Every capable team applies and defeats pressure. That mindset should be default. Here are five drills that we've used towards that end.
Carolina (Sylvia Hatchell drill) ...1 has live dribble but trapped. Trappers, don't get split. Critical for teammates to get open.
3 vs 4 Diamond... press break with disadvantage. Trap the first pass.
Gauntlet (a.k.a. 2 vs 8) ... four layers to defeat. One dribble per catch. Pass and cut well is best strategy. Drill proceeds with defense rotating up and offense going to back quarter of court on defense.
5 vs 7 no dribble. This is my favorite advantage-disadvantage drill, full court 5 against 7 without the dribble. Offense stays on offense for half a dozen possessions and then rotate personnel. If you consistently beat seven players without the dribble, teams find 5 on 5 with the dribble manageable. Almost fifty years ago, this was a staple press-break trainer for our Division 1 Massachusetts sectional championship team. This happened after we lost in overtime to the defending state champion because we struggled against the press.
Lagniappe: "I wanted to learn." Play with emotion not emotionally...
Lagniappe 2: Old, grainy video actions from Rick Pitino
"Great offense is multiple actions." Offset stack, clear, double screen layup.
