Andrew Pace
Post moves in basketball are the plays and moves that players can make inside and around the post, or the area of the basketball court from the free-throw line to the baseline, to score a basket. A good post player establishes a position close to the basket, giving them an upper hand over defenders. They also catch the ball exactly where they want it, instead of letting their defender dictate where they catch it. Post moves include jump shots, jump hooks, fadeaways, drop steps, quick spins, and more.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Post-move starting position | Stand on the first hash mark above the block in a ready stance, with toes and shoulders pointing to the baseline. |
| How to receive the ball | Show your palms, demand the ball and drop the foot closest to the basket. |
| Catching the ball | Catch the basketball on the left block in a low, wide stance. |
| Facing | With your back to the basket. |
| Fakes | Give a quick ball and shoulder fake to the right before taking one or two dribbles towards the middle. |
| Footwork | Use your rear end to back down instead of drilling your shoulder into the opposition player. |
| Jump stop | Come to a two-foot jump stop with your chest facing the sideline and inside shoulder parallel with the hoop. |
| Shooting | Bring the ball up vertically along your outside shoulder with two hands for control. Once the ball is above your head level, the non-shooting hand comes off the basketball and is used to protect the shot from getting blocked. |
| Drop step | A reverse pivot with either your inside or outside foot, depending on if you are drop stepping middle or baseline. |
| Up & Under | Turn your body so your shoulders create a direct line to the rim, fake the jump hook, and step through to the rim with your outside foot. |
| Quick spin | Use when the defender is putting their weight on you, spin in the direction of the basket. |
| Baseline fake and step through | Shoulder fake to the outside, pivot toward the baseline, give a shot fake, and power dribble toward the center of the post. |
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What You'll Learn
The importance of positioning
Positioning is paramount in basketball, especially when it comes to executing effective post moves. The post is the area on the basketball court from the free-throw line to the baseline, with the upper area near the free-throw line known as the high post and the area near the basket called the low post.
Establishing a favourable position near the basket gives players an advantage over defenders. A strategic approach is to keep your back towards the baseline while facing the mid-court, ensuring maximum court vision and preparedness for incoming passes. This positioning allows players to assert dominance and claim space closer to the hoop before receiving a pass, making it challenging for defenders to prevent a scoring opportunity.
The ability to catch the ball in the desired location is crucial. Players should aim to establish their position before receiving the pass, ensuring they catch the ball where they want rather than letting the defender dictate its placement. This proactive positioning enables players to feel comfortable and in control when initiating their next move.
Additionally, the use of shoulders and forearms can enhance positioning and control. Catching the ball with the shoulder facing the defender allows players to better shield the ball and create space between themselves and their opponent. Extending the forearm increases reach and provides greater control over the ball.
Mastering positioning in post-play requires players to develop their footwork and employ techniques like ""the seal move" to shield the ball from defenders and open up scoring opportunities. The ability to read the opponent's positioning and execute moves at the right time is also essential for success in post-play.
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Using your shoulder and forearm
When it comes to basketball post moves, your shoulder and forearm are powerful tools that can give you more control and visibility. Here's how to use them effectively:
Catching the Ball
When catching the ball, face the defender with your shoulder to shield it better. This technique provides better control over the ball and allows you to maintain possession even when under pressure. Extending your arm increases your reach and gives you more control, enabling you to react quickly, whether it's for a pass or a shot.
Creating Space
By catching the ball with your shoulder facing the defender, you create opportunities for effective bumps, which create space between you and your defender. This additional distance can give you just enough time for a quick shot at the basket.
Jump Hooks
The jump hook is a must-learn move in basketball post-play. It combines speed and control, and its quick release makes it a reliable scoring tool. To execute the jump hook, start with both hands on the ball, then release your non-shooting hand at the last minute to shoot a one-handed shot.
Baseline Fake and Step Through
This move involves receiving the ball in a low, wide stance, then faking with your shoulder to the outside before pivoting toward the baseline. Give a shot fake, then use your outside foot to step through and past the defender for a layup instead of a jump shot.
Quick Spin
The quick spin is a great counter move when the defender is playing very close to you. Immediately after catching the ball, spin in the direction that feels more open. This move often requires a dribble, depending on your distance from the hoop.
Step-Hop Move
When attempting to dribble inside, you might encounter a collapsing defender. In this case, the step-hop move can be useful. Start with a head or shoulder fake in the opposite direction, then make a one-bounce power dribble with a short drop step. Follow this with a powerful jump into the lane, landing with a two-footed jump stop, and then go for a short jump shot.
Mastering these moves that utilise the shoulder and forearm will greatly improve your post-play in basketball, giving you more control, visibility, and scoring opportunities.
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The drop step
To perform the drop step, you must first fight for position on the block. Setting up your defender is crucial; act as if you are not paying attention, then duck in hard and drive yourself back with your legs. Keep your hands high to prevent the defender from deflecting the pass. Once you have convinced your defender that you are moving towards the middle, quickly spin back and step towards the baseline to create an open layup.
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The up and under
To perform the up and under, you first fake a jump hook, causing your defender to leave their feet. You then step through to the rim with your outside foot (the foot furthest from the rim) and finish with an easy shot with your outside hand.
The move can also be used after making a few hook shots. With your back to the basket, give a quick ball and shoulder fake to the right before taking one or two dribbles towards the middle. Finish with a wide-open layup as the defender floats in the air.
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The quick spin
There are two variations of the quick spin. The first is to do the move immediately on the catch. The second is to be patient on the catch, allowing the defender to close the gap and re-initiate contact before quickly spinning. There is no wrong way to do it, and it is a move that all decent players should master.
However, the quick spin is not a move that can be done every time. It should be used sparingly and at the right moments, when the defender is putting their weight on you.
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Frequently asked questions
Some basic post moves include the drop step, the up and under, the quick spin, and the dream shake. The drop step is a reverse pivot that seals your defender and allows you to finish at the rim. The up and under is a fake jump hook that causes your defender to leave their feet, allowing you to step through to the rim with your outside foot. The quick spin is a counter move that gets you around your defender, especially when they are covering you closely. The dream shake involves shimmying your shoulders to one side and then pivoting to face the basket.
When posting up, it is important to establish a position close to the basket to gain an advantage over defenders. A good rule of thumb is to keep your back towards the baseline while facing mid-court, giving you maximum court vision. You should also try to assert yourself early by claiming space closer to the hoop before receiving a pass. This will make it difficult for defenders to stop you from scoring.
When catching the ball, facing the defender with your shoulder allows you to shield the ball better and create space. Extending your arm increases your reach and control over the ball. Your forearm can also be used to bump your defender, creating additional distance for a quick shot.
