I recently attended a game between a Run and Jump Press team that was playing on the road against an undefeated State Championship contender.
The state contender immediately started banging shots and played tough halfcourt defense, putting (20) points on the board in the first five minutes. It was an absolute clinic. The Run and Jump team kept pressing and rotating. Then something interesting happened. All of a sudden, shots were not falling, the turnover count started rising, and even layups were being missed. To finish the half, the state contender would only score (13) points in the last thirteen minutes. In other words, they were a bit stressed, sped up, and rattled. It was a clear demonstration of the potential in the Run and Jump Press. It was extremely fun to watch the battle.
The Run and Jump Press Team was-
- Causing Some Chaos and Stress…
- Creating Some Fatigue…
- Limiting the Fouls…
- Limiting Easy Scores…
- Rebounding the Misses…
The question I always pose to coaches. When you are playing a team that is very good, and you are scheming an attempt to upset them, you have choices. You can SLOW THEM DOWN and limit their possessions by playing zone and holding the ball, OR you can BE THE AGGRESSOR and make them do things they are not used to doing. IT IS YOUR CHOICE! There is NO WRONG ANSWER! I simply ask this question. What would your fans and parents and players enjoy doing and watching?
One More Thought Coaches. In terms of development. Which style or system will develop your players more quickly. What will make you better and deeper in the long haul as you try to develop a CULTURE OF TOUGHNESS!
COACH EDDIE ANDRIST 