then 2 should try to throw a high air pass over the top of the defense, which then allows 4 to jump high in the air and catch the ball with both hands.

However, if 4 is quick but undersized, then 2 could throw a low and swift bounce pass instead.

Moreover, it should be mentioned that on this type of inbound action in addition to the previous examples, 2 should consider executing a fake pass, especially if there is defensive pressure directly on the ball.

In other words, if 2 is being guarded by an inbound defender, then 2 could fake a low pass before throwing the high air pass or fake a high pass before throwing the low bounce pass.

In either case, as 4 catches the ball, 1 and 3 should sprint towards the frontcourt on their respective sides of the court, which sets up the next part of the play as well.

Example 2-3-B: Backcourt to frontcourt pass followed by center receiving basketball

This example diagram displays a backcourt pass to a player on the right side of the frontcourt.

Specifically, 1 receives the diagonal pass from 4. Afterwards, 1 begins to dribble toward the right side wing area.

In addition, as that happens, 2 and 4 cut towards the right and left slots respectively that are between the top and wing areas of the court.

Furthermore, 3 cuts to the left side wing, which is also on the weak side of the floor.

From there, 5 could receive the ball from 1 and score via a low post move.

Nevertheless, if 5 does not receive the ball, then 1 could run some other type of set play or offensive action as all players are currently in the team’s frontcourt.

Example 2-3-C: Variation of backcourt to frontcourt pass followed by center receiving basketball

This is an example diagram that demonstrates another variation of the backcourt to frontcourt pass.

This time, 3 can receive the ball from 4 as opposed to 1. Afterwards, 3 can begin to dribble towards the left side wing.

As that happens, 4 should cut to the top while 2 and 1 sprint towards the right side wing and right side corner respectively.

Furthermore, 5 should cut across the lane to the strong side, receive the ball from 3 and attempt to score a field goal via a low post move.

Alternatively, 2 or 1 could receive the ball from 5 via a cross court pass and then take a three-point jump shot if that option is available.

Press offense play 3

This section contains the third overall press offense play, which also comprises various passing and scoring options.

Moreover, the example diagrams are derived from Beating Pressure Defenses by Sean Miller.

Example 3-1-A: Point guard gets open via screen alongside quick hitting scoring option

In terms of the initial setup, 1, 2, and 4 are in a horizontal stack near the half court line.

5 is located near the high post area and 3 stands out of bounds near the baseline with possession of the basketball.

To begin, 1 cuts to the ball just inside of the three-point line by way of a screen set by 5.

Following the screening action, 5 immediately runs to the rim.

Next, 5 could receive the long pass from 3 if that is open and quickly score via a layup or dunk.

Otherwise, 1 could receive the ball while 5 moves to the left side low post area and 3 steps inbound near the adjacent basket.

Example 3-1-B: Pass to middle area in backcourt followed by multiple scoring options in frontcourt

This is an example diagram featuring various passes and dribbling action that could lead to a scoring opportunity.

In essence, 2 cuts to the middle of the court while 4 cuts into the frontcourt, particularly near the right corner.

Also, 3 sprints into the frontcourt near the left slot area.

Next, 2 receives the ball from 1 and dribbles it straight ahead into the frontcourt.

Moreover, 1 could cut towards the right side wing area after executing the pass earlier.

Following that, 3 could receive the from 2 and dribble it towards the left side wing area.

From there, 5 could receive the ball from 3 and score via a low post move.

Also, 1, 2, or 4 could also receive the ball from 5 as alternative scoring options, particularly by attacking the rim or taking open jump shots near their respective perimeter locations.

Example 3-1-C: Alternative passing option when shooting guard is not open

This is an example diagram featuring certain action that could be utilized if 2 is not able to receive the ball from 1 after the initial inbound pass.

When that occurs, 4 could receive the ball from 1 and at the same time, 2 could cut directly ahead into the frontcourt.

Next, 2 could receive the ball from 4 and begin to dribble towards the top behind the three-point line.

Furthermore as that happens, 1, 3, and 4 could sprint from the backcourt area to the wings and right side corner respectively.

From that point, 3 could receive the ball from 2 and then throw a post entry pass to 5, who could score near the basket, particularly via a low post move.

Alternatively, 1 could receive the ball from 2, which triggers a flash cut from 5.

After that, 4 could backdoor cut to the basket, receive the ball via the high low pass from 5, and score at the rim.

5 could also take the mid-range shot near the high post area if that is viable as well.

Example 3-1-D: Additional passing option when primary and secondary receivers are not open in the backcourt

This is an example diagram showcasing certain action that could be implemented when the primary middle player as well as the secondary sideline player are not open to receive the ball in the frontcourt.

In essence, let’s say that 2 and 4 cannot get open to receive the ball, mainly because of denial defense by X2 and X4.

If that happens, then 3 should receive the ball from 1 as the pressure release safety.

Afterwards, 1 should cut towards the middle while 2 cuts to the adjacent sideline opposite 4.

Example 3-1-E: 1-3-1 formation

This is an example diagram of yet another method of potentially breaking a press once the player who initially executed the inbound pass gains possession of the basketball.

Essentially, the offensive team is now set up in an offensive 1-3-1 formation.

Therefore, because the players are now spread apart with good spacing across the court, it could be quite challenging for the opposing defense to set effective traps.

However, even if 3 made an error and dribbled towards one of the so-called coffin corners in the backcourt, there could still be an opportunity for 3 to release the pressure by passing the ball to 1, 2, or 4, who would be nearby and ready to receive it.

For this particular example though, 3 is able to dribble directly towards the frontcourt.

Following that action, 4 receives the ball from 3 while 1 continues to move into the frontcourt.

Next, 1 receives the ball from 4 and from that point, 2 could move to the left side wing or left side corner.

Additionally, 4 has the option to cut towards the right side wing, right side corner, or right side low post area.

Also, 3 could fill the left slot area or perhaps the left wing if 2 moved to the left corner.

After all of that transpires, 1 could dribble towards the top and execute the team’s offensive sets or strategies.

Example 3-2-A: Run the baseline option for inbound player

This is an example diagram that showcases another passing option during the inbound scenario, particularly when the player executing the throw-in has an opportunity to run the baseline.

Basically, if 1 cannot get open to receive the inbound pass from 3, mainly due to denial action by X1, then 2 could cut to the free throw line extended area just inside of the three-point arc.

As that occurs, 3 could run the baseline and then throw the inbound pass to 2.

From there, 4 should cut across to fill the spot that was recently vacated by 3.

Moreover, 1 could cut towards the middle of the court near the half court line while 3 fills the spot previously occupied by 4.

Additionally, as all of that action happens in the backcourt, 5 should cut across the lane to the right side low post area in the frontcourt.

Example 3-2-B: 1-3-1 formation

This is an example diagram that shows spread and spacing action to potentially break a press.

Essentially, the offensive team is now set up in the 1-3-1 formation, similar to a previous diagram.

From there, 1 could receive the ball from 2 and then dribble towards the top in the offensive team’s frontcourt area.

Also, as that occurs, 3 could cut to the right side wing, 4 could cut to the left side corner or left side low post area, and 2 could fill the left side wing.

After that, 1 could execute the team’s offensive sets or strategies to ultimately create scoring opportunities.