In order to make the pressure play work is necessary that all the attacking players actually are a threat to the defense. A player performing a piston movement against the defender, receives the ball and looks at the next teammate in the attacking line in order to make a perfect pass to him, does not give the defender the impression that the attacking player is dangerous. Consequently the defender can focus on the next attacking player and the intention with the pressure is lost. Of course such a pass can be used with a change of direction and a break through at the opposite side of the passing direction. This trick however is not included in these exercises.

As mentioned the pressure against the defense must be threatening and the passes to the next player in the pressure must be fast and precise - normally slantwise backwards and - if possible - by using the hand most close to the teammate. If a pass comes too close to the defense there will be a risk of interception. The pass must be made just before the defender comes in contact with the attacker.

Depending what must be gained the pressure is put on the left or the right side of each defender, which will force the defense to move to that side. If a defender must move far to defend there will be a gap between the defender and the next defending player. That gap must be closed when the next attacker comes in and if the first defender is not able to release his attacker, the next defender in the line must close the gap. That will open an even wider gap next to him and so on.

The ball must be received by the next player while running very fast against the gaps. If the players receives the ball standing or jogging the value of the pressure will be lost.