Breaking the full court press

[AdaSooner]

I have a feeling that breaking the full court press will be a priority in practice this week. I was surprised that our kids didn't do a better job of avoiding traps and staying away from high-risk passes that resulted in turnovers. OSU got back in the game by bringing full-court pressure in the second half. Even with Grooms at the point we turned the ball over too much.

Hopefully, Coach Kruger will correct that in practice.

 

[WTSooner]

I didn't like our setup at all. It looked like we only had two guys trying to get the ball up, and the other three were FAR too deep under our rim. The key is to make quick passes will very little dribbling, until you get behind the main part of the press. We couldn't make those passes, b/c there was nobody to pass to. Hard to believe that is the way LK set things up, but it happened that way several times. Once we started breaking the press, it was in part b/c we had that third guy standing at center court.

Should be a relatively easy problem to fix.

 

[opsooner]

I didn't like our setup at all. It looked like we only had two guys trying to get the ball up, and the other three were FAR too deep under our rim. The key is to make quick passes will very little dribbling, until you get behind the main part of the press. We couldn't make those passes, b/c there was nobody to pass to. Hard to believe that is the way LK set things up, but it happened that way several times. Once we started breaking the press, it was in part b/c we had that third guy standing at center court.

Should be a relatively easy problem to fix.

I agree with this but this was also a big problem last year which makes it all the more frustrating to watch. I do think the ankle issues with both Hornbeak and Grooms contributed to the issue but we were also asking them to do too much and putting them in a bad position (as you noted).

 

[WTSooner]

I agree with this but this was also a big problem last year which makes it all the more frustrating to watch. I do think the ankle issues with both Hornbeak and Grooms contributed to the issue but we were also asking them to do too much and putting them in a bad position (as you noted).

True.

I think last year we really didn't have the personnel to be a really good press break team. This year we have much better ball handlers. Just need to get them to settle down, and pass the ball.

 

[garyeb2]

I didn't like our setup at all. It looked like we only had two guys trying to get the ball up, and the other three were FAR too deep under our rim. The key is to make quick passes will very little dribbling, until you get behind the main part of the press. We couldn't make those passes, b/c there was nobody to pass to. Hard to believe that is the way LK set things up, but it happened that way several times. Once we started breaking the press, it was in part b/c we had that third guy standing at center court.

Should be a relatively easy problem to fix.

Even a broken clock is right twice a day. After the UT Arlington game, failing to handle pressure almost got them beat, practice was at 10:00 the next morning.

The problem was not with the two bringing the ball in, but, with the spacing and positioning of the other three.They worked on it hard and long that morning. By noon the problem looked to be resolved.

They have been doing pretty well with it up until yesterday and I was surprised the problem cropped up again. But, they are kids and I'm sure it will be addressed and resolved again.

Getting the ball up court under pressure is Goom's long suit. But, he was obviously hurting yesterday and his quickness wasn't there. Hopefully they can get him some rest and treatment the next few days and get him well. It would be nice if they could get thru Tech without needing him.

 

[AdaSooner]

I didn't like our setup at all. It looked like we only had two guys trying to get the ball up, and the other three were FAR too deep under our rim. The key is to make quick passes will very little dribbling, until you get behind the main part of the press. We couldn't make those passes, b/c there was nobody to pass to. Hard to believe that is the way LK set things up, but it happened that way several times. Once we started breaking the press, it was in part b/c we had that third guy standing at center court.

Should be a relatively easy problem to fix.

Agreed. I also noticed that when a third player did drop back to help, M'Baye was the one who drew the assignment. I get why it's usually best to have someone tall in position to take an outlet pass. I'm just not sure a player who is not known for his handles or his passing is the best option? My choice would be Osby, or perhaps Hield, who plays bigger than his listed size.

 

[CobraKai]

It reminded me of the UTA game. One thing's for sure. They'll have plenty of opportunities to work on it in conference play, because I have a feeling we'll see a lot of it.

 

[WTSooner]

Agreed. I also noticed that when a third player did drop back to help, M'Baye was the one who drew the assignment. I get why it's usually best to have someone tall in position to take an outlet pass. I'm just not sure a player who is not known for his handles or his passing is the best option? My choice would be Osby, or perhaps Hield, who plays bigger than his listed size.

It seemed to work with M'Baye, that I remember, but I agree. Hield would be good there too. Grooms struggled some against the press yesterday, b/c OSU was trapping him with big guys. They weren't trapping him with Forte, or somebody that size. They were trapping him with guards that were 6'3 or taller, and Grooms simply couldn't see. That is another nice thing about having our freshmen guards grow up. With their height, they should, once they understand things, be able to see over such traps.

LK will get it fixed.

 

[boutaroust]

It's true we almost lost the UTA game because of our inability to break the press. Grooms came in to solve the problem...a player some had already relegated to the has-been hard-pine.

I've wondered aloud on this board why opposing coaches haven't tried to capitalize on this weakness more often this season. I had to assume they just don't scout opponents anymore, or maybe they just don't care in regard to OU, thinking they can win anyway. In regards to the latter, I think the team has progressed enough to make most of our future opponents rethink that option.

The same thing happened against OSU, and it's a problem we need to get corrected, or we're going to lose some games which we can't afford to, and/or don't want to lose. Again, one wonders why Ford didn't use the press earlier and more relentlessly.

If Grooms is healthy and in the game, I think he brings the floor talent to break the press if he has the proper support from the other players. Hopefully, it'll get done.

Maybe, CLK can get a late commitment from Marcus Haynes.