In basketball, the role of the big man has evolved with the modern game. While the fundamentals remain the same, today’s big men are expected to be more versatile, possessing a range of skills from ball handling to footwork.
To help big men develop into dominant players, coaches must focus on essential drills that improve low post moves, scoring techniques, and finishing skills. This guide provides top basketball drills for big men, emphasizing the need for mastering the low post, ball handling, and finishing moves.
Mastering the Low Post in the Modern Game
Post players have always been crucial in controlling the low post. Mastering the low post allows players to dominate the paint, create easy scoring opportunities, and draw fouls. In today’s fast-paced game, having a strong low post presence is essential for big men to remain effective.
Importance of Low Post Mastery
- Creates space: Low post moves help big men create space against defenders, allowing for high-percentage shots.
- Controls the paint: Owning the low post area gives big men control of both the offensive and defensive ends.
- Leads to easy buckets: A strong low post game makes it easier to score from close range, which is critical for efficient offensive play.
Big men who master the low post are able to score efficiently and create mismatches, giving their team an edge in the paint.
Developing Essential Skills for Big Men
To become dominant in the low post, big men must develop a variety of skills. These include ball handling, footwork, scoring moves, and finishing around the basket. Below are key basketball drills to develop these essential skills.
Ball Handling Drills
While ball handling is often associated with guards, it’s equally important for big men. Improving ball handling allows big men to create their own shots, reduce turnovers, and handle pressure in the post.
1. Crab Dribbling Drill
The Crab Dribbling Drill is an excellent exercise for big men to work on their ball handling and post control.
- Players start by facing the basket with their back to the defender.
- They take a low stance, dribbling the ball while “crabbing” or shuffling their feet sideways, simulating post movement.
- This drill improves ball control, body positioning, and helps big men protect the ball in the post.
Coaching Tip: Emphasize keeping the dribble low and protecting the ball with the off-hand.
2. High-Low Post Dribbling
In this drill, big men alternate between dribbling high (while standing upright) and dribbling low (in a crouched stance).
- This drill helps improve hand-eye coordination and ball control, especially in tight spaces.
- It also mimics game situations where a big man may need to dribble in traffic or under defensive pressure.
Coaching Tip: Focus on controlling the dribble during transitions from high to low.
Footwork and Scoring Moves
Footwork is critical for big men to be effective in the low post. Proper footwork helps create space, avoid traveling violations, and set up scoring opportunities. Below are key drills that focus on footwork and scoring moves for big men.
3. Drop Step Drill
The drop step is a go-to low post move that allows big men to create space and score effectively.
- Players start with their back to the basket, receive a pass, and pivot on their inside foot, making a strong step toward the basket.
- After the drop step, players finish with a power layup or dunk.
Coaching Tip: Emphasize quick pivots and using the body to shield the defender.
4. Up-and-Under Drill
The up-and-under move is a deceptive scoring move used by big men to catch defenders off-balance.
- Players fake a shot to get the defender in the air, then step under and finish with a layup.
- This drill helps big men develop patience in the post and the ability to draw fouls.
Coaching Tip: Focus on selling the shot fake and finishing strong after the up-and-under move.
5. Baby Hook Drill
The baby hook is a high-percentage shot that allows big men to score over taller defenders.
- Players practice taking baby hook shots with both their dominant and non-dominant hands.
- This move is performed close to the basket, usually after a drop step or pivot.
Coaching Tip: Encourage players to keep the hook shot soft and use the wrist to guide the ball into the hoop.
Finishing Drills for Dominance
Finishing at the rim is a key skill for big men. Developing touch around the basket and the ability to finish through contact are crucial for success. The following drills help big men refine their finishing ability.
6. Classic Finishing Drill
The Classic Finishing Drill focuses on finishing at the rim under defensive pressure. Positioning near the free throw line is crucial for effective finishing, as it allows players to better navigate the paint and set up their shots.
- Players start at various points in the paint and practice finishing layups, dunks, and short hook shots.
- Coaches can add defenders to simulate real-game contact.
Coaching Tip: Emphasize using the body to shield defenders and finishing with either hand.
7. Crab Dribble Opposite, Finish Drill
This variation of the Crab Dribble Drill helps big men work on their finishing moves after a dribble.
- Players start with a crab dribble, then quickly pivot to the opposite side for a finish at the rim.
- This drill improves footwork, ball handling, and finishing touch.
Coaching Tip: Ensure players maintain balance while transitioning from the crab dribble to the finish.
8. Post Feed, Fade-Away Drill
This drill helps big men develop their fade-away jumper, a valuable move for scoring over taller defenders.
- Players receive a post feed, then pivot and take a fade-away shot.
- The fade-away shot allows big men to create space and score from mid-range.
Coaching Tip: Focus on footwork during the pivot and maintaining proper shooting form on the fade-away.
Putting it All Together: A Complete Training Program for Big Men
For big men to truly dominate in basketball, they must put all these skills together. A comprehensive training routine that includes ball handling, footwork, scoring moves, and finishing drills will help big men develop a well-rounded post game. Coaches should focus on consistency and repetition to help players master these skills.
Tips for Coaches:
- Emphasize versatility: Big men should be encouraged to use both hands and work on shooting from different angles.
- Focus on conditioning: Big men need to stay in top physical shape to maintain their performance in the paint throughout a game.
- Reinforce fundamentals: Remind players that mastering the basics, such as footwork and positioning, is key to dominating in the post.
- Provide strategic guidance: A coach plays a crucial role in guiding big men through specialized drills and skill development. Emphasize the importance of building player confidence and providing strategic guidance to enhance their performance and self-belief in competitive scenarios.
Top Basketball Drills for Big Man Conclusion
Becoming a dominant big man in basketball requires dedication, repetition, and the right set of drills. By focusing on essential skills like ball handling, low post moves, and finishing drills, big men can elevate their game and become a force in the paint.
Coaches and players alike can benefit from incorporating these drills into their practice routines, ensuring that big men are prepared to dominate in today’s fast-paced basketball environment.