Ayrton Oneill
In basketball, the post is the painted area on the court, extending from the baseline to the free-throw line. Within this area, there are two post positions: the high post, or upper post, near the free-throw line, and the low post, near the basket. The low post is usually where players post up, meaning they move into position to receive a pass. From the low post, players can create scoring opportunities by pivoting, backing down a defender, spinning, faking out, or power dribbling. Posting up is a particularly effective strategy for bigger players, as it allows them to take advantage of their height and strength.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | In basketball, 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. |
| Post Positions | There are two post positions: high post and low post. |
| High Post | The high post is the upper area near the free-throw line. |
| Low Post | The low post is the area near the basket, usually the lower block, where players position themselves to receive a pass. |
| Strategies | Offensive strategies often involve players posting up, especially power forwards and centers. |
| Scoring | Posting up puts players in a good scoring position, as they can pivot, back down a defender, spin, fake out, or power dribble. |
| Rebounding | The post is where most rebounds occur, and players should be ready to rush in to rebound the ball. |
| Fouls | Players can try to draw fouls by posting up and taking advantage of their size or speed against defenders. |
| Screening | Setting screens can create scoring opportunities by drawing defenders away from certain areas. |
| Communication | Effective communication is crucial for post players, as it helps with positioning and defensive strategy. |
| Drills | Basketball drills should include post plays and shots, such as jump shots and jump hooks. |
Explore related products
The low post
On offense, posting up is when you set up near the lower block (the rectangular block painted on the floor near the baseline) to get into a good scoring position. Anyone can post up, but it is a key part of playing power forward and center on offense. Typically, posting up is a good strategy if you're bigger than your defender, as it will be easy to push them around in the paint (the area inside the free throw lines).
On defense, the post defenders are responsible for blocking shots, staying physical without fouling, and boxing out to avoid giving up second-chance points.
Some effective post moves include the drop step, triple threat, spin move, and Sikma move. The drop step is when an offensive player receives the ball in the low post and dribbles or backs down toward the middle of the basket. If the defender is blocking this move, the player can quickly change direction and spin in the opposite direction for a layup or dunk. The triple threat position is when the offensive player faces up with the defender after receiving the ball in the post, getting into the proper position to pass, shoot, or dribble. Faster players should use a quick spin move, while bigger players should use a power spin move. The Sikma move is a catch-and-shoot type of play from the post, made famous by Jack Sikma.
The PK 80 Basketball Tournament: Does It Count?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The high post
The UCLA High Post Offense, made famous by John Wooden, head coach at the University of California, Los Angeles, is a popular variation of the high post strategy. This offense is designed to keep the pressure off the team's playmaker by allowing the offense to be initiated from either side of the floor and giving either guard the opportunity to run the side-post game. It offers a variety of options and is characterised by its simplicity, strong offensive rebounding coverage, consistent spacing, and flexibility.
FIBA Basketball Specifications: Size, Material, and More
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Offensive strategies
Isolation Offense
The isolation offense is a strategy where the strongest player gets the ball, while their teammates create space by drawing their defenders to one side of the court. This isolates the strongest player in a one-on-one setup, and if they can get around their defender, they can drive to the basket for a shot. This strategy is particularly effective for players who can use their smaller size, quicker speed, and dribbling ability to achieve mismatches with larger defenders.
Fast Breaks
Fast breaks are all about speed and the element of surprise, allowing the offense to move the ball up the court relatively unguarded. This strategy requires agile and athletic players who can commit fully to the play at high speed. It is important to note that if players tend to get sloppy at high speeds, this strategy may result in turnovers.
Princeton Offense
The Princeton offense aims to slow down the pace of the game through controlled passing, dribbling, and teamwork. This strategy creates scoring opportunities from the low post or perimeter and is well-suited for less athletic teams facing speedy opposition. The players should be in a 2-2-1 formation, with two players in slot positions, two on the wings, and one in the low post. While this offense can be challenging to execute, it provides opportunities for scoring and controls the pace of the game.
Shuffle Offense
The shuffle offense is a patterned strategy where the first cutter brings the ball towards the wing and passes to the point guard at the top of the key, who then passes to the feeder. Meanwhile, the post player sets a screen for the first cutter. If executed successfully, the second cutter can move to the center and get a shot opportunity. However, this offense can be predictable, as the defense can anticipate the maneuvers.
General Tips for Post Players
- Get to the lower block before the point guard passes the half-court line to beat the defender and gain a scoring advantage.
