How to Teach the Full-Court Man-to-Man Press Defense: Run and Jump Breakdown
Setup
Players are assigned defenders in man-to-man matchups.
Press is initiated off both makes and misses.
The team is divided into Row 1 (front line), Row 2 (secondary line), and Deep safety.
Core Responsibilities
Row 1: Closest two players to the ball. One pressures the ball, the other covers the middle. Row 2: Cuts off sideline and secondary outlets. Deep Safety: Prevents fast breaks and protects the rim.
Execution Steps (Missed Shot Example)
Rebound is secured.
Closest player pressures the rebounder.
Second closest player covers the middle gap.
Next two defenders sprint to sideline and deep middle.
Deep safety sprints back to protect the rim.
Key Coaching Points
Everyone must know their man and press role (Row 1, 2, or Deep).
Communication is vital after rebounds.
Keep body positioning between your man and the basket.
Teach players to sprint into gaps.
Stay unpredictable—switch pressure angles.
Full Breakdown for Coaches
Why Teach the Run and Jump Press?
Coach Mike Hilmer uses this system to force tempo, wear opponents down, and create a chaotic rhythm. The full-court press off missed shots is especially powerful because most teams don’t expect pressure without a made basket.
Benefits:
Forces turnovers through chaos
Converts defense into offense
Controls the pace of the game
Tires out opponents
Disrupts set offenses and scout preparation
Communication in the Press
Players must know both their assigned man and press row. Coaches should reinforce verbal cues like:
"Ball!"
"Middle!"
"Sideline!"
"Deep!"
Use whiteboard sessions and walk-throughs to define each player's lane, area, and reaction when the ball is rebounded.
Drills to Reinforce the System
1. 5-on-5 Rebound Press Setup Drill
Simulate a missed shot
Immediate sprint to press positions
Practice closing gaps and communicating
2. Chaos Drill
Throw ball randomly to backcourt
Defenders must identify and trap while others rotate
3. Transition Recognition Drill
Simulate fast breaks with numbered defenders rotating into coverage
Teaching Off Misses
Most presses are designed off makes, but pressing off a miss means:
Faster decisions
Better rebound positioning
More surprise for the offense
Use terms like "Press off the glass" to emphasize attacking immediately after securing a board.
Defensive Traps
Closest two defenders trap the ball
Remaining three defenders fill sideline, middle, and deep positions
If the ball swings, rotate responsibilities quickly
Teach players to cut off retreat dribbles and contain with body, not hands.
Offensive Counter Readiness
If the opponent uses fast break options:
Deep safety must shade toward likely pass receivers
Wings must anticipate sideline drifts and jumps
Front line should rotate on long passes and recover back into help
Advanced Tips
Always end the press with a man-on-man assignment
Teach run-through steals but discourage gambling unless backline is in position
Rotate players frequently to maintain energy
Final Takeaways
The Run and Jump press defense isn't just a tactic; it's an identity. When taught with precision and practiced consistently, it becomes a way to dominate games through effort, pace, and confusion.
Key points to reinforce:
Sprint to press spots off rebounds
Communicate clearly and constantly
Trap decisively and rotate intelligently
Teach recovery after failed traps
The best part? It's fun, energetic, and devastating when executed properly. Add it to your system and watch your team set the tone from tip to buzzer.
