Post Up

What is a Post Up in Basketball?

The concept of a “post up” in basketball is a critical element of the game that has evolved over time. It primarily involves a player, usually the center or power forward, establishing their position near the basket or in the lower part of the key. By putting their back to the basket and maintaining a strong stance, these players aim to receive a pass from a teammate and create scoring opportunities.

Executing a successful post up requires a combination of fundamental skills, such as footwork, strength, and basketball IQ. When a player posts up, they need to be aware of their positioning and potential defenders, strategically using their body to shield the ball and create open space for a shot. This can lead to scoring opportunities through layups, dunks, or jump shots, as well as creating offensive options for teammates.

Although the prevalence of dominant low post players has diminished in recent years, the art of posting up remains an essential aspect of the game. Mastering this skill can provide significant advantages to teams and individuals, enabling them to exploit mismatches and exploit weaknesses in the opponent’s defensive schemes.

Fundamentals of the Post Up

Definition and Purpose

A post up is a strategic offensive move in basketball, primarily used by centers and power forwards. When posting up, a player positions themselves close to the basket, typically in the low post area, to increase their chances of scoring through layups, dunks, or jump shots. The main purpose of this move is to create open space and score points while avoiding blocks and steals from the defenders.

Positioning and Footwork

Proper positioning and footwork are crucial aspects of posting up in basketball. To effectively post up, a player should:

1. Establish their position: The player should be in the low post area, close to the basket, with one foot just inside the block and the other foot slightly wider. This stance provides balance and support to withstand defensive pressure.

2. Seal the defender: The offensive player should maintain a wide base and use their hips, legs, and upper body to seal the defender behind them, creating the separation needed to receive the ball from a teammate.

3. Receive the ball: The player must present a clear target to their teammate by extending the arm closer to the basket while keeping the opposite arm on the defender to maintain separation. Having a strong grip on the ball is essential to fend off potential steals.

4. Execute a pivot or drop step: Once the ball is received, the player can use various moves like a pivot or a drop step to create further separation from the defender and head towards the basket for a scoring opportunity.

By mastering the fundamentals of posting up, a player can effectively use their size and strength to gain an advantage over the defender and score points for their team.

Executing a Post Up

The post up is a fundamental offensive move in basketball, commonly utilized to gain position near the basket in a way that maximizes the potential scoring opportunities for the team. In this section, we’ll explore offensive strategies for executing a post up and the defensive countermeasures to limit its effectiveness.

Offensive Strategies

1. Establish Position: Before receiving the ball, the offensive player needs to create space between themselves and the defender. By sealing off the defender, the player gains an advantageous position for a pass and a shot attempt.

2. Use Both Hands: Being able to finish with both hands is crucial for a successful post up. This skill increases the player’s scoring options and makes it more difficult for the defender to predict their next move.

3. Footwork: Good footwork is essential for maintaining balance and creating openings for clean shot attempts. Pivoting, drop steps, and up-and-under moves can be employed to gain better positioning and evade the defender.

4. Body Control: The offensive player should use their body effectively to shield the ball from the defender and create space for shots. Leaning into the defender and mastering fadeaway shots can improve scoring opportunities.

5. Passing Opportunities: If the defense collapses on the player with the ball, they should be ready to pass to an open teammate for an easier shot.

Defensive Countermeasures

1. Front the Post: The defender can position themselves between the offensive player and the basket, preventing the ball from being easily passed to the post-up player. This forces the offense to pass the ball elsewhere or lob the pass, making it harder to execute the post up.

2. Body Up: Applying physical pressure to the offensive player can make it more challenging for them to gain position in the post or receive a pass. Bumping and using the forearm for leverage are effective techniques to disrupt the offensive player’s movements.

3. Double-Team: If the offensive player is particularly skilled in the post, the defense can opt to double-team, sending another defender to help cover the post-up player. This strategy forces the ball handler to either pass the ball out or face a more difficult shot attempt.

4. Deflect Passes: Quick hands and anticipation can help the defender deflect passes intended for the post-up player, potentially leading to a steal.

By employing these offensive and defensive strategies, teams can effectively execute post-ups or counter them to secure an advantage on the court.