Table of Contents
What is the 1-2-2 press defense?
The 1-2-2 press defense is a basketball defensive strategy that features moderate defensive pressure and touchline trapping, particularly in the backcourt or frontcourt, which in turn could limit offensive scoring chances.
What is an advantage of the 1-2-2 press defense?
A particular benefit of the 1-2-2 press defense is that it is essentially a low-risk, high-reward form of press. In other words, like many other types of defensive pressure, the 1-2-2 press defense can implement defensive pressurepress defense.
However, unlike other pressing defenses, the defensive team does not necessarily have to aggressively focus on generating attacks from their defense through turnovers and especially live ball turnovers.
Simply put, the 1-2-2 press defense is more or less a containment press, with the general emphasis on disrupting the offensive team's rhythm and flow and forcing them to execute multiple passes when trying to to break the Press.
It's also those extra passes that could lead to potential turnovers, as each pass increases the likelihood that the offensive team will make mistakes. As mentioned, generating revenue alone isn't necessarily the primary focus of 1-2-2 Press, but it's a welcome addition.
What is a disadvantage of the 1-2-2 press defense?
A general disadvantage of the 1-2-2 press defense is that the defenders have to cover a lot of ground, especially in the backcourt. As such, the 1-2-2 press may not be as beneficial for defensive teams that have less than ideal speed/pace.
What is an example of the starting formation for a 1-2-2 press defense
This is an example of the starting formation for the 1-2-2 press. X3 starts at the top above the three-point line. X1 and X2 start just above the half field line near the extended slots. X4 and X5 start above the three-dot line near the slots in front.
What are the general duties of defenders within the 1-2-2 press defense?
X3's responsibility is to apply initial backcourt defensive pressure, influence the player with the ball near the touchline, and eventually set traps when the opportunity presents itself. Also, X3 could protect the center area of the press at certain times.
The tasks of X1 and X2 are to set traps and cover the middle area of the press. X4's and X5's responsibility is to cover the area near the touchline in advance, protect the basket or set sideline traps in certain cases.
What are examples of the 1-2-2 press defense?
example 1
This is an example of the 1-2-2 press defense that features a possible sideline trap in backcourt. Initially, 1 receives 4's pass. Then X3 influences 1 by defensive pressure to dribble towards the touchline.
Next, X1 steps forward to set a side line trap next to X3. Also, in this case, X2 cuts toward the midfield, limiting the offensive team's opportunities to break the press.
In addition, X4 could deny the potential touchline pass to 3 in the apron, while X5 could fall back to protect the basket as 5 cuts were extended below the apron free throw line.
example 2
This is an example of the 1-2-2 press defense, demonstrating what could happen if the player with the ball tries to avoid the trap by performing a backcourt reverse.
Initially 4 gets the ball from 1 and when that happens X3 should sprint to 4 to apply defensive pressure and sway 4 towards the touchline.
At the same time, X2 should also cut to the sideline to set a trap next to X3. Also, X5 should sprint to the touchline in advance to prevent the possible pass while X4 falls back to protect the basket.
Example 3
This is another example of the 1-2-2 press defense, but this time the 2 and 5 are also in the backcourt. For this scenario, 4 has already received the ball by reversing 1 and immediately afterwards X3 sprints towards 4 to apply defensive pressure.
From that point on, 2 gets the ball from 4 and then X2 and X3 try to set a sideline trap on 2. Also, X1 protects the middle area to prevent the easy pass to 5.
In the frontcourt area, X4 could cover the high post area as there are no offensive players below the extended area of the free throw line. Additionally, X5 could refuse or intercept the pass to 3.
Example 4 – Part 1
This is an example of the 1-2-2 press defense demonstrating a sideline trap in the apron area. Initially, 3 gets the ball from 1, and when that happens, X1 sprints into the forecourt to set a trap next to X4.
Also, X2 covers the middle area, similar to the previous examples, and X5 falls back to protect the basket as a counter against 5 cutting below the free throw line into the extended area near the low post block.
Example 4 – Part 2
For this part of the example, offensive players who were originally in the backcourt now sprint to the frontcourt. Next, X2 could slide over from the high post area expecting 2 to get the ball while X3 continues to cover the middle area.
Also, in this example, X2 shouldn't necessarily commit to denying the corner pass to 2, since 3 could simply counter by throwing the jump pass to 4, and if that happens, 4 would have a potential open jump shot or drive to the basket.
However, if 2 gets the ball from 3, indicated with a gray arrow, X2 could sprint to the closeout on 2, also indicated with a gray arrow.
What are comparable defensive strategies in terms of 1-2-2 press defense
That1-1-2-1 press defenseis a full court press that uses sideline traps to potentially generate revenue. This particular pressing uses defensive pressure in the backcourt, and then the defensive players set up the touchline traps up front, usually near the halfcourt area.
That1-1-3 press defenseis a full court press that uses sideline traps to potentially generate revenue. This particular press starts out very aggressively as the three defenders in the back of the press are pushed towards the half-court line with little to no initial edge protection.
That1-2-1-1 press defense, also known as the Diamond Press, is another full-court press that uses side line traps to generate turnovers. This special press could be implemented by teams with speed, speed and very good physical condition. Also, one difference between this press and the 1-1-2-1 press defense is that the diamond press has sideline traps in the backcourt as opposed to the frontcourt.
That1-3-1 press defenseis a type of basketball defensive strategy that implements traps near the touchline, which in turn could limit offensive scoring chances. A unique feature of this press is that it starts with only one defender in backcourt, while the other defenders usually remain in backcourt.
ThatPress 2-2-1is another full court press defense that includes apron and backcourt touchline traps. This particular press could be good against teams that have average or less than average basketball IQ.
ThatChaos Presseis a variation of the 1-2-1-1 press and was popularized by Coach Shaka Smart, particularly during his tenure as head coach of the VCU Rams men's basketball team.
FAQs
What is 1-2-2 zone defense? ›
A 1-2-2 Zone Defense starts with one player at the top around the top of the key, two players on the wings around the elbow area, and two players just above the low blocks.
What is a 1-2-2 press in basketball? ›The 1-2-2 press defense is a basketball defensive strategy that features moderate defensive pressure and sideline traps, particularly in the backcourt or frontcourt, which in turn, could limit offensive scoring opportunities.
Which zone defense is best? ›The 1-2-2 zone has the advantages of being able to pressure the ball on the outside arc, allow for some trapping, and can be effective against a good outside shooting team (whereas the 2-3 zone is more effective against inside scoring and dribble penetration).
What is the best press defense? ›The Diamond press (also called the 3-1-1 or the 1-2-1-1 press) is suited for all levels of play. The press is designed to force turnovers by speeding up the decision making process of the offense. Your team must have quick players with good instincts for this press defense to be effective.
What defense stops 3 pointers? ›Defending Shooters – The 1-2-2 zone defense is better at defending against the three-point shot that the 2-3 zone is. 2. Fast Break – With the top player in the middle and two wings, the players are in great positions to transition into the fast break if there is a turnover.
How does half court press work? ›By pressing up once the ball crosses half court an extra defender is created behind the offensive players in the half line. This makes traps easier to obtain and by cutting down passing lanes turnovers turn into easy transition layups.