- Use your weight and positioning to establish yourself in the paint, the area inside the free throw lines, as it provides more room to work and avoids a 3-second violation.
- Set good screens for your teammates to create space and open up scoring opportunities.
- Be aware of the defender's position and use your forearms or hips to slide in front of them, creating separation between them and the ball.
- Catch the ball with both hands and pull it to your chest to protect it from opponents trying to swipe it away.
- Focus on rebounding by anticipating the shot and positioning yourself to gain a rebounding angle advantage over your opponent.
- Avoid fouls, such as pushing off your opponent's back to create space, as it can result in turnovers and give the opponent free throws.
Basketball Wives Star Indicted: What Did Brittish Do?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Defensive strategies
In basketball, the post is a key offensive position near the lower block, the rectangular area painted on the floor near the baseline. The post is usually occupied by power forwards and centers, who are typically the bigger players on the team.
Deny the entry pass
Defenders can deny the entry pass to the post by extending their arm into the passing lane, with their thumb down, and creating an arm bar with the other arm to lean against the post player. Stepping into the passing lane with the foot closest to the ball makes this tactic even more effective. This forces the offense to attempt a risky lob pass, which requires help from a weak-side defender to "sandwich" the low-post player.
Fronting
Fronting is a technique where the defender stands in front of the low-post player to prevent bounce or chest passes into the low post. This requires good balance and footwork from the defender, as they cannot see the post player. Fronting is particularly useful against players with a size advantage in the low post.
Digging
When a pass is made into the post, the closest perimeter defenders can dig down on the ball to force it back out. This involves darting in and looking to pop the ball up or get a deflection as the post player kicks it out. This tactic often forces the post player to pass the ball back out.
Double-teaming
The weak-side defender can rotate over to double-team the post player, making it more difficult for them to score or pass. This strategy can be effective in disrupting the opponent's rhythm and forcing turnovers.
Close-out technique
Mid-post and high-post defense can be achieved using the close-out technique, where the defender forces the post player away from the basket, preventing them from dribbling for a layup. This is particularly useful when teaching younger players how to defend against players who want the ball close to the basket.
Rebounding
Rebounding is crucial for defensive success. Defenders should focus on getting in front of their opponents and using their forearm and box-out techniques to drive them backward. It's important not to extend your arm, as this can be a foul. Reading the game and reacting accordingly is essential for successful rebounding.
Kentucky Basketball: What Uniforms Will They Wear This Season?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Post moves
There are several post moves that players can use to gain an advantage. Here are some of the most effective ones:
The Jump Hook
This is a simple yet effective move that can be used by any player. When the basketball is deep in the paint, catch it inside or back your opponent down. Turn sideways to the basket, bring the ball up, and flick your wrist to put the ball in the hoop.
The Up and Under
This move is a great counter after making a few hook shots. Your defender will anticipate a small jump hook and will be ready to block your shot. Instead, fake the shot, step through, and finish with an open layup as the defender is left wondering.
The Drop Step
This move requires quick reading of the defender's positioning and precise timing. Get the defender to commit to one side, extend your foot backward as you dribble, and then shield the basketball with your body. If done correctly, the defender will have to go over your back, leading to a foul.
The Fadeaway
This is an advanced move that can take your game to the next level. The goal is to create separation between you and the defender to take an open jump shot. This requires strength, precise judgment of distance, and body control.
Spin and Baby Hook
Being ambidextrous is a great advantage when using post moves. Finishing to either side of the basket with a spin and baby hook is a very effective way to score and is challenging for defenders to stop.
Setting Screens
Setting good screens for your teammates can create great scoring opportunities for yourself. When you set a screen, your defender will have to help the teammate you set the screen for, creating space for you to roll, slip, or pop for a mid-range shot.
The Perimeter Shot: Basketball's Outside Paint Move
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The post is the area of the basketball court from the free-throw line to the baseline. This area is usually painted a solid colour and is also known as the paint or the key. There are two post positions: one below the free-throw line and the other close to the basket.
The three types of post positions are high-post, mid-post, and low-post. The high post is the upper area near the free-throw line. The low post is the area near the basket, usually extending outside the paint but always close to the baseline. The mid-post is farther from the basket and less strictly defined.
Posting up is when a player moves into the post area of the basketball court, usually the low post, to receive a pass. Once they receive the ball, they can pivot, back down a defender, spin, fake out, or power dribble to create scoring opportunities.
