How to get better in the post basketball

How to Post Up in Basketball (12 Tips to Dominate Inside)

There aren’t many effective low post players in today’s game.

Players who you can throw the ball to down low and know they’re going to make a move or two and get a quality shot for themselves or a teammate.

It’s a rare skill.

And here’s one of the main reasons why posting up has become a uncommon skill:

Most coaches aren’t teaching the post up anymore.

And for the few who are, they’re not teaching the small, important details.

It’s been a long time since I walked into a gym and seen coaches teaching their players how to post up effectively and score on their opponent.

I love the ‘three-pointers and layups’ philosophy, but there are many times throughout a game where a player will switch onto a smaller, weaker defender but they don’t know how to take advantage of it in the post.

This needs to change.

Here are 12 tips to improve your post up game in basketball. ..

1. Be Able to Finish With Both Hands

If you’re only able to finish with your preferred hand, your scoring options are limited by 50%.

Defenders will be able to force you away from your preferred hand knowing that you don’t have the skills to score with your opposite.

For example, if you can only shoot the jump hook right-handed, the defender will force you left knowing you won’t be able to finish with your left hand.

Even if you fake right and step through for a layup, your shot will get blocked if you can’t switch to your left hand to use your right arm for protection.

But...

If you can score with either hand, the defender will be forced to play you straight up.

This opens up a wide range of scoring options, allows you to use many different fakes, and will certainly improve your post up scoring.

2. Always Know Your Distance

The distance away from the basket you catch the basketball will determine which post moves you should use and how quickly you should attempt to score.

For example…

If you catch close the basket, a quick spin or quick jump hook will give you the best chance of success.

But if the defender has forced you to catch two steps off the low block (midrange area), it’s probably better to ace up to your opponent and then attack off the drive or shoot a clean bank shot off the glass.

See how different distances call for different post moves?

You must understand which post moves best suit your game and which distances from the rim they’re best used at.

Don’t worry…

We’ll go through this in detail later on.

3. Figure Out The Opponent’s Game Plan

After one or two possessions down the court, you should have a good idea of how the opposition is defending you in the low post.

• Are they playing behind?
• Are they fronting the post?
• Are they forcing you left?
• Are they giving you space to face up?
• Are they playing physical?

These are all questions that you must answer early in the game so you can adjust.

For example, if you’re a tall player and they’re fronting the post, your best option may be to allow them the front position and then receive a simple lob pass over top to score.

Understanding what they’re doing will allow you to work out how to counter their game plan.

4. Make the Jump Hook Your Go-To Move

In my opinion, every player needs to make the jump hook their bread-and-butter, go-to post move whenever they’re deep in the paint.

It’s quick, it’s difficult to defend, and many post moves finish with a jump hook.

All you’ll need to do is:

• Catch
• Turn
• Score

If you have good technique, your off-hand will protect the basketball from getting blocked.

And as said at the beginning of the article, you must be able to finish this move with both hands from a close distance around the rim.

5. Master Your Post Moves Footwork

All of the best post players have elite footwork.

Here I’m going to point the two best of all time and then show you a few videos of them.

a. Hakeem Olajuwon

Hakeem possessed a wide range of fakes and spins which would leave his defenders confused as he consistently ended up with wide open layups.

His most famous post move being the ‘Dream Shake’.

Video below:

b. Kevin McHale

Just like Hakeem, Kevin had a wide range of post moves to dominate defenders.

His go-to being the up-and-under which I’ll break down later in the article.

Video below:

6. Slow Down

Players have a tendency to rush their post moves when they catch the basketball on the low block or close to the basket.

This can lead to bad decisions and poor shots.

Of course, sometimes it is important to use a quick spin to score…

But if the defender is in position, understand you do have time to slow down, assess the situation, and then make your move.

• How is the defender guarding you?
• Are they sending another defender?
• Who’s open?

Being patient on the low block will result in better decisions and increased scoring from your post moves.

7. Be Able to Pass Out of the Post

Once you become a player who can score consistently in the low post, the defense will have no choice but to double team you to prevent you from scoring.

This opens up opportunities for your teammates...

But only if you can make an effective on-target pass to them.

A great player on the low post can whip a pass across court to an open teammate on the opposite wing or drop a small bounce pass off to a teammate cutting to the hoop.

