Actually breaking a press.

Things to think about when your opponent is intent on full pressure.

Water polo is a relative of being drowned alive.

The formative experience for most young players is when they come upon an elite team that really knows and trusts its press defense. Offensive players feel like they can’t move without getting hit, checked, or grabbed. When they receive the ball they’re barely able to keep their heads above water, and in many cases, make an ill advised pass that leads to an easy counter opportunity.

A really good press defense plays like they have an intruder in their house.

Everyone is on high alert. Heads are on a swivel and everyone is constantly taking in information as it pertains to the ball position, the player they are marking’s position, and the area around them.