Developing a Strong Inside Game
Posting Up One-on-One
Posting up is a big part of the game of basketball. It is truly an advantage to have a dominant force inside. However, post ups are not limited to just big men, look for all teams to exploit size mismatches at any position. On mismatches is much better to take your defender inside than to go one on one outside.
How are your post moves? Do you have a strong power lay up? Can you shoot the baby hook from both sides? Do you know how to read and seal off the defense? Do you have a deadly "Turn-a-round Jumper"? Can you counter a post double team? You should work just as hard on mastering post moves as you do your outside moves.
To post up effectively, physical size and strength is not enough, players posting up must be well schooled in the basic post moves. In addition, both the passer and post player must be cognizant of the location of defensive player. As a player you can possess all the post up moves in the world; however, if you do not know when and why to use them they are basically useless.
It is not the offensive player but the location of the defender that will dictate what post move to use. The "Line of Deployment" established by long time coach and present Laker assistant, Tex Winter is a key in attacking the post defender. By recognizing where the defender is playing in relation to the "Line of Deployment" it allows the passer to create open shots for the post.
Basic Post Up Moves
Every player regardless of size or position must be very proficient with the following four basic inside moves:
1. Power Lay-Up
Read: Defense plays on the HIGH side of the post.
2. Baby Hook
Read: Defense plays on the BASELINE side of the post.
3. Turn & Face
Read: Defense plays BEHIND the post.
Advanced Moves
Once the four basic post moves are mastered, players can start adding advance moves. The advance post moves include: Pump Fake & Drive (off Turn & Face), Jump Hook, Fake Jump Hook (Up & Under) and Pressure Releases. Like the basic moves, advance moves require a lot of time and effort to perfect. However, once perfected players will certainly become a dominate force inside.
Reading & Countering Defensive Post Deployment
Anticipate and post up strong (leg fight) one pass ahead. If pushed off the block, take your time and see the floor. When you receive the ball with both feet in the paint (3 second area) attack immediately.
What if the defender plays on the HIGH SIDE of the post? Power Lay-up
What if the defender plays on the BASELINE SIDE of the post? Baby Hook
What if the defender plays on the BEHIND of the post? Face-Up
What if the defender FRONTS the post? Lob
What if the defense DOUBLE TEAMS the post? Trap Release
READ: Defender plays on the HIGH SIDE of the post.
COUNTER: Power Lay-up Option
When the defender X5 assumes a 3/4 pass denial position on the top side (above the line of deployment) of the post, the post should cheat up the lane, seal off the defender, and give the passer a target with the baseline hand. Passer should lead the post to the basket for power lay up. Post should maintain defensive seal until pass is overhead.
Corner Feed option.
When the defense assumes a 3/4 pass denial position on the top side of the post, the wing O3 has option of passing the ball to the corner for a better passing angle into the post.
READ: Defender plays on the BASELINE SIDE of the post.
COUNTER: Baby Hook Option
When the defender X5 assumes a 3/4 pass denial position on the baseline side (below the line of deployment) of the post, the post should cheat down the lane, seal off the defender, and present the passer a target with the top hand. Passer should lead the post to the basket for baby hook. The baby hook should be executed with a quick, long, lead step into the middle with the foot pointing toward sideline or corner. Shooting arm should be kept straight using a flipping wrist motion. Shooter should be end up facing the basket on follow through.
Point Feed option.
When the defense assumes a 3/4 pass denial position on the baseline side of the post, like with the post front, the wing has option of reversing the ball to the top of the circle for a better passing angle into the post.
READ: Defender plays BEHIND the post.
COUNTER: Turn & Face (Triple Threat)
When the defense X5 plays behind the post, the post should seal off the defender with a strong low, knees flexed stance, and give the passer a target with both hands. Upon receiving the pass, the post should make a strong pivot and face the basket assuming a triple threat position (drive, shoot or pass). Unless the defensive post is an extremely good shot blocker, the defensive player is at a big disadvantage.
Triple Threat Shot Options
Jump Shot. Defender has hands down.
Pump Fake and Drive. Defender anticipates and challenges shot.
Step Back. One dribble drive step toward basket then a quick step back to create separation from the defense.
Defender FRONTS the post.
COUNTER: Post Lob Option
When the defense X5 assumes a full front denial position on the post, the post should force the defense out away from the basket, seal off the defender, and give the passer a target with the baseline hand. Passer should make a pass just over the top of the fronting defensive player. Note: It is important for the post to wait and not release the defensive seal until the pass is overhead.
Ball Reversal option.
Against the post front, the wing also has option of reversing the ball to the top of the circle for a better passing angle into the post.
Defenders DOUBLE TEAMS the post.
COUNTER 1: Pressure Release to Elbow
One of the best ways to counter the post double team is by attacking it before with quick moves before the trap can be set.
When the defense double teams by bringing a player across along the baseline on the low side, the post has option countering by releasing up to the elbow.
COUNTER 2: Pressure Release to Short Corner
When the defense double teams by bringing a player down from the top, the post has option of releasing to short corner on baseline.
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