The half-court trap is a defensive strategy used in basketball to pressure the offensive team as they advance the ball past the half-court line. In this setup, defenders work together to create a tight formation, often trapping the ball handler between two players. This tactic aims to force turnovers and disrupt the offensive flow. Teams typically employ the half-court trap when they want to increase defensive intensity and create scoring opportunities from mistakes. It requires good communication and teamwork among players, as they must quickly adjust to the movements of the offensive team and anticipate passes to be effective.