In describing our diamond press positions, we will begin with the person on the ball (X4) and work our way down the floor towards our opponent’s basket. (Diagram 2 and Diagram 3 are identical)

#4 – In our system our 4 person is usually a good athlete who is one of our better rebounders. Since #4 is usually around the basket area every time a shot is taken we have our 4 person guarding the player taking the ball out of bounds. X4 will begin by applying high hand pressure to discourage the long entry pass. At the same time X4 is encouraging an entry pass to either corner in the backcourt. When the ball is passed to the corner, X4 will form the inside of the trap with X2 or X3.

#2 – is on the left side of the defense, covering the area from the free throw line extended to the baseline. X2 will also encourage an entry pass to the corner, but must discourage any pass to the middle of the floor or the lane area. If the ball is entered to X2’s side of the floor, X2 will form the trap with X4. If the ball is entered on X3’s side of the floor, then X2 becomes responsible for any pass back toward the middle of the floor.

#3 – is on the right side of the defense, covering an area from the free throw line extended to the baseline. X3 will also encourage an entry pass to the corner, but must discourage any pass to the middle of the floor or the lane area. If the ball is entered on X3’s side of the floor X3 will form the trap with X4. If the ball is entered on X2’s side of the floor then X3 becomes responsible for any pass back toward the middle of the floor.

#1 – covers the area from the free throw line extended to halfcourt looking to intercept the long entry pass or the next pass up the floor out of the trap. X1 reads the offense and tries to anticipate where the next pass will be made. Also, X1 has the responsibility of protecting the basket until X5 is able to get back on defense. X1 stays back until X5 passes him.

#5 – The main responsibility of X5 is to protect the basket and not allow a lay-up off of the press. Since X5 is our best offensive post player and will be around the basket when the shot is taken, X5 must first go to the boards and then get back on defense. This is why we want X1 back to protect the basket until X5 pases him.