Basketball Drills for Post Players

As basketball begins to shift towards a positionless sport, it seems like a true post player is becoming rarer and rarer. And, while the position may be adapting, there is still a ton of value in a player dominating the post. A quality post player adds a whole new dynamic to a team, which is exactly what these basketball post move drills are going to work on.

On offense, post players create more scoring opportunities through post-ups, screens, etc. On defense, they can anchor the team defense and clean up the boards. And, while this all sounds great, it doesn’t just happen. Quality post players must be developed.

These post-move basketball drills will provide everything that a post player needs to develop. These post-move basketball drills will cover it all, from low post moves to playing out of a screen to running the floor.

And, these basketball drills aren’t just for centers or forwards either. There are plenty of post-up opportunities for wing players and guards as well. Players of all positions need to play with their back to the basket and learn to face up in the mid-range.

Here is a general rule of thumb when playing in the post. If your defender is smaller than you, start with your back to the basket and look to back them down. If you are smaller and quicker than your defender, face them up before making a move. The goal is to use your strengths against their weaknesses to get a quality shot or finish.

The Importance of Basketball Drills for Post Players

Pretty much any time the ball can go inside to the paint area and then back out, your team’s offense is going to end up with a good look. A great way to get the ball inside is to have a good post-up player, which doesn’t always have to be your center.

If your post player is a threat to score on the block, the defense will be put in a difficult situation. The defense will either have to stay home and allow the post player go one on one, or they will have to send help and leave one of the other players open for a kick-out shot. The only way this happens, though, is if you develop your post players and make them a threat to score when they get the ball.

These post-move drills will give you everything you need to develop your players into a dominant post presence. Also, regardless of the style you play, there will be post drills for you to use. There are transition post drills as well as half-court drills.

Also, there are multiple areas of post-development to consider. So along with working on these specific post move drills, make sure to check out our other drill categories. Our basketball rebounding drills and basketball competition drills are both going to have some more quality post-development resources. If you are looking for the breakdown of some of these moves, visit our basketball fundamentals section.

Basketball Drills for Post Players Teaching Points

As it goes with most things, the better you can understand post play and everything that goes into it, the more effective it will be. So along with taking advantage of all of the post-move basketball training videos offered below, here are some teaching points that you should focus on as well. They will help you to be able to master the details of these different post moves and better understand when to use them.

Positioning and Timing

A big part of playing in the post in basketball is positioning. If a player can catch the ball right next to the basket and then drop step finish, they will have a much higher percentage finish. On the flip side, if the defense can push the offensive post player out away from the basket, it drastically lowers finishing percentages.

This means that before a player catches the ball in the post, they must fight to get a deep catch. To do this, they must perfect their timing. If they try to fight for positioning too early, the post defender will have time to ride them out. If they go too late, the timing of the pass will be off, and the player making the pass may not be able to enter the ball. A good post duck in needs to be on time and in a good position.

Read the Defense

Once a post player gets the ball, they must read the defense. This starts with reading how their defender is guarding them and what the help is doing. A good post player must account for both if they want to get a high-quality shot or finish. Once they have read the defense, they can determine what move or countermove they want to use. And, where there will be times when a post player can go quick finish, most of the time they are going to need to catch, read, and then go.

Simplify Your Moves

It is better to be great at a few different moves than just okay at a bunch of moves. So rather than spending your time switching back and forth between all of the different moves, spend time mastering a move before continuing on. Start with a quality jump hook and jump hook counter, and then move on to more advanced finishes. Also, most of the more advanced moves use aspects of the basic post moves. So the better you can master the basics, the better you will be at the other post moves.

Quality Repetition

Most of these post moves are going to take a soft touch around the basket. To develop that soft touch, quality repetition is going to be a must. Whether it is shooting the basketball, finishing around the basket, etc., if a post player wants to be great at a particular move, they must be willing to put in the time. As a basketball coach, if you want your post players to be dominant, you need to develop them.

Work on Both Hands

A good post player needs to be able to finish with either hand well. If not, the defense will recognize this and then will always force them to their weak hand. So when working on all of these different basketball post move drills, spend the needed time working on both hands. If a basketball player is struggling with their off-hand, spend even more time working on it. A dominant post player must be confident in using both of their hands.

Be Willing to Give the Ball Up

The better a basketball player is in the post, the more the defense will be focusing on helping. This means double teams and over helping by the defense. As a post player, you must make the defense pay when this happens and keep them honest. If you can pass out of the post well, then the defense will be hesitant to help or double, and this means that you will have room to operate. So as a post player, you must be balanced in your attack and be willing to give the ball up if necessary.

