2-2-1 Press Variations

The first press style that we are going to look at today is the common 2-2-1 press.  This is one of my favorite presses because there are so many different things that you can do within it to cause problems for teams.  Some coaches will use it as a means to simply slow teams down by means of containment looking only to get long lazy passes.  Other coaches will use it as a very aggressive style to trapping and causing turnovers.  There are a number of coaches who are known for using a 2-2-1 variation press.  We will take a brief look at some of these coaches.

Jim Calhoun 2-2-1 Press

Vance Walberg 2-2-1 Press

Dave Leitao Attacking 2-2-1 Press

Tom Moore 2-2-1 Press

Andy Landers 2-2-1 Press

John Kresse 2-2-1 Press

As you review these resources, you will find some common elements between them as well as some noticeable differences.  Hopefully you will find something that you can use, even if it is just a teaching point, concept or drill.

Validating a Win

Even though I am not a DDA / DDM coach, I really appreciate Vance Walberg's belief in his system.  He is very maticulous to details and has use statistical analysis to validate his program philosophy.  One of the practice techniques that he uses that we stole and use in our own program is "Validating a Win."  When we do competitive drill work, we will have the winning team validate the win with a free throw.  If the winning team misses the free throw, they lose and have to do some sort of conditioning.  If they make the free throw, they still win and the losing team has to do conditioning. 

Vance Walberg Drills

Here are some intense pratice drills that Vance Walberg uses daily in his practices.  Each of these drills teach transition offensive and defensive concepts.  Even if you don't run a DDA/DDM style offense, you can adapt them to fit your style of play.

Scramble Drill
Texas 22
Texas 111
Cardinal