with A.W. Hamilton
Eastern Kentucky University Head Coach;
2024 Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN) Regular Season Champions;
2024 ASUN Coach of the Year;
2024 NABC District III Coach of the Year;
2020 Ohio Valley Conference Coach of the Year;
2020 NABC District XVIII Coach of the Year;
NC State Assistant Coach from 2017 to 2018;
Hargrave Military Academy Head Coach from 2011 to 2017;
2016 National High School Champions;
2x National Prep Coach of the Year (2012, 2016);
3x East Regional Coach of the Year (2014, 2015, 2017);
2017 Hargrave Military Academy Basketball Hall of Fame;
Hargrave Military Academy Assistant Coach from 2006 to 2011;
2008 National High School Champions;
Played college basketball for Wake Forest and Marshall
Full-Court Pressure, Full-Time Problems: Install the Run & Jump Press with A.W. Hamilton
Bring full-court chaos to your program with 2024 ASUN Coach of the Year A.W. Hamilton, whose aggressive, up-tempo style has made Eastern Kentucky one of the toughest teams to prepare for in the country.
In this high-energy, on-court video, Coach Hamilton shares the drills, teaching points, and defensive philosophies that power his Run & Jump Press-a full-court system designed to trap, scramble, and convert turnovers into momentum-changing runs.
Defensive Foundation:
Hamilton begins with on-ball pressure drills that build toughness, agility, and anticipation. Learn how to develop aggressive defenders using:
- Slide Slide Sprint Sprint - Lateral quickness with transition recovery
- Tough Catches - Pressure the ball and deny entries with physicality
Master the Trap:
The core of the Run & Jump system is timely, intelligent trapping. Coach Hamilton teaches:
- Automatic trap zones like the deep corner and sideline
- How to trap from behind and rotate into chaos-creating closeouts
- Techniques to disguise traps and bait ball-handlers into mistakes
Beating the Press Break:
Adaptability separates good press teams from great ones. Learn how to handle common press-break alignments:
- Adjusting vs. 1-3-1 and box formations
- Maintaining pressure and continuity with Situational Pressing concepts
Scramble & Recovery:
Even the best pressure defense breaks down-what matters is how you respond. Hamilton includes drills like:
- 5-on-4 Scramble - Communicate, rotate, and cover for each other
- Tip From Behind and Cover Down Box Outs - Techniques for regaining control and finishing possessions
Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to upgrade your current press, this video provides a complete framework to install a relentless defensive identity. Coach Hamilton gives you the tools to turn defense into your team's most dangerous weapon.
74 minutes. 2025.