Must-Use Basketball Drills for Post Players

Teach your post players how to dominate in the paint with these basketball post-move drills. Our database of basketball drills will allow you to develop your post players and teach them how to become better rebounders, finishers, and so much more.

Drill # 1: Drop Step Post Move Basketball Drill

Great basketball post players can catch the ball in the post, attack to get good post position, and then read the defender and execute the correct move. Being able to do this means that the post player has moves and counters to those moves.

The drop step post-move will be used when the defender slides over to take away the middle finish. The offensive player will use the defender’s body position against them for the drop step and finish on the baseline. This post-move basketball drill is something that every player should be working on regularly.

Basketball Drill Overview

Drill Name: Drop Step Post Move Basketball Drill

Equipment Needed: 1 basketball, 1 pad, and 2 partners.

Goals of the Drill

• Work on attacking to the baseline when the defender cuts off the middle attack.

Coaching Points

• Make sure you do not start too low on the block because if you do, you will end up too far under the basket when you execute the drop step.
• Really look to attack hard to the middle to get the defender to slide over to cut you off, then execute a sharp drop step move.

Basketball Drill Instructions

• The post player will start on the block with the dummy defender behind them with a blocking pad.
• The passer is going to start on the lane line extended out at the 3 point line.
• To start this basketball drill, the passer will dribble over to the wing to create a better passing angle; as they are doing this, the post player will duck in to receive the pass.
• Once the ball is entered to the post, the player will chin the ball and check their inside shoulder.
• They will then attack to the middle with two hard dribbles trying to get better positioning.
• The dummy defender will slide over to cut off the player, and at this time, the post player will drop step to the baseline for the finish.
• If the player misses, they will rebound the basketball and finish.
• The player will get the ball out of the net and repeat, or the next player in line will go.

Drill #2: How to Do a High-Low Post Move in Basketball

If you are a dominant post player or a lot bigger than the defender guarding you, there is a good chance that the defense will try to deny the post feed and set a defender right on top of you. The defense will do all that they can to keep the basketball from getting into the post.

However, that doesn’t mean that the post is shut down. It just means that there needs to be another way to enter the ball. This is where the high low pass and high low post move come into play. Basically, what you will do with this move is exploit the defense for the way they are guarding the post. You are going to make a pass over the top of the defense for a finish at the basket. This is one of the basketball fundamentals that every post player should know how to do, and this video will teach you exactly how to execute the move.

Basketball Drill Overview

Drill Name: How to Do a High Low Post Move in Basketball

Equipment Needed: 1 basketball and 2 partners.

Goals of the Drill

• Learn how to do a high low post-move.

Coaching Points

• When the ball goes up to the top, make the move as quickly as possible because the defense will be rotating to help.
• The higher you can ride the defender up, the easier it will be to score.
• When you spin around, locate the basketball as quickly as possible and make sure that you catch the basketball.
• Don’t release too soon and let the defender tip the pass away.
• The passer needs to lead the post player on the pass.

Basketball Drill Instructions

• Post up on the block, and as the defender tries to deny you the pass from the wing, begin to ride them up the lane line.
• When the pass goes up to the top of the key, you will drop step pivot and put the defender on your hip.
• You are going to raise your other hand to receive the pass over the top of the defense.
• As the pass comes, you will release, catch the ball, and then finish at the basket.

Drill #3: Windshield Wiper Post Catch and Finish Basketball Drill

Passing, catching, and ball handling are all essential components in the game of basketball. Players have to be able to effectively do all of these if they want to be complete players. This basketball post move drill encompasses all of those skills into one quick, challenging drill.

Regardless of position, all players need to be able to finish around the basket. This basketball drill can be used as a warm-up or in practice for players to get quality repetitions in a short amount of time. By using two basketballs, players are also going to be challenged to improve their hand-eye coordination.

Basketball Drill Overview

Drill Name: Windshield Wiper Post Catch and Finish Basketball Drill

Equipment Needed: 2 basketballs, a partner, and a timer (optional).

Goals of the Drill

• Improve hand-eye coordination and being able to catch the ball.
• Develop a soft touch and work on finishing off of different footwork and from different angles.
• Work on ball handling and finishing around the basket.

Coaching Points

• Stay in a low, athletic stance and dribble the basketball as hard and fast as possible.
  • Players should challenge their speed with ball-handling and push beyond their comfort zone.
• Players need to keep their eyes up to receive the pass and catch the ball cleanly.
• Have players reach high and extend up and out on the finish, using a nice soft touch.