Your first look must be to score, but be ready (and able) to find your teammates.

8. Achieve Good Low Post Position Early

The first step to getting the best low post position for you is to determine two things:

1. Which position do you score best from?
2. Who is guarding you?

You must understand this…

‘Good low post position’ doesn’t necessarily mean as close to the basket as possible.

If you’re playing against a player 4 inches taller than you and your best post move is to face up and attack, then your best post position might be catching it two steps off the low block.

Everyone’s different.

Look to get the basketball in the position you perform best in and feel the most comfortable.

9. Embrace (and Love) Contact

When you’re playing in the low post, there’s going to be a lot of contact.

Which means you have two options:

1. Avoid contact by refusing to attack your opponent and instead settle for outside jumpers.
2. Embrace contact and relentlessly attack your opponent to score, get to the free-throw line, and get your opponent in foul trouble.

I hope you chose option two.

Whether it’s fighting to secure position on the low post or a defender landing on you after a deceptive shot fake, contact is coming.

The best post players love it.

And they’re willing to put their body on the line for their team possession after possession.

10. Sprint the Floor

Being willing to sprint down the floor on every possession is important for two reasons:

1. You’ll get several wide open layups every game.
2. You’ll get to ‘your spot’ quicker.

There are very few players who are willing to sprint basket-to-basket on every possession…

If you’re one of the rare few, and the team’s guards are willing to make the pass ahead (they better be), then I guarantee you’ll have several fast break layup opportunities each game.

Even if you don’t get a quick layup, sprinting the floor will allow you to get to the spot you score best from and establish position early.

11. Perfect Your Go-To Post Moves

I touched on this topic earlier in several points, but let’s be super clear about it…

You must understand which post moves you’re best suited for and then perfect them.

This allows you to catch the basketball in the right position, take advantage of your offensive strengths, and avoid your weaknesses.

If you’re uniquely strong and like to ‘bully’ in the low post, become exceptional at backing your defender into the low post and then finishing with a jump hook.

Once you’re consistently making that shot, add a counter like the up-and-under.

12. Seal Your Defender With Contact

When you do get to the spot you want to receive the basketball, make sure you’re sealing your defender with contact.

This makes it much harder for them to slip around you and steal the ball when a pass is made.

If you’re willing to be physical and do this and also show target hands where you want the ball, the team’s guards will have a much easier time feeding the post.

This means more touches for you (in the position you want the ball), more scoring opportunities, and a much bigger impact on the game.

Conclusion

Some may say “But Coach Mac... the post up isn’t effective anymore!”…

I would argue that point of view is mostly true at the highest levels when you’re competing against elite defense and coaching players who can knock down three-point shots at a high percentage.

At the youth level (and even into high school), posting up can be a high percentage play when you have players who know what they’re doing.

Using the 12 tips above, you’ll start guiding your players down the path to low post success.

Let’s bring the post up back into existence!

Basketball Post Play & Post Moves

By Don Kelbick

Few positions on the basketball court are as pivotal to a basketball team as the post player. A player at any position can have impact, but no other position can change the game like a post player. Many of the rules we play by today are the result of post play. The foul lane was widened from 6 feet to 12 feet due to the play of Bill Russell. The rule that the ball cannot pass over the backboard came about as a reaction to Wilt Chamberlain. The no dunk rule (now in effect only in warm-ups) was a result of the dominating presence of Lew Alcindor (no Kareem Abdul-Jabbar).

The Miami Heat went from out of the playoffs to NBA Champs and the L. A. Lakers went the other way with the trading of Shaquille O'Neal. Bill Russell anchored the most dominating dynasty in NBA history, the Boston Celtics of the late 1950's and 1960's. A dynasty that started with his arrival and ended with his departure.

What is a

A post player has to be something other than tall. Many tall players should not be in the post (Kevin Garnett). By the same token, a post player does not have to be tall (Zach Randolph). A post player is a player who is comfortable playing with his back to the basket. He is not afraid of contact and will come back play after play despite getting hit even when he doesn't have the ball. A post player is willing to go to the boards on every play and if he can't get the rebound, makes sure that his man won't.

A post player, by virtue of his physical position on the court, has to be willing to run endline to endline even though he won't get the ball most of the time. He must be willing to defend on every play and make up for his teammate's shortcomings. He is the goalie, the last person that can protect the basket. He must be willing to sacrifice his body on every play.

