Ayrton Oneill
In basketball, players are assigned specific roles according to their strengths, body shape, and abilities. The post is an area on the basketball court from the free-throw line to the baseline, usually painted a solid color and known as the paint or the key. There are two post positions: high post (upper post) and low post (near the basket). Offensive players position themselves in the post to receive a pass, pivot, and create scoring opportunities. Post players are crucial for rebounding and blocking shots, and they must learn to contest without fouling. While the center position is traditionally the tallest player and a strong rebounder, the power forward position has evolved to fill the gap between the center and power forward, with some teams replacing the center position with a power forward.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of players in a basketball team | 5 |
| Number of players in the post position | 2 |
| Location of the post position | Between the free-throw line and the baseline |
| Location of the high post | Near the free-throw line |
| Location of the low post | Near the basket |
| Players in the post position | Power forwards and centers |
| Skills required for the post position | Passing, blocking shots, locking down defense, setting solid screens, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Post players are often power forwards or centres
In basketball, there are five players on the court per team, each assigned to different positions defined by the strategic role they play. The players are split into three main categories: guards, forwards, and centers. The guards are typically called the "back court" and the forwards and centers the "front court". Over time, as more specialized roles developed, each of the guards and forwards came to be differentiated.
The post is the area of the basketball court from the free-throw line to the baseline. This area, usually painted a solid color, is known as the paint or the key. There are two post positions: one below the free-throw line (the high post) and the other close to the basket (the low post). When offensive players position themselves in the post, they are posting up.
Power forwards, centers, and small forwards are the players most likely to post up. They are also known as post players. Power forwards are essentially larger and stronger versions of small forwards, though generally not as tall or long as centers. They are good at rebounding, and a power forward with a high basketball IQ can be a great passer, particularly from the high or low post areas via post-split action.
Centers are the Goliaths of the court and the main shot blockers. They use their height and position to block smaller players, forcing them to take difficult shots from the perimeter. They are also good at rebounding. Centers who can post up are considered a massive threat by the other team.
In summary, post players are often power forwards or centers. These players have to be conscious of learning and mastering the skills required to dominate the post position, which is often underappreciated by the average fan.
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The post is the area from the free-throw line to the baseline
The post is a crucial area on a basketball court, stretching from the free-throw line to the baseline. This region, often painted in a solid colour, is also referred to as the "paint" or "key". Within the post, there are two distinct positions for players: one positioned below the free-throw line and the other closer to the basket. The area near the free-throw line is known as the high post or upper post, while the area nearer the basket is called the low post.
Offensive players often position themselves in the post, particularly the low post, to receive passes and create scoring opportunities. When a player moves into the post, they can employ various techniques, such as pivoting, backing down a defender, spinning, faking, or power dribbling, to create advantageous situations for their team. The high and low post positions are not only conducive to scoring but also provide ample rebounding opportunities, making them vital areas for defensive players as well.
Being adept in the post requires a unique set of skills. Offensive players must learn to effectively utilise their positioning to draw fouls or use their agility and footwork to manoeuvre around defenders. Defensive players, on the other hand, must focus on contesting shots without committing fouls and sending their opponents to the free-throw line. They must also be adept at taking charges and reading the offensive plays to position themselves advantageously.
The post is often associated with players in the power forward and centre positions due to their height and physical presence. These players are typically responsible for rebounding and protecting the rim. While height is a crucial asset for centres, other factors, such as skill set, team composition, and coaching strategies, also play a significant role in determining a player's effectiveness in the post.
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Post players have a crucial role in defence
In basketball, there are five players on the court per team, each assigned to different positions defined by the strategic role they play. The standard team features two guards, two forwards, and a center. The guards are typically called the "back court" and the forwards and centers the "front court".
The post is not a separate position in basketball, but it is a fundamental aspect of the game. Post play involves positioning near the basket, either in the low post or high post areas, and it is crucial for scoring, rebounding, and defending.
Communication is vital for post players, as they can see the entire court and must direct their teammates to ensure a coordinated defensive effort. Effective communication helps teammates know when and where to move, enabling them to deliver passes and make the most of scoring opportunities.
