Defensive Pressing 3v3

Instructions

1. 1D1 steps up to press A1 immediately as A1 holds the ball
2. 2A1 escapes the pressure by moving back and passes across to A2 at center
3. 3D2 closes down on A2 while A2 quickly distributes the ball to A3 on the lower side
4. 4D3 presses up to contest A3 who drives forward along the lower wing
5. 5A3 sends the ball back to A2 who has moved into the central shooting zone
6. 6A2 receives and fires a jump shot on goal

Coaching Points

• Close down the ball immediately after it's received — give no time to scan
• Pressing defender keeps outside-foot forward to funnel attacker inside
• Second defender reads the ball-carrier's eyes to anticipate the outlet pass
• Communicate 'press' each time you engage so teammates know to cover passing lanes
• If the press is broken, recover quickly — disorganized retreating defense is more dangerous

Common Mistakes

• Pressing defenders leave gaps between them that attackers exploit with simple passes
• One defender presses too aggressively and gets beaten, leaving a 2v3 behind them
• Defenders do not communicate switches when attackers cross paths
• The press is sustained for too long — defenders tire and lose intensity
• Defenders focus only on the ball and lose track of off-ball attackers