1. Is it more important to get the ball in quickly or to set up your press break? This is very much an individual coaching decision. Generally, I believe in that "Golden Moment" when the defense is not organized and can be beaten early. If that is the case, having a designated inbounder is less important.
2. Space the floor. When the defense chooses to defend the whole court, give them the chance. We want to play fast, so our mindset is "let's play fast."
3. Attack with the pass...short, quick passes to open areas. After getting you to hold the ball, the defense wants you to dribble, preferably with non-dominant hands and non-dominant players. The especially want to create the 'dead dribble'. The easiest passes to steal are the L's - long or lobs.
4. Look to establish triangles. We practice "no dribble full court" and "no dribble advantage-disadvantage" (e.g. 5 on 7 or 5 on 8) to simulate the press.
5. Play under control and read the defensive intent. Will they continue to trap, demanding quick adjustments or do they retreat to a more passive defense (allowing you to establish your offense)?
6. Have an 'early offense' to get a 'reasonable quality' shot. If the defensive intent is to lengthen the game, overcome a deficit, or force poor quality shots, don't oblige. Impatience plays into their hands.