Because of these unique abilities, post players must be evaluated on their teams a little differently than other players. I have heard things like, "The only thing Shaq has is size. He can't dribble or shoot outside of 5 feet," and "Matumbo is so tall but with his offensive skills he wouldn't even make a HS team if he were 6-6." The fact is Matumbo is 7-3 and Shaq is a giant. They bring different things to the table that smaller players can't bring. With his shot blocking and rebounding ability, Mutumbo must save 15-20 points per game over his career. And if Shaq were on your team, would you even WANT him to dribble or shoot from 15 feet. Think about what they bring to the game and then evaluate them.

How do you build a post player?

A lot of effective post play is instinctual. It is difficult to play with your back to the basket. It takes a feel and a comfort level that comes from hours and hours on the court. We can teach the skills but we cannot force our players to be comfortable. I think too many coaches make the mistake of taking players and just throwing them on the block and then complaining when the player can't adapt. I have always believed in finding out which players are comfortable down there and then deciding who is the post player. It may not be the tallest player but it will be the ones that are most comfortable playing down low.

Once you identify who your post players will be, what do you do next? What do you teach him to make him better?

Footwork

Without question, I believe the most important and the most under-taught skill is footwork. One common thing that all great post players have is great footwork. Look at the greatest post players in history. They may have different games, Shaq (power), Olajuwan (speed), Kareem (finesse), but they all have great footwork.

There are only a certain number of things you can do with your feet. There are a finite number of pivots, but an infinite number of things you can do with those pivots

The pivots are:

• Front Pivot
• Inside Pivot
• Drop Step
• Step Through
• Sweep

Players should be equally adept at performing pivots on either foot.

I have learned to teach offensive moves based on pivots (Right foot, inside pivot, jump shot) rather than names ("Sikma Shot"). This allows the player to use his imagination when creating his game. In addition, the footwork is common to performing other skills on the floor. We teach our players to "Sikma" inside, "Step Out" on the perimeter and "Reverse Pivot" to box out, the player has to learn 3 things. In reality, all three post moves are "inside pivots" and presented as such, it is much easier for the players to learn and they are more confident in performing them.

Shots

Just like pivots, there are only a certain number of shots you can shoot. Combine them with different pivots, or combination of pivots, you come up with an array of offensive post moves.

The shots I believe post players should have are:

• Layup
• Jump Shot
• Jump Hook

Players should be equally adept at each shot with either hand.

On the block, you may have a "Turn around jump shot," at the elbow you may have a "Face up jumper," catch a pass on the wing - face the basket and shoot you may have a "catch and shot jumper." Or, on all three shots, you have a "front pivot jumper."

Common names for common moves are very important teaching tools. Using pivots and shots also allows you to use the same language for all your players, regardless of position.

Counters

A counter is a pivot that is used when your initial pivot or shot is defended. It should flow smoothly from the initial move into the counter. Because of his proximity to the basket, counter moves are very effective for post players who don't have to finish with long shots. They are done in close quarters so they are quick and will often get your post player to the foul line.

Let's say your player is effective at right foot, front pivot, jump shots (turn around jumpers). He gets the ball in the post, makes his right foot, front pivot and finds his jumper defended. He then counters by making a right foot pivot, step through (using his right foot as his pivot foot, he takes his left foot and steps across his right foot) and takes a layup. The result is called an "Up and Under" move. However, you did not have to teach him the move because you have taught him the footwork. He can use it in the post or on the outside.

Positioning

When playing in the post, positioning is of the utmost importance. A foot or two can mean the difference in the effectiveness of your post play. If you set too high, you might find the need to execute skills that you're not comfortable with, set to low, you might find your options limited.

I like to have post players straddle the first marker above the block on the lane. This allows them the freedom to turn both ways, without going behind the backboard. More importantly, it gives passers more room and better angles to get the ball into the post. It also provides more room for cutters and better angles for screens.

