
Posting up in basketball is a pivotal aspect of the game, with the post being a specific area on the basketball court that begins from one edge of the free throw line to the other, including the area between the free throw line and the top of the three-point line. Posting up is a physical strategy where players set up on offense near the lower block, which is the rectangular area painted near the baseline, to gain possession of the basketball and create scoring opportunities. The high post is a key position in this strategy, with players occupying spaces like the top, wings, slots, and corners to execute offensive plays and create scoring chances near the basket or the perimeter.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Posting up is when you set up on offense near the lower block, which is the rectangular block painted on the floor near the baseline. |
| Location | The high post is a specific area on the basketball court which begins from one edge of the free throw line to the other edge in addition to the area that is between the free throw line and the top of the three-point line. |
| Strategy | A high post offense is a strategy that emphasizes the use of a high post player who can gain possession of the basketball and/or use other offensive actions such as handoffs or screens to create scoring opportunities near the basket or around perimeter areas of the court. |
| Basic Setup | 1 and 2 occupy the right and left slots respectively; 3 and 4 fill the right and left wings respectively; 5 initially takes up space at the right side low post area. |
| Basic Movement | 1 dribbles toward the top, which is also a signal that 2 should cut through to the right side corner. |
| Scoring Opportunities | The high post area can be used to create one or more scoring opportunities for offensive players. |
| Player Height | Bigger players generally conduct post plays because of their height advantage. |
| Player Positioning | A foot or two can mean the difference in the effectiveness of your post play. If you set too high, you might find the need to execute skills that you're not comfortable with, set too low, and you might find your options limited. |
| Player Skills | Players who are willing to spend time working on their low post game will get a huge advantage over their opponents. |
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What You'll Learn

Posting up is a physical, pivotal strategy
Posting up is a physical and pivotal strategy in basketball. It involves setting up on offence near the lower block, the rectangular area painted on the floor near the baseline, with the aim of getting the ball on the block and keeping the opponent on your back, putting yourself in a good scoring position. While anyone can post up, it is a key part of playing power forward and centre on offence. Typically, posting up is a good strategy if you are bigger than your defender, as you will be able to push them around in the paint, the area inside the free-throw lines.
The high post is a specific area on the basketball court that begins from one edge of the free-throw line to the other, as well as the area between the free-throw line and the top of the three-point line. A high post offence is a strategy that uses a high post player to gain possession of the basketball and create scoring opportunities near the basket or around the perimeter. This strategy involves players occupying other perimeter-oriented spaces, such as the top, wings, slots, and corners.
The low post is another important area in basketball, and players who are willing to work on their low post game can gain a significant advantage over their opponents. When playing in the post, positioning is critical, as a foot or two can make a big difference in the effectiveness of your play. If you set too high, you may need to use skills you are uncomfortable with, and if you set too low, your options may be limited.
Posting up is a physical strategy, and players should not be afraid to use their weight to scrap it out with opponents. However, it is important to be careful not to foul, as this can be easily spotted by referees. When posting up, it is important to seal your defender with contact, making it harder for them to steal the ball. This also makes it easier for your team's guards to feed the post, resulting in more touches, scoring opportunities, and impact on the game.
In summary, posting up is a physical and pivotal strategy in basketball, particularly when playing power forward and centre. The high and low posts are important areas on the court, and players can use a variety of moves and strategies to create scoring opportunities for their team.
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High post offense and scoring opportunities
The high post is a specific area on the basketball court that begins from one edge of the free throw line to the other, including the area between the free throw line and the top of the three-point line. The edges of the free throw line are also known as the high post elbows or elbow areas. A high post offense is a strategy that involves a high post player who can gain possession of the basketball and use offensive actions such as handoffs or screens to create scoring opportunities near the basket or around the perimeter.
The high post offense is initiated from a 1-4 high offensive set, with player 1 at the top, players 2 and 3 on the wings, and players 4 and 5 filling the high post elbows. The ball is passed from 1 to 5, and then 5 to 1 again via a handoff. If 1 receives the ball, they can attack the rim by dribbling towards the basket and scoring a layup. If the handoff is unsuccessful, 1 can continue the cut to the right side low post area. 5 then performs a dribble handoff with 3 near the right side wing, while 1 cuts up to the left side wing through a double screen by 2 and 4. 1 can then receive the ball from 3 and take a three-point shot.
Another variation of the high post offense is initiated from a Horns offensive set, with player 1 at the top, players 2 and 3 in the corners, and players 4 and 5 in the high post elbow areas. 4 receives the ball from 1, and 2 executes a curl cut to the basket through a wide pin-down screen by 1. 2 can then receive the ball from 4 and score a high-percentage field goal. If 2 is not open, they can move to the right side low post area, and 3 can cut to the basket through a flex screen by 2, receiving the ball from 4 and creating another scoring opportunity.
The high post offense provides various scoring opportunities, such as layups, jump shots, fadeaways, hook shots, and dunks. It also offers an advantage in offensive rebounding, as the offense has a better chance of grabbing missed shots. To maximize this advantage, players must "Box Out" their defenders and assume that all shots will be missed. The success of the high post offense relies on spacing, execution, and coordination, with the ball handler, screener, and receiver working as a cohesive unit through non-verbal communication, timing, and defensive recognition.
Additionally, coaches play a crucial role in developing effective offensive plays that suit the strengths of their players. They should focus on creating situations where individual players can excel while also providing a varied strategy that allows each player to contribute successfully.
