For the majority of perimeter players, playing with a dominant post player is a foreign concept because there are not just many true "back to the basket" post players left in today's game. Before you continue reading I want you to take a second and think of how many true post players there are in your league. How about your state? How about college basketball and even the NBA?
I am willing to bet you are going to be surprised when you realize that there are just not that many. Players today are becoming more "European" and coaches are stressing the importance of being athletic and versatile rather than big and skilled.
Now what exactly is a dominant post player? Here are three possible characteristics of a dominant post player:
Feed the BEAST!
A dominant post player is always a great asset for any team. However one of the most frustrating aspects of being in the paint is that you have no control over who, when or even how the ball is entered into you. By understanding a couple concepts you can amp up your passing abilities and make yourself a much more valuable player!
Play the angles: Understanding angles is crucial when passing the ball inside. In most situations direct passes from the wings and top of the circle are going to result in an easier shot attempts for the big man inside. The ball should always be entered away from the defense and bounce passes should never be thrown into the middle of the key where weak side defenders are waiting to steal it.
Fake a pass to make a pass: You probably heard this for the first time in fourth grade and it probably made you laugh (or at least snicker!) but it is amazing how many of the simplest concepts are so remarkably true. By using a strong pass fake you can get your defender off balance and out of his stance which will make your entry pass much easier to complete.
Develop Your Touch
All coaches love shooters because of the simple fact that they spread the floor. Even though you have heard this statement most perimeter basketball players don't fully appreciate it. By having a great shooter, on both the weak side and strong side, teams can space out the defense so they can't effectively collapse on the post and cover the shooters at the same time.
Increase your shooting range: By increasing your range you will force the defense to play your post player honestly. They cannot completely collapse or you can make them pay by knocking down a three. Knowing that he can kick it out instead of forcing a tough shot will also give your post player more confidence.
Give the post more room to operate: Increasing your range will subsequently give your post player more room to operate. For a post, a matter of a few inches can often be the difference between a score and a miss.
Increase your PT: We've already said that coaches love shooters but dominant post players love playing with shooters even more. Because of your capability to knock down the open jump shot and spread the floor, your post players will make it abundantly clear to your coach that they want you on the floor.
Move without the Ball
Because so much attention will be directed towards your post player, the remaining offensive players, and especially the passer, must move purposefully without the ball. Keep the defense occupied by constantly cutting, flashing, and screening away from the ball.
Never ASSUME Anything
With so much attention on the post player this leaves great chances for perimeter players to crash the boards. The defense, if constantly watching the ball, will not be able to effectively locate their men and box them out, especially if they are a moving target!
Pad your Stats:Take pride in your personal stats. While you may not be the leading scorer or overall rebounder, make it your mission to become your team's leading offensive rebounder. By being a constant threat on the offensive boards you are not only going to increase your rebounding total but will have a prime opportunity for a put back after your secure your teammate's missed shot.
Refs Know Who is Who:Refs talk and share information with each other just as much as players and coaches. When the dominant post has the ball in his hands, most likely the refs will focus their attention on him and the ball. Use this to your advantage! Be aggressive when crashing to boards!
Slash and Bash
If your post player is a top notch athlete, sooner or later teams are going to start double teaming him. They are going to apply any and every logical double teaming and trapping tactic to try and get the ball out of his hands. Their goal is to make someone else on your team beat them!
Flash HARD: Every time the defense's head turns to look at the ball, make a hard cut to the rim calling for the ball. This will let your post player hear your voice and better recognize that there is a player open.
Be a Banger:At nearly every level of play all the great guards like to bang inside (and all posts want to shoot the 3). Here is a great chance for you to show off your strength and love of contact! Finish strong and pick up an "and-one"! Take advantage of the fact that many perimeter defenders have never been taught how to defend inside the paint!
In conclusion, if you have a dominant post player on your team, take full advantage of it by expanding your skill set and then using his presence to elevate your game!