Basketball Drill Instructions

• The player will start with their back to the baseline and underneath the basket.
• They will begin with one basketball in their left hand.
• The passer will be facing them in the center of the paint with another basketball.
• The player will begin the drill by dribbling the basketball in a windshield wiper motion.
  • The windshield wiper dribble should make a “v” shape.
• At any time, the passer will throw the second basketball to the player’s right hand.
• The player must catch the pass with their right hand, gather the dribble with their left hand, and finish with a reverse layup on the right side.
• If the player misses the layup, they will rebound and continue to shoot until they make it.
• Once the layup is made, they will immediately pass one ball back out to their partner and repeat the same action.
• The player will continue this pattern for the desired amount of time and then switch which hand begins the dribble and finishes the reverse layup.

Recommended Time, Scoring, and Repetitions

• This ball handling and finishing basketball drill is demonstrated with a player using one ball to do windshield wiper dribbling while receiving a pass with the second ball to catch and finish for a reverse layup. The player completes four reverse layups on one side. After completing the moves on one side, they repeat the same drill on the other side until they complete four made reverse layups.
• To vary the drill, you could increase the number of made layups on each side.
• The drill could also be completed for a specific time on each side, rather than a set number of made shots. The players could compete to see who can make the most number of layups in the desired time.
• To modify the drill for a less advanced player, they could do a stationary pound dribble.
• The player could do a front-to-back windshield wiper move instead of a side-to-side windshield wiper to increase complexity.

Why Basketball Drills for Post Players

Basketball is a fast-paced, dynamic sport that requires players to have a wide range of skills and abilities. For post players, these skills include scoring in the low post, defending against opposing big men, rebounding, and setting screens for their teammates. In order to excel in these areas, it’s crucial for post players to regularly engage in basketball drills that specifically target their position.

Basketball Drill Tips for Coaching Post Players

As a coach, it is important to understand the specific needs and abilities of your post players. Some may excel in certain areas, such as scoring or rebounding, while others may need more work on their defensive skills. This knowledge can help you tailor drills to each individual player’s needs and ensure that they are continuously improving.

When designing basketball drills for post players, it’s important to keep in mind the overall goals of the position. Post players are expected to be strong and physical, have good footwork and a variety of scoring moves, as well as the ability to defend and rebound. Therefore, drills should focus on developing these skills while also improving their overall basketball IQ.

One key aspect of post play that can often be overlooked is passing. Post players are often double-teamed and need to be able to make quick and accurate passes out of the post. Including passing drills in their training can greatly benefit their overall game and make them a more well-rounded player.

Another important factor when designing basketball drills for post players is incorporating game-like situations. This means setting up drills that simulate situations they may encounter during a real game, such as catching the ball in the low post and making a move to score against a defender. This type of training will help post players become more comfortable and confident in their abilities during game situations.

Aside from physical skills, it’s also important for post players to work on their mental toughness. Post play can be physically demanding and mentally challenging, as they are often tasked with battling against taller and stronger opponents. Incorporating drills that require mental focus and resilience can help post players develop the mental toughness needed to thrive in their position.

Finally, it’s important for coaches to regularly evaluate their post players’ progress and adjust drills accordingly. As players improve, they may need more challenging drills to continue pushing them, while struggling players may benefit from going back to basics and focusing on fundamentals. Continuously adapting and evolving drills will ensure that post players are continuously improving and reaching their full potential.

Basketball Drills for Post Players Frequently Asked Questions

How can I improve my post play in basketball?

To improve your post play in basketball, it’s important to regularly engage in drills that target your specific position. These drills should focus on developing skills such as scoring in the low post, defending against opposing big men, rebounding, and passing.

What are some key skills for post players in basketball?

Post players should be strong and physical, have good footwork and a variety of scoring moves, as well as the ability to defend and rebound. Passing and mental toughness are also important skills for post players to develop.

What types of drills can I do to improve my post play?

There are many drills that can help improve post play in basketball. Some examples include catching the ball in the low post and making a move to score against a defender, practicing post moves with a partner, and working on passing and rebounding skills. It’s important to incorporate game-like situations and continuously adjust drills based on individual player needs.

Overall, basketball drills for post players are crucial in helping them develop the necessary skills and abilities to excel in their position. By tailoring drills to each player’s strengths and weaknesses, focusing on both physical and mental aspects, and incorporating game-like situations, post players can continuously improve and become valuable assets to their teams. So, as a coach or player, make sure to prioritize post player drills in your training regimen for optimal performance on the court.

