What does a "full-court press" refer to?

A "full-court press" is indeed a defensive strategy that involves applying pressure to the opposing team all over the court. This tactic typically begins right after the opposing team inbounds the ball, forcing them to make quick decisions and pass the ball under increased pressure. The goal of a full-court press is to disrupt the opponent's offensive flow, create turnovers, and capitalize on any mistakes due to the intense pressure.

Using this strategy requires coordination and physical conditioning, as players need to be ready to guard opponents closely, communicate effectively, and recover quickly after a missed shot or a turnover. This contrasts with strategies that focus more on defending specific areas of the court, such as just near the basket or within a half-court setup. The timing and positioning involved in a full-court press can often lead to made baskets for the pressing team when executed properly.

In this context, the other options do not accurately depict what a full-court press entails, as they describe different aspects of basketball strategy and game management.