I am willing to bet you are going to be surprised when you realize that there are just not that many. Players today are becoming more "European" and coaches are stressing the importance of being athletic and versatile rather than big and skilled.
Now what exactly is a dominant post player? Here are three possible characteristics of a dominant post player:
- He can be taller, bigger, or stronger than his defender and his physical prowess demands a double team
- He can be undersized but plays much bigger because he is extremely crafty and skilled around the basket
- He can be a relentless player of any size and skill level that plays with so much passion and intensity that he commands the attention of the entire defense.
Feed the BEAST!
A dominant post player is always a great asset for any team. However one of the most frustrating aspects of being in the paint is that you have no control over who, when or even how the ball is entered into you. By understanding a couple concepts you can amp up your passing abilities and make yourself a much more valuable player!
Play the angles: Understanding angles is crucial when passing the ball inside. In most situations direct passes from the wings and top of the circle are going to result in an easier shot attempts for the big man inside. The ball should always be entered away from the defense and bounce passes should never be thrown into the middle of the key where weak side defenders are waiting to steal it.
Fake a pass to make a pass: You probably heard this for the first time in fourth grade and it probably made you laugh (or at least snicker!) but it is amazing how many of the simplest concepts are so remarkably true. By using a strong pass fake you can get your defender off balance and out of his stance which will make your entry pass much easier to complete.
Develop Your Touch
All coaches love shooters because of the simple fact that they spread the floor. Even though you have heard this statement most perimeter basketball players don't fully appreciate it. By having a great shooter, on both the weak side and strong side, teams can space out the defense so they can't effectively collapse on the post and cover the shooters at the same time.
Increase your shooting range: By increasing your range you will force the defense to play your post player honestly. They cannot completely collapse or you can make them pay by knocking down a three. Knowing that he can kick it out instead of forcing a tough shot will also give your post player more confidence.
Give the post more room to operate: Increasing your range will subsequently give your post player more room to operate. For a post, a matter of a few inches can often be the difference between a score and a miss.
Increase your PT: We've already said that coaches love shooters but dominant post players love playing with shooters even more. Because of your capability to knock down the open jump shot and spread the floor, your post players will make it abundantly clear to your coach that they want you on the floor.
Move without the Ball
Because so much attention will be directed towards your post player, the remaining offensive players, and especially the passer, must move purposefully without the ball. Keep the defense occupied by constantly cutting, flashing, and screening away from the ball.
Never ASSUME Anything
With so much attention on the post player this leaves great chances for perimeter players to crash the boards. The defense, if constantly watching the ball, will not be able to effectively locate their men and box them out, especially if they are a moving target!
Pad your Stats:Take pride in your personal stats. While you may not be the leading scorer or overall rebounder, make it your mission to become your team's leading offensive rebounder. By being a constant threat on the offensive boards you are not only going to increase your rebounding total but will have a prime opportunity for a put back after your secure your teammate's missed shot.
Refs Know Who is Who:Refs talk and share information with each other just as much as players and coaches. When the dominant post has the ball in his hands, most likely the refs will focus their attention on him and the ball. Use this to your advantage! Be aggressive when crashing to boards!
Slash and Bash
If your post player is a top notch athlete, sooner or later teams are going to start double teaming him. They are going to apply any and every logical double teaming and trapping tactic to try and get the ball out of his hands. Their goal is to make someone else on your team beat them!
Flash HARD: Every time the defense's head turns to look at the ball, make a hard cut to the rim calling for the ball. This will let your post player hear your voice and better recognize that there is a player open.
Be a Banger:At nearly every level of play all the great guards like to bang inside (and all posts want to shoot the 3). Here is a great chance for you to show off your strength and love of contact! Finish strong and pick up an "and-one"! Take advantage of the fact that many perimeter defenders have never been taught how to defend inside the paint!
In conclusion, if you have a dominant post player on your team, take full advantage of it by expanding your skill set and then using his presence to elevate your game!
Dave Stricklin is a veteran basketball coach with over 30 years of experience. To access more of his helpful basketball tips visit HoopSkills.com.
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