How do you become a good post player in basketball?

To excel as a post player in basketball, mastering specific skills and strategies is essential for dominating the paint. Here are 12 tips to enhance your post-up game and become a formidable presence inside:

• Develop Ambidexterity: Being proficient in finishing shots with both your left and right hands increases your versatility and unpredictability, making it harder for defenders to stop you.
• Spatial Awareness: Always be conscious of your location relative to the basket. This knowledge helps in making informed decisions about whether to take a shot or move closer for a better opportunity.
• Analyze Defensive Strategies: Understanding how the defense intends to counter your moves can give you an edge. Adapt your play to exploit their weaknesses and adjust your strategy accordingly.
• Prioritize the Jump Hook: The jump hook is a powerful move that’s difficult to block. Perfecting this shot can make you a reliable scoring option in the post.
• Focus on Footwork: Efficient footwork lays the groundwork for successful post play. It enables you to establish position, create space, and execute your moves with precision.
• Take Your Time: Avoid rushing your moves. By slowing down, you can better assess the defense, choose your actions wisely, and execute with higher accuracy.
• Hone Your Passing Skills: Being a threat to pass out of the post is crucial. It not only helps in beating double teams but also keeps the defense honest, preventing them from collapsing on you too aggressively.
• Secure Early Positioning: Strive to gain a favorable low post position before the ball arrives. This early positioning can be key to easier scoring opportunities.
• Prepare Before Receiving the Ball: Work on establishing your position and sealing off your defender even before the ball is in your hands. This makes receiving passes and scoring simpler.
• Build Physical Strength: A strong physique is crucial for maintaining position against defenders, backing them down, and finishing through contact.
• Adopt a Balanced Stance: Keep your feet wide apart, butt out, and back straight to improve balance and leverage, making it more challenging for defenders to push you around.
• Seal Off the Defender: Use your body effectively to keep the defender behind you, ensuring a clearer path to receive the ball and make a move towards the hoop.

By incorporating these tips into your training and gameplay, you can significantly improve your effectiveness as a post player. Remember, excelling in the post isn’t just about height or strength; it’s about skill, timing, and basketball IQ.

How to do a post move in basketball?

There are many different types of post moves in basketball, but they all involve creating space and using your body to get a clear shot at the basket. Here is a general guide for executing a post move:

1. Establish position: Before receiving the ball, use your body to seal off your defender and establish positioning close to the basket.
2. Receive the ball: Once you have the ball, keep it high and away from defenders to prevent them from stealing it.
3. Use footwork: Utilize efficient footwork to create space and get a clear shot at the basket.
4. Utilize post moves: Some common post moves include drop steps, jump hooks, and up-and-under moves. Choose one based on the positioning of the defender and your own strengths.
5. Finish strong: As you make your move towards the basket, be aggressive and finish strong with a shot or a dunk.

Remember to always stay aware of the defense’s positioning and adjust your moves accordingly. With practice and proper technique, mastering post moves can elevate your game as a post player in basketball.

In addition to mastering specific skills and strategies, post players must also focus on their mental toughness and overall basketball IQ. This involves staying composed under pressure, making smart decisions with the ball, and having a strong understanding of the game and its intricacies. By continuously working on both physical and mental aspects of post play, players can become well-rounded and effective in their position on the court. 

How do you get open in basketball as a post?

As a post player, getting open for scoring opportunities can be challenging due to the close proximity of defenders and physical play in the paint. However, here are some tips on how to get open in basketball as a post player:

1. Use screens: Work with your teammates to set screens that can create space for you to receive the ball or make a move towards the basket.
2. Cut to the basket: Make sharp and decisive cuts towards the basket, creating confusion for defenders and opening up passing lanes for your teammates.
3. Utilize fakes: Use head and shoulder fakes to throw off defenders and create space for yourself to receive a pass or make a move.
4. Stay active: Constantly move around in the post, making it difficult for defenders to keep track of you and anticipate your movements.
5. Communicate with teammates: Communication is key in basketball, especially in the post. Signal for a pass or call for a specific play to get yourself open.

Remember, getting open as a post player requires a combination of physical effort and mental awareness. Stay active, communicate effectively, and utilize strategy to create scoring opportunities for yourself and your team. So keep practicing those moves, building strength, and always staying one step ahead of the defense to become a dominant post player in basketball.