Post players must also be adept at boxing out, using their bodies to create space and drive defenders backward to gain a favourable position for rebounds. They should strive to grab rebounds at their highest point, demonstrating a relentless mindset to pursue every rebound.
While the post position may not receive as much glory as other roles, it is essential for a team's success. Post players provide a defensive backbone, and their ability to rebound, block shots, and disrupt the opposition's scoring chances is invaluable.
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Post players can create scoring opportunities
In basketball, there are five players on the court per team, each assigned to different positions defined by the strategic role they play. The three main categories are guard, forward, and center, with the standard team featuring two guards, two forwards, and a center.
The post position comes with certain responsibilities. Post players are inside operators with the main objective of being a force within the key. When on offense, post players can help increase their team's chance of scoring. They can do this by posting up, which involves moving into the post area of the basketball court, usually the low post, to receive a pass. From this position, if they get the ball, they can pivot, back down a defender, spin, fake out, or power dribble to create scoring opportunities.
Post players can also create scoring opportunities by focusing on the fundamentals of the position and understanding their location on the court. For example, if a post player receives the ball near the hoop, they can utilize the jump hook for some quick points. If they are up against a strong defender who forces them away from the key, they can post up and gain that space back or reverse pivot and attack the basket.
Additionally, post players can embrace contact and pressure to become more effective offensively. They can use the lower half of their body to initiate contact, as extending an arm and touching the opponent may result in a personal foul. Applying contact properly can force the opponent into foul trouble.
Furthermore, post players can set screens for their teammates to help them get scoring opportunities. Setting a good screen can be beneficial for the player as well, as their defender will have to help the teammate they just set a screen for, creating the opportunity for them to space, roll, or slip.
Overall, while the post position may not always be the most glamorous, it is crucial for the team's success. Post players who master the skills and techniques of their position can create numerous scoring opportunities for themselves and their teammates.
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Post players are often the team's best shooter
In basketball, there are five players on the court per team, each assigned to different positions defined by the strategic role they play. The players are split into three main categories: guard, forward, and center. The standard team features two guards, two forwards, and a center.
The shooting guard (SG) is usually the team's best shooter. They are prolific from three-point range and long mid-range. They are also good dribblers and finishers around the rim. The small forward (SF) is considered the most versatile of the main five basketball positions. They are good at scoring, rebounding, handling the ball, and passing. They are also good at drawing fouls and accurate foul shooting.
The power forward (PF) is a larger and stronger version of the small forward. They are good at rebounding and, if they have a high basketball IQ, can be great passers, especially from the high or low post areas. The stretch four is primarily known for shooting three-pointers and mid-range jump shots. The center (C) is the tallest player on the floor and usually scores "down low" or "in the paint". While they were traditionally slower players who hung out near the basket, today's centers can also be classified as power forwards and are more athletic and fast-paced. Some centers are good perimeter shooters as well.
Some of the best post players in NBA history include Kevin McHale, who was dominant in scoring, rebounding, and playing defense, and Bill Russell, who was the league's most effective rebounder and kept Wilt Chamberlain at bay. Gary Payton, a point guard who could post up, was also a quality shooter and passer, averaging 24 points per game in the 1999-2000 season.
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Frequently asked questions
The post is an area of the basketball court from the free-throw line to the baseline. This area is usually painted a solid colour and is known as the paint or the key. There are two post positions: the high post, or upper post, and the low post, which is the area near the basket.
To post up is to move into the post area of the basketball court, usually the low post, to receive a pass. From this position, players can pivot, back down a defender, spin, fake out, or power dribble to create scoring opportunities.
A post player is usually a power forward or a center. They are often the tallest players on the team and are responsible for rebounding, blocking shots, and playing defence.
Post players should have good passing skills and be able to set solid screens to get other players open. They should also be able to block shots, rebound, and play defence.
The post offers ample opportunities for scoring. Players in the post can go for layups, up and under shots, slam dunks, or mid-range shots like jump shots and hook shots. The post is also where most rebounds happen, so players can take advantage of their height to grab rebounds.
