Andrew Pace
Posting up is an essential skill for young basketball players to learn, as it opens up a wide range of scoring opportunities and allows them to use different fakes. The post is the area of the basketball court from the free-throw line to the baseline, and players can post up from anywhere within this area. However, the lower block is ideal as it gives players more room to work and avoids a 3-second violation. When posting up, players should aim to get the ball in a position where they feel comfortable and can take advantage of their opponent. Good footwork is essential, as it allows players to pivot, spin, and fake out their defenders to create scoring chances. While posting up is a physical part of the game, it is important to make learning fun and memorable for kids, focusing on developing their skills and comfort level with the ball.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Post position | The post is the area of the basketball court from the free-throw line to the baseline, usually painted a solid colour. |
| Post positions | There are two post positions: one below the free-throw line (high post or upper post) and the other close to the basket (low post). |
| Posting up | To post up, a player moves into the post area, usually the low post, to receive a pass. |
| Scoring opportunities | From the post position, players can pivot, back down a defender, spin, fake out, or power dribble to create scoring opportunities. |
| Distance from the basket | The distance from the basket determines which post moves to use and how quickly to attempt a shot. For example, a quick spin or jump hook is more effective when closer to the basket. |
| Footwork | Good footwork is essential for effective post play. Players should be comfortable with their footwork and able to use it to create scoring opportunities. |
| Using both hands | Being able to finish moves with both hands improves scoring options and protects the ball from getting blocked. |
| Embracing contact | Posting up is a physical part of the game, and players should be willing to embrace contact and attack their opponents to score and get to the free-throw line. |
| T-Up | Teaching the T-Up position can help players get the ball into the low post more often and create offensive advantages. |
| Passing | Developing a strong set of entry passes is crucial for point guards. Players should also learn to move to catch a pass with both hands if possible. |
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What You'll Learn
- Footwork: Teach kids to pivot, step through, and perform layups with both feet
- Post positions: Explain the high and low post areas and how to move between them
- Passing: Show how to make entry passes and catch the ball effectively
- Shooting: Encourage kids to shoot quickly when defenders are out of position
- Physicality: Instruct kids to use their weight and embrace contact in the paint
Footwork: Teach kids to pivot, step through, and perform layups with both feet
Footwork is a crucial aspect of basketball, and teaching kids the right techniques early on can give them a huge advantage later on. Start with the basics of pivoting, and ensure they master this skill before moving on to more advanced techniques.
To teach pivoting, begin with a theoretical introduction, explaining the basic concept. Then, demonstrate the pivot with a short practical drill. Line the kids up with a couple of feet of space between them, and get them into an athletic stance, holding the basketball close to their chest. Blow a whistle, and have them pivot 90 degrees, first in one direction, and then the other. Tell them the direction and which foot to pivot on before they start. Remind them to try to maintain the same height throughout the movement.
Once they have mastered the basic pivot, they can learn to pivot on both their left and right feet. Right-handed players will naturally pivot on their left foot, and vice versa. However, the optimal pivot foot changes depending on the situation, so it's important to practice both.
Next, teach them to step through for a layup. The first step should be with their "outside" foot (closest to the sideline). For right-handed layups, this is the right foot, and for left-handed layups, it's the left foot. Encourage them to take a long first step to gain distance. The second step should be with the "inside" foot (closest to the middle of the court). Remind them to stay in control of their body and not to rush their two steps.
Finally, ensure they practice with both their dominant and non-dominant hands. This will increase their scoring options and make them less predictable to defenders.
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Post positions: Explain the high and low post areas and how to move between them
Post positions refer to the areas on a basketball court from the free-throw line to the baseline, known as the paint or the key. There are two post positions: the high post and the low post. The upper area, near the free-throw line, is the high post or upper post, and the area near the basket is the low post.
When an offensive player, such as a power forward or center, gets into position near the basket, they are "posting up." Post moves are the plays and moves that are possible inside and around the post. These moves create ample scoring opportunities. For example, after receiving the ball, a player can pivot, back down a defender, spin, fake out, or power dribble.
The low post is an area near the basket, below the free-throw line. Low post players should position themselves outside of the lane lines or at least slightly even with the low post block when their back is to the basket. Before receiving the ball, the low post player should raise one hand in the air as a target. After receiving the ball, they can attempt to score using various moves. For instance, the drop step involves dribbling close to the defender, doing a drop step, and pivoting around the defender to create space for a clean shot. Another move is the baseline fake and step through, where the player receives the ball in a low, wide stance, fakes to the outside, pivots toward the baseline, and then dribbles toward the center for a jump shot.