Locating your defense BEFORE you receive the ball is critical to effective post play. Once you find your defense, only allow him to play you one way. If he is playing on your low side, work to keep him low, if on your high side, work to keep him high. Your perimeter players should be taught to pass away from the defense. If so, pivot with the pass. For example, if your post player is in the right post and the defense is low, the perimeter player should pass the ball to the post's right hand and the post player should use a pivot that will open him to the middle (right foot pivot). This will help your post player to be more assertive. If, after making the pivot, he fids his shot defended, he can go immediately to a counter, still using his right foot pivot (sweep, step-through).

By positioning properly on the court and using the body to position against defense, the post player becomes quicker, more aggressive and has more offensive options.

Mental Aspects

There is no question that post players must be mentally tougher than the other positions on the court. To start with, the game and the court are longer for post players than for the other players. Perimeter players may go long stretches of time without ever going past the foul line yet post players must run every play endline to endline. Perimeter players can avoid contact, especially when they don't have the ball. Post players are physical on every play, whether they have the ball or not. Perimeter players have the ball, post players must get the ball.

It all adds up to what could be a frustrating time, especially when your post player is not getting enough touches. Regardless, he has to be tough enough to play every play, regardless of the situation. He must do it again and again, play after play, game after game.

Coaches must take this aspect of the game and give it special attention. Pete Gillen, the great former coach at Virginia has a phrase he would use over and over again, "Let the big dog eat!" Other wise you run the risk of coaching a "bagel" (plenty of stuff outside and a hole in the middle).

Videos of Skills & Fundamentals

• Drop Step, Lay Up
• Drop Step Counter Move - Drop Step, Inside Pivot, Shot

Drills

• Low Post Chair Pivot
• Split Post Chair Pivot
• Power Dribble Into
• Rapid Fire Post Moves

More Basketball Drills

Coaches, go here for more Basketball Drills

Players, go here for more Basketball Drills

Book - How To Develop Post Players

If you would like to learn more about developing post players, take a look at Don Kelbick's simplified process that he uses to train pro players in the book

How To Develop High Scoring and Highly Skilled Post Players.

If you are interested to see what other people are saying about the book, view the bottom of this page for reviews.

What do you think? Let us know by leaving your comments, suggestions, and questions. ..

what is it, technique, breakout defense

The post players on the basketball court are the key players, they play the most important role in the team. Any of the basketball players is important for the implementation of tactical decisions, but only they can significantly change the course of the game. The post in basketball is the space from the ring to the penalty area, it is highlighted in a different color. Based on this, it is clear that post moves in basketball are the actions of players in a given zone. It is limited by the ring, this is the low post, and the foul line, this is the high post. In this article, we will analyze the features of the game in the post zone or the paint zone, how to ensure a successful pass, what rules work in this zone.

It was the wrestling under the basket that became the reason for the introduction of many rules that form the basis of modern basketball. For example, the paint area was doubled from six feet mainly due to the decisive superiority of George Mikan in the 50s. And the ban on passing the ball back to yourself appeared due to maneuvers that Wilt Chamberlain was carried away with. The last rule in our country has been cancelled.

How to behave in the paint sector?

The three second rule works in this zone, so there is no time to think. Three-second sector players act intuitively. They are required to be able to play with their backs to the backboard, a skill that takes hundreds of hours of practice to develop. An inexperienced basketball player will not be able to adequately fight for rebounding. Therefore, the coach appoints not the tallest and strongest player to the post, but the one who is ready for this.

A good paint zone player not only skillfully plays with his back to the ring, but also boldly tries to make contact. He is not afraid of collisions, blows and pain, he moves to the ring, and even if he fails to take a rebound, he will always make sure that the opponent does not realize it either. Often he has to run from basket to basket without the ball, as he protects against attacks from opponents and insures his comrades in case of a mistake.

For a beginner basketball player, such a role may seem very difficult, even unattainable, but it is a matter of practice and experience. As self-confidence increases, skills become better. You can learn more about self-training from the article "Self-training in Basketball Tricks".

What should be the post player?

You can call him a basketball goalkeeper, the last obstacle between his opponent and his own hoop. He must be brave and determined, as he will have to take risks and sacrifice his health in every match. That is why they are valued more than other numbers.

It is very important to master footwork perfectly. In basketball, it comes down to a few controlled moves. The number of reversals is limited, but they allow you to create an unlimited number of combinations. A turn on the axial leg is called a pivot, it has the following basic variations:

• front pivot - external, performed when moving forward;
• inside pivot - internal, when moving backward;
• drop step, allows you to beat an opponent in a low post with one movement;
• step through - stepping, turning, after which there is stepping under the ring.

