Amanda Knapp
Posting up is an important offensive strategy in basketball, where players position themselves in the post area of the basketball court, usually the low post, to receive a pass. This area, known as the paint or the key, is the rectangular block painted on the floor from the free-throw line to the baseline. When posting up, players have the opportunity to score by pivoting, backing down a defender, spinning, faking out, or power dribbling. To teach posting up effectively, coaches should focus on footwork, positioning, and technique. Players should be comfortable with their back to the basket and understand their location on the court to choose the best post moves for creating scoring opportunities. They should also be able to finish moves with both hands to avoid being forced into a less advantageous position by defenders.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Post position | The post is the area of the basketball court from the free-throw line to the baseline. |
| Post moves | Spin, fake out, power dribble, drop step, power move, shot fake, pump fake, triple threat stance, jump hook, layup, up and under, slam dunk, jump shot, fadeaway, hook shot. |
| Footwork | Elite footwork is essential for post players. |
| Distance from the basket | The distance from the basket determines which post moves to use and how quickly to attempt to score. |
| Height | Taller players have an advantage when posting up. |
| Technique | Good technique can make up for a lack of size. |
| Rebounding | The post is where most rebounds happen, so players need to be ready to rebound the ball. |
| Fouls | Players should avoid committing fouls, such as pushing off an opponent's back to create space. |
| Speed and agility | Post players can use their speed and agility to outmaneuver defenders. |
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What You'll Learn
Footwork and positioning
When receiving the pass, the player must make eye contact with the passer and catch the ball with both hands, pulling it into their chest. To avoid losing balance, they should keep their knees bent. Once they have the ball, they should stick their elbows out and hold the ball tight to their chest to prevent it from being stolen.
The distance from the basket when the player catches the ball will determine which post moves they should use and how quickly they should try to score. If the player catches the ball close to the basket, a quick spin or jump hook can be effective. If the defender has forced them two steps away from the low block, it may be better to drive to the basket or shoot a mid-range shot.
Players should also be aware of the three-second rule, which states that if they stand in the paint (the area inside the free-throw lines) for more than three seconds, they may be called for an offensive foul. Therefore, they should be constantly moving and trying to outwit their opponent to get open in the paint.
Great footwork is essential for posting up effectively. Players should use their footwork, speed, agility, and precision to outmaneuver their defender. They can use moves such as the drop step, power dribble, power move, shot fake, or pump fake to create separation. Knowing their location on the court and understanding their distance from the basket will help them choose the most effective move.
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Catching the ball
When receiving the pass, it is important to make eye contact with the passer, and if you receive the ball with your back to the basket, you should pivot to face the basket. Once you have caught the ball, pull it into your chest with both hands, bending your knees to maintain balance. Protect the ball by sticking your elbows out, and be prepared to shoot or pass quickly, as you don't want to hold the ball for more than 2 seconds.
It is worth noting that posting up is a physical aspect of the game, and players should not be afraid to use their weight to their advantage. However, it is important to initiate contact with your lower body, as extending your arm can lead to a foul being called. Additionally, good footwork is essential for effective posting up, and players should be comfortable with a range of moves, such as drop steps, power dribbles, and shot fakes, to outmaneuver their defenders.
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Using both hands
When receiving the ball, use both hands to catch and pull it towards your chest. This will help protect the ball from opponents trying to swipe it away. Keep your knees bent to maintain your balance.
Once you have the ball, stick your elbows out and hold it tight to your chest. This will help you keep control of the ball and prevent it from being blocked or stolen.
If you receive the ball with your back to the basket, pivot on both feet so your body becomes perpendicular to the basket. As you jump, extend your shooting arm directly vertical above your shoulder and turn your head towards the basket. At the same time, raise your non-shooting arm to protect the ball from being blocked. Practice performing this jump hook with both your right and left hands.
Being able to finish moves with both hands improves your scoring options and makes it more difficult for defenders to predict and block your moves. For example, if you can only shoot right-handed, a defender will force you to your left, knowing you're less comfortable with that side. If you can master using both hands, you'll be able to finish moves and protect the ball effectively, regardless of the direction you're forced in.
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Drawing fouls
Next, learn to embrace contact. Post players should be willing to put their bodies on the line and relentlessly attack their opponents to score and get to the free-throw line. This can include using your power and size to inch closer to the basket, as long as you don't displace a defender who has established a legal guarding position. Be aware that referees will only allow slight contact or "defending" your position, so be careful not to overdo it.
Another technique is to use shot fakes and pump fakes to outwit your defender and create opportunities for scoring. For example, you can jump-stop by dribbling once and jumping towards the basket, then pump fake by pretending to shoot. This will throw the defender off guard, and if they jump, you can wait until they are on the way down to get a free shot. If they don't jump, you can pivot or pump fake again to get into a better shooting position.
Finally, if you are about to take a low-percentage shot and feel that you are going to miss or get blocked, you can move your arms to bump into your opponent's arms and draw a foul. However, this technique should be used sparingly, as referees will only call this a few times before stopping.
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Scoring techniques
Posting up is a pivotal aspect of basketball, and players who master the art of posting up gain a significant advantage over their opponents. The low post is the ideal position to post up from, as it offers the best chance to score without committing a 3-second violation. Once in the low post, players can use a variety of moves to create scoring opportunities.
Firstly, it is crucial to understand the different post moves and when to use them. The distance from the basket dictates the appropriate post move. For instance, if a player catches the ball close to the basket, a quick spin or jump hook can be effective. Conversely, if the defender forces the player away from the low post, it may be better to drive to the basket or shoot a mid-range shot like a jump shot or bank shot.
Footwork is of utmost importance in the post. Great footwork allows players to confuse defenders and create open scoring chances. For example, the "Dream Shake", made famous by Hakeem, involves a wide range of fakes and spins that leave defenders bewildered. Another effective footwork technique is the "Up and Under", which involves using a pivot foot to step across and take a layup.
When receiving the ball in the post, players should catch it with both hands and pull it to their chest to protect it from defenders. They can then use their off-hand to shield the ball from being blocked. Additionally, players should strive to make quick decisions to avoid getting called for a 3-second violation.
While posting up is a physical aspect of the game, players should be cautious not to commit fouls. Using the lower body to initiate contact is a good strategy to avoid committing personal fouls. Drawing fouls on defenders is also a valuable skill, as it can put the team in favourable scoring positions.
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Frequently asked questions
Posting up is when an offensive player sets up near the lower block, facing away from the basket, ready to receive a pass from the point guard.
Make eye contact with the passer, catch the ball with both hands and pull it to your chest, bending your knees to maintain balance.
You can pivot, back down a defender, spin, fake out, or power dribble to create scoring opportunities. Footwork is key, so practice moves like the 'Dream Shake' or the 'Up and Under'.
Understand the different post positions and moves that suit your game and the distances from the rim that they are best used at. Practice your footwork and technique, and be aware of the 3-second rule to avoid fouls.
