Post Play
Post Players can be called Forwards, Centers, Post Players, Bigs, Big Men, etc. So whatever name is used – this player will be responsible for the low / high post areas. The taller players usually end up playing in the “Post” (the traditional spot for big players). Many of the main skills for a post player are just as hard to learn (or even harder to learn) than many of the guard skills. Having post players work on ball handling and outside shooting would be very beneficial to their total development. Post players must work hard at the fundamentals first, then work even harder on the more advanced drills if they are to become dominant in the post. These are just a few skills that post players must learn. Basic Skills to work on for beginning Post Players: * Jumping * Catching * Passing* Footwork * Ball Handling (basic) * Free Throws * Lay Ups * Bank Shots * Basic defense (moving side to side, keeping their hands up) Advanced Skills for Post Players: * Rebounding * Offensive Put-Backs * Outlet Pass / Pivoting * Screening / Flashing to the Ball * Ball Handling – More Advanced * Lay-Ups (game like drills) * Calling for the Ball * Post Moves – Basic Drop Step / Dribble and Hop Move * Positioning / How to Seal a Defender * Defense * Blocking Shots There are more advanced skills that post players can work on, but since we are keeping it geared towards youth basketball – the skills mentioned above should be sufficient to get started. Post Player Offensive Skills – Notes 1. Post Players should never post up a “spot” on the floor – they should always post up on a defender. Which means, don’t just run to the block and stand there, find a defender and post them up. 2. When posting up a defender, the post player should always make the defender work hard to defend them (never make it easy for a defender in the post). 3. Post players should call for the ball, and have a hand up to “direct” where they want the pass to go. 4. When receiving the pass in the post – be aware that you have the option to pass the ball back out to the wing area (this can open up the perimeter for an outside shot, and also allow the post player to re-establish position in the post. 5. Sealing the defender is critical to establishing post position. A post player should “seal” the defender away from the side of the pass (post up in a position where they are best able to receive a pass from a teammate). A good post player learns to “fight” for position in the post (on offense, you have every right to the spot on the floor as the defense does, work hard and fight for this spot). 6. Offensive Rebounds – Any offensive rebounds should be put right back up (jump up, catch the ball, land, and pop right back up with no hesitation). Get in a position to Score! Have you ever seen a post player standing on the block, then a guard drives baseline, the post player should move but doesn’t? This causes congestion – A good post player can see what’s happening on the court and adjusts quickly. Here are a couple of very good suggestions to help post players know where to go when a guard is driving to the basket – watch the video clips and learn how to get in a position to score… Guard drives baseline – Post Player near the block area CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO CLIP! Guard drives middle – Post Player near the block area CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO CLIP! Post Player Defensive Stances Post Players should understand and use the following defensive stances. This information will help a post player understand how to play to their opponents strengths and weaknesses: Quarter-Turn Stance – When related to post player defense the quarter turn stance should only be used to set up the Fronting or Behind stances (use just before you are ready to front or get behind the post player). This video clip will demonstrate a player going from a quarter turn to a fronting stance (make sure you look at the foot work involved). Quarter Turn to Fronting – CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO CLIP! Fronting Stance - This stance is best used on an offensive post player that has good post moves and dribbling skills – use on a post player with good shooting skills (fronting will keep the ball out of their hands). Fronting – CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO CLIP! Behind Stance – This stance is best used on an offensive post player that is a good rebounder, but a poor shooter – use on a post player with poor post moves, poor dribbling skills. VIDEO CLIP COMING SOON! Behind – CLICK HERE FOR HANDOUT! Defensive Rule for Post Players – Never stand to the “Side” of a post player on offense (especially if they are a good post player), it will make it easy for them to seal the defender off and get in a better position to score. * Either use the Fronting stance or the Behind stance! Post Player Defensive Skills – Notes 1. Post Players should never post up a “spot” on the floor – they should always post up on a defender. 2. Boxing Out – Is a must for post players. Boxing out is most likely the easiest basketball skill to learn, but the hardest basketball skill to remember to do in the game. Boxing out is more of a mental skill. 3. Rebounding – Is a very important skill for all post players to possess – go up small, come down big, chin the ball, and quickly outlet the ball to a guard. 4. Stance - Never stand next to an offensive player in the post, either front or get behind. Post Player Drills 1. Superman Drill – One of the best drills for post players. CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO CLIP! 2. Mikan Drill – A classic post player drill that is proven to be one of the best. CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO CLIP! 3. Put-Back Drill – A very important skill for all post players to master. CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO CLIP! 4. Crash the Wall Drill – A good drill to help players that need to learn how to stop fouling on defense. Stand about 6 feet away from a wall, run as close to the wall as you can, jump stop, jump straight up (both hands straight up), and try not to hit the wall with any part of your body (or you just fouled someone). VIDEO CLIP COMING SOON! 5. Power Slam – A simple, but very effective ball handling drill for “soft hands” (players that are having trouble catching the ball). CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO CLIP! 6. Block to Block Shooting – Post players will be shooting from the block a good percentage of the time, so why not practice shooting at these spots. CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO CLIP! 7. Elbow to Elbow Shooting – Another area where the post player will shoot from often – an easy shot to develop since it’s just about the same distance as a free throw. CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO CLIP! 8. Wall Taps – The one drill that will help with a players jumping ability is Wall Taps. A very simple but very effective drill. CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO CLIP! Also try the "Wall Taps" drill using a basketball. CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO CLIP! Post players will need to work on their skills just as much as guards do. Just because a player is really tall doesn’t make them a good basketball players. The art of playing in the post is very hard to master – it takes a lot of hard work and dedication. Post players must be able to jump high, catch the ball, pass the ball, pivot, be aggressive, shoot the ball, and be good ball handlers. Work hard to be the best you can be!
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Post Players 
