Press Defense

Match-up Press Buildup

How to run Match-up Press Buildup — a full-court press you can teach frame by frame and take to your next practice.

Online Basketball Playbook · Published May 30, 2026 · 2 min read
Match-up Press Buildup — frame 1 diagram
Starting alignment (1 offense, 1 defense)
Match-up Press Buildup — frame 2 diagram
1 cuts to the left low post; 2 cuts to the right low post
Match-up Press Buildup — frame 3 diagram
1 cuts to the right low post; X1 cuts to the free-throw line; 2 screens near the free-throw line
Match-up Press Buildup — frame 4 diagram
X2 cuts to the left perimeter
Match-up Press Buildup — frame 5 diagram
2 cuts to the right low post; 4 passes to 2
Match-up Press Buildup — frame 6 diagram
Frame 6
Match-up Press Buildup — frame 7 diagram
X1 cuts to the left perimeter; 1 cuts to the left perimeter

Use Match-up Press Buildup to organize your rotations and build pressure across the full court against a match-up press. Your guards use staggered cuts and a screen at the free-throw line to create passing lanes and free your four to push the ball ahead. The sequenced movement keeps defenders occupied so your inbounder always has an outlet.

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