Exploiting the Press

[downtown85]

I may be naive but shouldn't a good transition offense team also be good at exploiting the press.  I would think that MU, especially when we play small ball, would be able to relatively easily get to the rim against a defense that is all spread out and not packed in the paint. From my perspective, it looks like Buzz has the team practice "breaking the press" (i.e., getting the ball across the timeline) and not playing to our strength and exploiting it to get a layup.

Are there any basketball experts on this board who have watched our struggles against the press the last few games care offer an explanation why we look so timid (incompetent) against the press?

[mikem91288]

I hate to say this and dont like ragging on individual guys, but we don't quite have the point guard skills to beat a good press. Junior is making strides, Buycks is not a true point. That's my thought. I think the Johnnies were onto something by pressing in the first half. Looks like other teams like PC and Cincy picked up on something there.

[MUfan12]

Cincy gave Buzz the answer key on how to break a press in the second half.

Quick passing, and attacking the middle of the court. Outside of a couple TO's, MU's press never bothered them.

I would have thought a D1 staff would have at least one press break between them, but I'm starting to wonder.

[TJ]

I hate that we never seem to attack the press for quick baskets.  That's the weakness of the press- you're trading a some easy buckets for turnovers and the other things that high pressure causes.  When we pull out and run the offense every time we negate our own advantage and let them have a completely worry free press.

[downtown85]

I hate that we never seem to attack the press for quick baskets.  That's the weakness of the press- you're trading a some easy buckets for turnovers and the other things that high pressure causes.  When we pull out and run the offense every time we negate our own advantage and let them have a completely worry free press.

That is exactly what I am talking about.  We can sometimes beat the other team down the floor on a made basket for a layup (when they aren't pressing) but we can't beat the press?  I think they just need to practice a few plays and it will come.  Everybody will try to press us from here on out.  We should be ready for it and exploit it.

[dgies9156]

That is exactly what I am talking about.  We can sometimes beat the other team down the floor on a made basket for a layup (when they aren't pressing) but we can't beat the press?  I think they just need to practice a few plays and it will come.  Everybody will try to press us from here on out.  We should be ready for it and exploit it.

Hell, ever since Vanderbilt, every one has been using a 2-3 zone against us too. We still haven't figured its out.

As to the press and several of the turnovers, it's called a half-court trap guys and if you make a turnover by being pushed into a corner on either side of the line, you don't belong in Division 1 basketball.