So don’t give up, keep working hard to improve your skills as a post player, and you’ll see results on the court. The journey towards greatness never ends, so keep striving to be the best post player you can be. Keep practicing, stay focused, and most importantly, have fun while playing the game you love.

How do you become an effective post player?

To excel as a post player, it’s crucial to possess skills that extend beyond traditional low-post maneuvers. Effective post players can operate from the free-throw line, employing jab-fakes and drives akin to those of a perimeter player. When scoring options are limited, the ability to pass effectively to the opposite wing becomes invaluable, serving to reverse the ball and disperse the defense. A key move for any aspiring post player to master is the “step-hop move,” which can be a game-changer in high post situations.

This approach not only enhances your versatility on the court but also makes you a more unpredictable and challenging opponent to defend against. By expanding your skill set to include elements of perimeter play, you improve your overall basketball IQ and contribute more significantly to your team’s offensive strategy.

How do you guard a bigger player in the post?

When facing off against a larger opponent in the post, employing effective defensive strategies is crucial to mitigate their impact. Here are four tactics to consider:

Perimeter Players Dig

This technique involves guards and small forwards momentarily helping the post defender by reaching in to swipe at the ball when the post player begins their move. It’s a quick dig that can disrupt the offensive player’s rhythm or force a turnover.

Double Down from the Weakside Defender

When the ball is passed to the post player, a defender from the weak side (the side opposite the ball) quickly moves in to double-team the post player. This requires good communication and quick rotation from the rest of the defense to cover open players.

Double Down from the Perimeter Defender

Alternatively, a perimeter defender can collapse down to double-team the post player. This method also demands excellent team coordination to adjust defensive assignments on the fly, ensuring no opponent is left unguarded.

Apply Aggressive Ball Pressure

Putting pressure on the ball handler even before they pass the ball inside can prevent an easy entry pass to the post player. Aggressive ball pressure forces the offense to work harder to initiate their set plays and can lead to turnovers or disrupt their rhythm.

Implementing these strategies requires teamwork, communication, and quick decision-making. By effectively executing these defensive tactics, you can make it challenging for a dominant post player to exploit their size advantage.

More Basketball Drills for Post Players

Low Post Scoring Drills:

• Mikan Drill: This classic drill involves shooting layups with both hands from different positions around the basket. It helps improve coordination, footwork, and finishing ability.
• Drop Step Drill: For this drill, players start with their backs to the basket and practice quickly turning and scoring with a drop step move. This helps improve post positioning and scoring against bigger defenders.
• Hook Shot Drill: Post players should also work on their hook shot, as it’s a highly effective move in the low post. This drill involves shooting hooks with both hands from different angles and distances.

Defensive Drills:

• 3-on-2 Rebounding Drill: In this drill, two offensive players try to score against three defensive players, who must work together to secure the rebound. This helps improve communication, positioning, and boxing out skills.
• Post Defense Drill: In this drill, a coach or teammate simulates an opposing post player while the defender works on different techniques such as fronting, denying, and help defense.
• Defensive Footwork Drill: Good footwork is essential for post players on defense. This drill involves moving laterally and backwards while staying in a low defensive stance.

Rebounding Drills:

• Box Out Drill: In this drill, two players battle for a rebound as their teammates box out and go for the ball once it hits the ground. This helps improve physicality, positioning, and timing.
• Tip Drill: Players practice tipping missed shots back into the hoop using one hand, two hands, and off of different surfaces. This helps improve reaction time and hand-eye coordination.
• Outlet Pass Drill: Post players should also work on their outlet passing skills to quickly transition from defense to offense. This drill involves making quick, accurate passes to teammates after securing a rebound.

Screen Setting Drills:

• Pick and Roll Drill: This popular play involves a post player setting a screen for their teammate to drive or shoot. In this drill, players work on proper positioning, timing, and communication.
• Back Screen Drill: Post players should also practice setting screens away from the ball. In this drill, they work on quickly getting in position and sealing off defenders to create open shots for their teammates.
• Reading Screens Drill: Post players must be able to quickly read and react to different types of screens in game situations. This drill involves practicing various scenarios and making the correct play based on the defense.

Basketball Drills for Post Players Conclusion

Post players are a crucial part of any basketball team, and their success can greatly impact the overall performance of the team. By understanding their specific needs and abilities and designing drills that focus on developing their skills, coaches can help post players reach their full potential. Regular evaluation and adaptation of drills will ensure continuous improvement for these important players.

With dedication and hard work, post players can become dominant forces on the court and help their team succeed. So keep practicing and never stop striving to be the best post player you can be!