How to Execute a Full Court Zone Press in Basketball

A full-court press can be an effective method to slow down an opponent and create turnovers. In many cases, turnovers from pressing lead to easy baskets. This article focuses on a zone press known as the "Diamond" press.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• 5 Players

How to Get Into Position

1. PLAYER 1 sets up in the middle of the lane area and faces the opponent who is passing the ball inbounds. This player should be tall and quick.
2. PLAYER 2 and PLAYER 3 set up where the free throw line extended meets the 3-point line. These players would typically be your guards.
3. PLAYER 4 sets up around the center circle at half court. This player is typically the most athletic player who is capable of intercepting passes.
4. PLAYER 5 sets up at the other end of the court at the top of the key. This player should be a good defender that can protect the basket.

How to Apply Pressure

5. Allow the opponent to throw the pass into either corner. This is accomplished by PLAYER 1 not allowing a pass into the lane. In addition, PLAYER 2 and PLAYER 3 try to keep their opponents in front of them. It does not matter which corner the pass is thrown. For this article, we will assume that the pass is thrown in front of PLAYER 2.
6. PLAYER 2 waits for the opponent to make a move forward and gets into defensive position to prevent the opponent from going down the sideline. If they are close to the sideline, PLAYER 2 should actually put a foot on the sideline to insure that the opponent cannot get down the sideline.
7. PLAYER 1 quickly moves to the opponent with the ball to form a trap with PLAYER 2. An effective trap will force the opponent to pick up his dribble.
8. PLAYER 3 should move towards the middle of the court to be in position to get a steal if the ball is passed back to the inbounder.
9. PLAYER 4 should be positioned to be able to react to a pass if it is thrown towards half court or across to the other side of the court. It is very similar to the position of safety in football. PLAYER 4 should try to anticipate where the ball might be passed and be ready to steal that pass.
10. Once the opponent picks up their dribble, the entire team yells "Dead." This signals that the opponent cannot advance the ball and must pass it.
11. When a pass is attempted, the team is trying to steal the pass.
12. If the team is unable to steal the pass, the opponent should be guided back to a sideline for another trap and steal attempt.
13. If the team is able to steal a pass, they should quickly drive to the basket to score.

Tips & Warnings

• When in the proper position, the first four players make a diamond shape. This is why it's called the "Diamond" press.
• PLAYER 5 should seize the opportunity to run up and steal a pass, but must be very sure that it can be stolen. If she misses the steal, it will probably lead to an easy layup for the opponent, as there is nobody back to protect the basket.
• In addition to stolen passes, an effective press can lead to other turnovers such as traveling, double dribble or out-of-bounds violations.