The last trick is the basic one, but it looks so complicated to beginners that they consider it to be tricks. It's not really a trick, they're much more difficult. You can get acquainted with a trick that not every eminent athlete owns from the article “How to do a hook throw in basketball?”.

Balance of power

To become a good three-second zone player, you need to be able to fully operate with both feet. The necessary turns were listed above, by analogy with them there is a basic set of throws. Not only do these throws need to be mastered and combined with pivots to create powerful offensive combinations. It is necessary to perfectly master the throw from under the ring, it is called lay up, and the jump shot. The aforementioned hook throw will not hurt either, it is also done in a jump.

You need to be equally good at both your right and left hands, you won't succeed without it.

The next important question is where is the best position to take. The optimal solution would be the foul line, on which the first defender is located when the free kicks are taken. In this case, it is possible to implement a run in two directions without hitting the shield. It is easier for a passing basketball player to enter the post with a good pass, since he has room to maneuver.

Also, the post player must be able to sit on the defender's tail until the ball passes. You need to feel the opponent, then you can let him play from one side. If it is on the inside of the shield, then it must be left there. If from the outside - the same. The perimeter basketball player must give passes in the direction from the defender, who will have to turn around and, if successful, attack the empty basket.

How to become a good post player?

Not only physical preparation is important, but also emotional. The psychological pressure on the player in the paint zone will be much higher than on any other. It is not easy to withstand this: not having the ball in your hands, but at the same time putting all your strength into the fight for every rally. They can get the ball, but this happens very rarely, much more often it goes into the hands of perimeter players.

Thus, it becomes clear that post moves in basketball is a role for a real challenge. This is the most difficult work, which is carried out mainly without touching the ball. The player must be highly motivated to win and remain tough and determined in any situation.

How to get results in basketball

"Any experienced basketball player will tell you that there is a huge difference between learning and applying technique!"

Online basketball expert, national level player

Any experienced basketball player will tell you that there is a huge difference between learning and applying technique! It's only natural that beginners (or those who are returning to play after a long break) get caught up in the game on the court - all you hear is "rush. ..to the rim...lead...use the whole court". All your strength is focused on not making mistakes, in order to know that you do not let your team down. What exactly are you doing? Positions? rebounds? Blocks? Intercepts? This is really important, but there are other great ways to add value to the team. Take a break from your own achievements - this will allow you to become a more valuable player. This article does not contain obvious advice on keeping fit, working on speed, dribbling, serving, etc. But here you will find 5 ways to become more efficient from the very next game. You are much closer to success than you think!

The main reason basketball players lose passes and miss comfortable rebounds is because their hands aren't ready. This seems obvious, but still deserves special attention. Your hands should always be ready to receive the pass, and your palms are directed towards the ball - the server will perceive them as a target.

Here are a few exercises you can do during your warm-up to prepare for the game:

The correct execution of passes gives confidence on the site. However, there are a few things to keep in mind here.

The basics of technique play a huge role for beginners. Practice a 2-handed chest pass and a bounce pass. After that, you can move on to other methods.

Don't pass just for the sake of passing. Determine who can take the pass, who can't, (identify strong offensive players, weak defenders) and go for it!

IMPORTANT: DO NOT HOLD THE BALL - make passes and passes will be made to you.

Low, wide stance: There are only 2 cases where you should deviate from this rule - this is rebounding and covering the ball. In any other situation, it is important that the stance is low: straight back, bent knees, feet shoulder-width apart, arms extended forward. In this position, you are firmly on your feet and ready to respond to passes. It is very important to be between the defender and the ring.

This is the main way to participate in offense without the ball! If you are a beginner basketball player, then you will most likely score infrequently. Perform screenings to:

1. give partners the opportunity to open up
2. open yourself

Shield the dribbler, shield your opponents without the ball (to help your teammates) and keep moving. The ball will find its way to you.

1. This allows you to strengthen the attack - so it will be more difficult for defenders to keep track of all opponents;
2. You will be in a better position to shoot/pass/dribble to the basket when you receive the ball.

Don't forget that your hands should always be ready.

Try to consciously change positions (moving quickly between two points on the court) so that you get used to playing from different points.

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