Amanda Knapp
In basketball, the post, also known as the paint, is the area between the baseline and the free throw line near the basket. Post players are those who play close to the basket, and they are often taller and more physical. They are crucial for rebounding and interior play and scoring, and use their bodies to get closer to the rim. They are also responsible for blocking shots and stealing the ball from offensive players. Post players are comfortable with their back to the basket and are not afraid of contact. They are also good at footwork, which is considered the most important skill for a post player.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Post area | Between the baseline and the free throw line near the basket |
| Post players | Taller and more physical; centres and power forwards |
| Post players' skills | Dunking, jamming, bank shots, hook shots, passing, footwork |
| Post players' mindset | Desire to dominate the boards on defense or offense; conscious about rebounding |
| Post players' positioning | Comfortable playing with their back to the basket; willing to defend on every play |
| Post players' scoring | Scoring opportunities are created by various moves and positioning |
| Post players' height | Height is an advantage |
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What You'll Learn
Post players are often tall and physically dominant
Post players in basketball are typically tall and physically dominant. They are known for their presence close to the basket, in the low post, which is the area between the baseline and the free throw line near the basket. This area is also referred to as the "paint".
The height and physicality of post players are often key advantages that enable them to score using various moves and positioning. They use their height advantage to chip away at their defender and get closer to the rim. While they may not need to be exceptional distant shooters, they can use their height and physicality to perform dunks, jams, bank shots, hook shots, and more.
In addition to scoring, post players are crucial for rebounding and interior play. They are expected to have a strong desire to rebound and must be willing to battle for the best position to secure rebounds. Post players also play a defensive role, acting as the "goalies" of the team by sacrificing their bodies and protecting the basket.
While height is often an advantage for post players, it is not always a requirement. Comfort playing with one's back to the basket, willingness to engage in physical play, and great footwork are also essential characteristics of successful post players.
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They play close to the basket
Post players in basketball are known for their presence close to the basket, in an area known as the "paint" or the "post". This area is between the baseline and the free throw line, often extending outside the paint but always close to the basket. Post players are usually taller and more physically imposing, and they use their bodies to get closer to the rim, employing techniques such as dunking, jamming, bank shots, and hook shots to score. They are also crucial for rebounding and interior play.
Playing close to the basket requires a specific skill set and mindset. Post players must be comfortable with their back to the basket and be willing to endure physical contact. They need to be agile and possess good footwork to navigate the limited space near the basket effectively. They should also be adept at setting screens and reading the game to create scoring opportunities for themselves and their teammates.
The role of a post player is not limited to scoring and includes a range of defensive responsibilities. They must be willing to defend on every play and make up for any shortcomings of their teammates. Their height and physicality provide a defensive advantage, allowing them to block shots and protect the basket. Post players also play a crucial role in rebounding, battling for possession of the ball, especially when it comes off the rim or backboard.
While post players are often taller, height is not the sole determinant of a post player. Players of varying heights can excel in this position, provided they are comfortable playing close to the basket and have the necessary skills and mindset.
Overall, post players who play close to the basket have a significant impact on the game, contributing to both offense and defense. Their ability to score, rebound, and protect the basket makes them essential to a team's success.
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They are crucial for rebounding
Post players are crucial for rebounding in basketball. The post, also known as the "paint", is the area between the baseline and the free-throw line near the basket. It is a strategic zone where post players, typically taller and more physically imposing, operate to score and rebound. Their height advantage makes them well-suited for rebounding, and their physical presence helps protect the basket.
A post player must be comfortable with their back to the basket and not afraid of contact. They need to be willing to go for rebounds on every play and, if they can't secure the rebound themselves, ensure their opponent doesn't either. This involves a lot of instinctual play and a feel for the game that comes from spending hours on the court.
While post players may not always receive the ball, they play a crucial role in rebounding. They need to be aware of their positioning and the position of their opponents to effectively rebound. If an opponent is in front of them, they can try to ride them under the basket to block their rebounding angle or use a spin move to get back in front.
The desire to rebound is essential for post players. They need to be aggressive and battle for position in the post to create scoring opportunities for themselves and their teammates. Post players use their height and physicality to their advantage, employing various moves like drop steps, pivots, and footwork to score and rebound effectively.
In summary, post players are crucial for rebounding in basketball due to their proximity to the basket, their height and physical advantages, and their willingness to engage in physical play. Their ability to rebound effectively helps their team gain possession and contributes to a strong defensive performance.
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They score using various moves and positioning
Post players in basketball are known for their presence near the basket, in the paint or post area, where they rebound and score. They are usually taller and larger, using their bodies and a variety of moves to get closer to the rim and score.
The post area is between the baseline and the free throw line, and players can position themselves in the low, mid or high post. The low post is the area closest to the basket, often extending outside the paint but still near the baseline. The high post is the part of the painted area farthest from the basket, including the elbows (where the free throw line connects perpendicular to the edges of the paint).
To post up, a player moves into the post area, usually the low post, to receive a pass. They will face away from the basket. Once they have the ball, they can use a variety of moves to create scoring opportunities. These include pivoting, spinning, faking out, or power dribbling. They can also use their height and physicality to chip away at their defender and get closer to the rim.
Good footwork is essential for post players. They should be adept at performing pivots on either foot, and using these to create offensive moves. Post players should also be comfortable with their back to the basket and be willing to defend on every play. They should also be aware of their positioning and try to get the best position possible, even before the ball arrives. This can help them draw fouls and create scoring opportunities.
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They are the last line of defence
The post position in basketball is a crucial role, often requiring taller and more physically imposing players. These players operate in the area between the baseline and the free-throw line, known as the "paint", and their main objective is to score and create scoring opportunities for their teammates.
Post players are the last line of defence, protecting the basket and ensuring that if they don't secure a rebound, their opponent won't either. They are the equivalent of a goalkeeper in football or soccer, sacrificing their bodies and putting their bodies on the line to prevent the other team from scoring. Post players must be comfortable playing with their back to the basket, unafraid of contact, and willing to defend on every play.
The role demands a high level of physicality and height is often a significant advantage. Post players use their bodies to gain positioning and get closer to the rim. They employ a variety of techniques to score, including dunking, jamming, bank shots, and hook shots. Their presence near the basket helps create balance within the offence. If a post player possesses the footwork to execute moves like drop steps and pivots, they can open up the game for their teammates, creating space and drawing defenders towards them.
In addition to scoring, post players are crucial for rebounding. They must have a strong desire to rebound and refine their rebounding technique. This includes learning how to position themselves effectively, using spin moves, and anticipating their opponent's movements to gain an advantage.
While post players may not always receive the ball, their role is vital to the team's success. They must be willing to run from endline to endline, providing defensive support and compensating for any shortcomings in their teammates' defence.
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Frequently asked questions
The post, also known as the "paint", is the area between the baseline and the free throw line near the basket.
Post players are known for their presence close to the basket, and they score using various moves and positioning. They are also crucial for rebounding and interior play.
The three types of post positions are low-post, mid-post, and high-post. The low-post refers to the area of the paint closest to the basket. The mid-post and high-post are less strictly defined, with the mid-post generally being farther from the basket and the high-post being the part of the painted area farthest from the basket.
A good post player is comfortable playing with their back to the basket and is not afraid of contact. They are willing to defend on every play and sacrifice their body. They also have great footwork.
One strategy is to set good screens for your teammates, which can create scoring opportunities for yourself. Another is to get your work done before the ball gets to you and bury the defender under the basket, forcing them to foul you to stop you from scoring.
