What is High Post in Basketball?

The high post in basketball is a crucial area on the court that often serves as a strategic point for team’s offensive play. Located at the top of the key, around the corner of the free throw line, the high post provides various options for the players in terms of attacking and creating scoring opportunities. This region is also commonly known as the elbows of the court, as it extends from one corner of the free throw line to the other, and includes the area between the free throw line and the top of the three-point line.

Basketball players positioned at the high post typically have two main options when they receive the ball. They can either attempt to drive towards the basket and score, or survey the court and look for an open teammate to pass the ball. This makes the high post a versatile and vital position in the game, as players operating in this area often dictate the flow of the offense and create chances for their teammates.

Understanding the high post and its significance in basketball strategy is important for players, coaches, and fans alike. Mastery of the high post position and exploiting its advantages on the court can greatly improve a team’s offensive prowess and lead to a higher success rate in scoring.

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High Post Fundamentals

Definition and Role

The high post in basketball refers to a specific area on the court, situated at the top of the key, around the corners of the free throw line. Also known as the “elbows” of the court, this area spans from one corner of the free throw line to the other, and includes the space between the free throw line and the top of the three-point line.

The high post serves various purposes in basketball offenses, such as:

Providing space for post players to work with their back to the basket
Setting screens and picks for teammates
Facilitating ball movement through effective passing
Offering scoring opportunities via midrange jumpers and moves to the basket

Positioning and Usage

In order for players to effectively utilize the high post, they need to master proper positioning and usage. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

Location: The high post player should position themselves near the corner of the free throw line, ready to receive the ball and make a play.
Offensive moves: From the high post, players have several offensive options, such as driving to the hoop for a layup, executing a midrange jumper, or facing up to the basket to survey the court for passing opportunities.
Passing: High post players must be proficient in delivering accurate passes to teammates cutting to the basket or spotting up for a jump shot.
Screening and picking: Setting screens and picks for teammates at the high post can create open shots and lanes to the basket.

By mastering these fundamentals, players can effectively utilize the high post in basketball to create scoring opportunities, both for themselves and their teammates.

Offensive Strategies

High Post Offenses

When discussing offensive strategies in basketball, the high post is an essential area to consider. The high post is located around the free-throw line area on the court, which allows a forward or center to receive a pass, have a clear view of the court, and make quick decisions based on the defensive positioning.

An offensive team can implement high-low action by positioning one player in the high post and another player near the low post block. The high post player can receive the ball from a teammate typically stationed behind the three-point line. This creates opportunities for various plays and assists in keeping the defense on their toes.

The high post offense revolves around several key principles that guide the team’s strategy and decision-making. These principles include:

Effective spacing: Ensuring that there is enough room for players to pass, cut, or drive to the basket, enabling them to read the defense. Proper spacing prevents overcrowding on the court.
Cutting and movement off the ball: Off-ball movement is essential in a high post offense as it keeps the defense engaged and creates opportunities for open shots.
Playing inside-out: This principle emphasizes getting the ball inside first to force the defense to collapse, then kicking it out to open shooters on the perimeter.

Key Plays and Movements

The high post offense has various plays and movements that enhance its effectiveness:

Pick and roll: The high post player sets a screen for the ball-handler. Once the defender is screened, the high post player rolls to the basket, either for an easy layup or drawing defenders, leaving shooters open on the perimeter.
High post entry: The player in the high post catches a pass from a perimeter player, making it possible to evaluate the court. They can then choose to either shoot, pass to a cutter, or kick out the ball to an open shooter.
Give and go: The high post player receives a pass from a teammate, and the passer quickly cuts to the basket. This quick movement can catch the defense off guard, opening up layup opportunities.
Dribble hand-off: The high post player receives a pass and initiates a dribble towards one of the wings. A teammate from the wing then approaches the high post player, takes the ball as a hand-off, and moves around the high post player for an open shot or drive.

Overall, the high post offense in basketball is a crucial aspect of an offensive strategy, which can create numerous scoring opportunities for the team. By employing effective spacing, timely cuts and passes, and strategic plays, team members can successfully utilize high post offense in-contrast with the low post game.