How To Break 1-3-1 Press

How to Break a 1-3-1 Press: A Comprehensive Guide for Basketball Players

The 1-3-1 press is a common defensive strategy in basketball, designed to disrupt the opponent's offensive flow and create turnovers. Understanding how to break this press effectively is crucial for any team aiming for offensive success. This guide will delve into various strategies and techniques to help you successfully navigate the 1-3-1 and maintain possession.

Understanding the 1-3-1 Press

Before we discuss breaking the press, let's briefly understand how it works. The 1-3-1 involves one player guarding the inbounder, three players pressing the ball-handler and their immediate passing options, and one player protecting the basket. This creates a trapping situation, aiming to force turnovers through pressure and confusion.

Key Strategies to Break the 1-3-1 Press

Breaking the 1-3-1 press requires a coordinated team effort, quick decision-making, and precise passing. Here are some effective strategies:

1. Early Passing:

• Speed and Accuracy: The key is quick, accurate passes to exploit the gaps created by the press. Hesitation leads to turnovers.
• Target the Weak Side: Look for the open player on the weak side of the court, far from the initial pressure. This often creates an easy outlet pass.
• Timing is Crucial: The timing of your passes needs to be precise to avoid interceptions. Practice makes perfect!

2. Using the Sideline:

• Inbounding Techniques: Utilize different inbounding techniques to avoid the initial pressure. A quick pass to a player positioned near the sideline can be extremely effective.
• Exploiting Angles: Look for angles to create passing lanes along the sideline. The sideline can act as an extra teammate, limiting the defender's ability to intercept.

3. The “Skip Pass”:

• Advanced Strategy: This strategy involves passing the ball across the entire court, bypassing the immediate pressure. It's risky but highly effective if executed correctly.
• Timing and Accuracy: Requires excellent timing and accurate passing to avoid turnovers.
• Requires practice: This pass should be thoroughly practiced to ensure seamless execution under pressure.

4. Using Screens/Pick and Rolls:

• Creating Space: Smart screening can create space for the ball-handler, allowing them to maneuver past the initial pressure.
• Pick and Pop: Utilize pick and pop plays to free up shooters and create more passing lanes.
• Team Coordination: This strategy demands excellent communication and coordination between players.

5. Dribbling Skills:

• Advanced Dribbling Techniques: Advanced dribbling techniques like crossovers and between-the-legs moves help navigate past the initial pressure.
• Protect the Ball: This isn't just about speed, but also about protecting the ball. Maintain control to avoid turnovers.

6. Post Entry:

• Feeding the Post: If your team has a strong post player, consider passing the ball directly to them. Their size and strength can help break the press.
• High-Low Action: Combine a post-entry pass with high-low actions to create mismatches and scoring opportunities.

Practice and Drills

Mastering the art of breaking the 1-3-1 press requires extensive practice and drills. Here are some drills to incorporate into your training:

• Live Scrimmages: Practice breaking the press in live scrimmage situations. This provides a realistic environment to test your skills.
• Passing Drills: Focus on quick, accurate passing drills to improve your speed and precision.
• Inbounding Drills: Practice different inbounding techniques to develop proficiency under pressure.

Conclusion

Breaking the 1-3-1 press is a skill that requires practice, teamwork, and a deep understanding of the opponent's strategy. By focusing on these strategies and drills, you and your team can effectively break the press and maintain offensive control. Remember, consistent practice is key to mastering these techniques. Good luck on the court!