Handling Pressure

Solid teams apply and handle pressure. Here are approaches I've found useful as a player and coach. 

To defeat pressure, practice against pressure daily. Strong opponents  always test your mettle with pressure. 

"Advantage-disadvantage" 

- 5 versus 7 full court, no dribble 

- 3 versus 4 full court, vary the four in 2-2 and 1-2-1 setups, simulates 2-2-1 and "diamond" presses

Both have value, but 5 versus 7 is transformative. 

3 versus 5 half court trap

One key is keeping the other guard behind, which allows a quick pass to frustrate the trap.

Gauntlet

Each "catch" the ball handler gets one dribble as a team of two navigates the entire length of the court. Offense rotates to the back level of defense in the drill.

 
Manmaker

Lagniappe. After speed, hesitation is the primary "same side" separation dribble. Hesis, crossovers, and combinations belong in your arsenal. 

Lagniappe 2. Untold: Operation Flagrant Foul. The story behind the Tim Donaghy story. Sad and sickening.