Dan Rolfes: The Run & Jump Trapping Defense

The Run and Jump defense is designed to keep constant pressure on teams in the full and half court. Teams can use their quickness to gain an advantage and force opposing squads to play 94 feet of offense.

As one of the most successful basketball coaches in Missouri high school basketball history, Dan Rolfes has utilized the Run and Jump defense to create pressure on his opponents and force them to play at a pace they are not normally comfortable playing. His six Missouri State Championships demonstrate the success he has at commandeering the Run and Jump philosophy.

Coach Rolfes gives you everything you need to know to set up an aggressive and successful Run and Jump trap defense, from recovery when beat middle to pressuring the in-bounder to get a quick turnover. He provides breakdowns for drills and conditioning to keep your team pressuring when the opponent gets fatigued.

Run and Jump Breakdown Drills

Coach Rolfes demonstrates nine breakdown drills that start from a basic 1v1 zig-zag and build into 5v5 variations of the Run and Jump. By jamming the ball handler with pressure defense, players are able to force sideline and get as many turns as possible, allowing your help side defense to come up behind and create a trap without the awareness of the offense.

This trapping mentality carries over into 2 on 1 coral, 2v2, 3v3, 4v4, and 5v5 full court. You can incorporate your defensive principals into the Run and Jump defense with simple little tweaks. Coach Rolfes demonstrates how to trap up the sideline, jump switch in the open court, and face guard to deny ball handlers from escaping your pressure.

When the drills reach 5-on-5, Coach Rolfes shows how to put it all together and create a solid defensive front, with traps and proper rotations if the offense can escape the trap. This video also includes Coach Rolfes' techniques for recovering from behind the ball and restoring pressure.

Run and Jump Variations

Rounding out Coach Rolfes' on-court demonstrations, he shows you two variations of the Run and Jump defense depending on the situation your defense has created. In 4v4 changing presses, players develop a sense of urgency as they wait for the coach to pass to one end of the floor, establishing who is going to start the press. This is an outstanding drill that teaches players to communicate, commit and rotate without fear of getting beat.

Coach Rolfes lays out a foundation for full court pressing your opponent. His drills teach players to become individual pressuring machines on defense. Opponents will dread playing you at home or on the road as they'll have to spend lots of time preparing for your pressure defense.

Produced at the Fall 2013 St. Louis (MO) clinic.

59 minutes. 2016.