The high post is the area near the free-throw line. High post players usually start with their faces toward the basket. Offensive players can pass the ball to the high post for a high-low pass if the defense fronts the low post.
To move between the high and low posts, players can utilize the T-Up, a technique where the offensive player positions themselves to form a 'T' with their defender to get the ball into the low post. Additionally, when playing in the low post, there will be significant contact. Players can avoid this by settling for outside jumpers or embracing the contact and attacking the opponent to get to the free-throw line.
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Passing: Show how to make entry passes and catch the ball effectively
To teach passing and catching effectively, it's important to understand the different types of passes and the strategies behind them. Firstly, an entry pass is a pass made from the perimeter into the lane, with the target being a teammate positioned in the post for a shot. A bounce pass is an effective entry pass, especially when there is heavy foot traffic in the lane. To execute a bounce pass, the ball is gripped on each side with the thumbs facing inward, and as the ball is released, the passer takes a step forward toward the receiver, aiming for their chest area. This type of pass is quick and efficient, reducing the risk of interception.
Another type of pass is the overhead pass, which is similar to a baseball pass. This pass spends a long time in the air, giving defenders time to react, so it must be thrown with force and precision. A baseball pass is a flashy move where the passer wraps the ball behind their back before passing it forward. This type of pass can be useful to avoid defenders, but it is challenging to execute well as it involves losing sight of the ball and defenders.
To be a strong passer, it's crucial to have good court awareness and hand-eye coordination. Passers should avoid looking directly at the intended receiver, as this can give away their intention. Instead, a small head bob or glance in the opposite direction can create an extra second to make an uncontested pass.
When teaching kids how to catch the ball effectively, it's important to emphasize the importance of hand positioning. Players should always be ready to receive a pass, with their hands up near their chests. Practicing against a wall can help with this, as it trains the player to catch the ball instinctively. Additionally, exercises that involve slapping the ball back and forth between hands can improve hand-eye coordination and prepare the arms for the impact of catching passes.
It's also worth noting that catching the ball is not just about technique but also about communication and teamwork. The passer should be aware of what their teammate can and cannot catch, and adjustments should be made accordingly.
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Shooting: Encourage kids to shoot quickly when defenders are out of position
When teaching kids how to shoot in basketball, it's important to focus on building their confidence and ensuring they have fun. Positive reinforcement is key. When they shoot the ball correctly, make sure to celebrate and explain what they did well. This will help keep them engaged and build their confidence.
It's also crucial to use the right equipment for kids. Use a lower rim—8 ft. for 8 years old and under, and 9 ft. for 9 to 11-year-olds. Using a full-sized 10 ft. rim can lead to bad habits, as kids tend to "chuck" the ball to get it to the hoop. Using a smaller basketball, like a size 5 ball for 5-8-year-olds, can also help.
Start by teaching them the basics of shooting form and technique. Have them practice bending their knees, bringing the ball up, jumping, and following through. Ensure their elbow is at the right angle and that they use their legs to generate power. You can even start with no hoop, so they understand the importance of using their legs to get the ball higher.
Once they master the basics, you can introduce more advanced shooting techniques, like shooting off the dribble. However, remember that every player is unique and will have different needs, limitations, and abilities. As a coach, you need to simplify the game enough for them to understand while still challenging them to develop their skills.
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Physicality: Instruct kids to use their weight and embrace contact in the paint
When teaching kids how to post up in basketball, it's important to instruct them on using their physicality effectively, especially when operating in the paint or the key—the area inside the free-throw lines, usually painted a distinct colour. This area often sees a lot of contact, so kids should be taught to embrace it and use their weight to their advantage.
Instruct kids to get low and position themselves between the defender and the ball, using their forearm or hip to create some space. This is especially important when posting up, as they'll be closer to the basket and more vulnerable to defenders. By using their weight effectively, they can maintain their position and shield the ball from defenders.
It's also important to teach kids to be comfortable with contact. Posting up is one of the most physical parts of basketball, and the best post players are willing to put their bodies on the line. They should be encouraged to relentlessly attack their opponents to score and draw fouls. This doesn't mean playing dirty, but rather using their physicality to their advantage within the rules of the game.
In addition to using their weight, kids should also be taught to use their footwork to create space and maintain their position. This includes techniques like the deep butt seal, which can help create the necessary space to receive passes and take shots. Footwork is an essential skill for post players, allowing them to effectively navigate the physicality of the paint and create scoring opportunities.
Finally, it's worth noting that not all kids will be comfortable with the physicality of posting up. As an instructor, it's important to identify which players are suited to this style of play and provide them with the skills and encouragement they need to excel. This may not always be the tallest players, but rather those who feel most comfortable playing down low and embracing the contact that comes with it.
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