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Basic high post player movement
The high post is a specific area on a basketball court that begins from one edge of the free throw line to the other, including the area between the free throw line and the top of the three-point line. The edges of the free throw line are also known as the high post elbows or simply the elbow areas.
A high post offense is a strategy that emphasizes the use of a high post player who can gain possession of the basketball and create scoring opportunities near the basket or around the perimeter. During a high post offense, players typically occupy other perimeter-oriented spaces on the court, such as the top, wings, slots, and corners.
- Flash cut and through cut: In the initial phase of the Point away sub-series, Player 1 dribbles toward the top, signalling Player 2 to cut through to the right side corner.
- Dribble handoff: Player 5 performs a dribble handoff (DHO) with Player 3 near the right-side wing area. As this happens, Player 1 cuts up toward the left-side wing area via a double screen set by Players 2 and 4.
- Quick spin: This move should be made immediately after catching the basketball. It involves reading the defender before receiving the ball and spinning in the direction that feels more open.
- Drop step: This move requires a player to quickly read the defender's positioning and execute the drop step at the right time. The player must get the defender to commit to one side, extend their foot backward while dribbling, and then use their body to shield the ball.
- Simple jump hook: This move is executed by turning sideways to the basket, bringing the ball up, and then flicking the wrist to put the ball in the hoop.
- Up and under: This move is a counter to a defended jumper. The player makes a right-foot pivot, steps through with their left foot, and takes a layup.
High post players should also be aware of their positioning in relation to the defender. If the defender is on the low side, the post player should work to keep them low, and if the defender is on the high side, the post player should work to keep them high.
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Post defense and denying passes
Post defense is a crucial aspect of basketball, and all players, regardless of size, must be adept at defending post-ups. There are three primary post areas to defend: the low post, medium post, and high post. Effective post defense requires a collective team effort, with defenders employing strategies such as denying passes and utilising proper positioning and footwork.
When defending the post, it is essential to play before the post receives the ball, aiming to prevent the offensive player from receiving it. This can be achieved by pressuring passers and utilising techniques like denial defense, where an off-ball defender prevents the guarded offensive player from receiving the ball. Defenders should focus on agility and quickness rather than strength, mirroring the offensive player's movements to stay between them and the player with the ball.
To deny passes effectively, defenders can use their forearm and get into a low, strong stance to maintain their position. They should use their body to push back, being cautious not to use their hands excessively to avoid committing a foul. When guarding the passer, defenders must exert maximum pressure, while off-ball defenders provide robust back-side support.
In the high post position, defenders should assume an aggressive pass denial stance on the ball side. They can use their arm and hand closest to the ball to extend into the passing lane, with the palm facing outward, discouraging the player with the ball from attempting a pass. This technique, if executed properly, can lead to steals for the defensive team.
Additionally, defenders can force the opponent out of their normal setup by pushing high if they set up with their back to the basket in a low position or forcing low if they prefer to set up high. This disrupts their rhythm and makes it more challenging for them to execute their usual offensive strategies.
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Posting up against man-to-man or zone defense
Posting up in basketball is a strategy that involves using a high post player to gain possession of the basketball or create scoring opportunities near the basket or around the perimeter areas of the court. The high post is a specific area on the basketball court that extends from one edge of the free-throw line to the other, including the area between the free throw line and the top of the three-point line. This area is crucial for creating scoring opportunities, and players must master the footwork and positioning to excel in this role.
When posting up against a man-to-man defense, it is essential to locate your defender before receiving the ball. This knowledge will enable you to control their positioning, keeping them low if they are on your low side and high if they are on your high side. Perimeter players should be instructed to pass away from the defense, and pivoting with the pass can create more favourable angles and opportunities. For example, if the post player is in the right post and the defense is low, the perimeter player should pass to the post player's right hand, allowing them to pivot and open up the middle.
Additionally, posting up against a man-to-man defense can be effective in creating 1v1 opportunities in the post or providing teammates with open shots. This strategy requires good communication and a certain level of basketball IQ. It is also important to note that combining different defensive strategies, such as switching from man-to-man to zone defense during a play, can keep the offense guessing and adjusting.
When posting up against a zone defense, the goal is often to make the defense shift and work hard. This can be achieved by passing to the most open teammate, forcing the defense to move collectively to cover the new threat. Exhausting the defense can lead to turnovers and quick scoring opportunities. Additionally, against a zone defense, players should focus on offensive rebounds and putbacks, positioning themselves to receive dump-off passes from penetrating guards.
Another strategy against a zone defense is to have the point guard get the ball to the high post, attracting the center to defend. This can create an opportunity for a high-low feed and easy scoring chances. Screening towards the inside of a guard defender and then rolling into the defensive centre can also help in scouting deep post or rebounding positions. While zone defenses can be strong, they can also be inefficient, and good communication, crisp passing, and three-point shooters can help collapse the zone.
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Frequently asked questions
Posting up in basketball is when you set up on offense near the lower block, which is the rectangular block painted on the floor near the baseline. It is one of the most physical parts of the game, so players shouldn't be afraid to be aggressive and use their weight to gain an advantage.
The high post is a specific area on the basketball court that begins from one edge of the free-throw line to the other, including the area between the free-throw line and the top of the three-point line. The edges of the free-throw line are also known as the high post elbows or simply the elbows of the court.
One example of a high post play is the Point series of Princeton offense, which involves a high post entry pass followed by other actions to create scoring opportunities near the rim or perimeter areas. Another example is a play initiated from a Horns offensive set, which includes a wide pin-down screen and curl cut.










































