What is a Post Up in Basketball?
A post up in basketball is an offensive move where a player receives the ball near the basket and either passes or shoots while facing the basket. It is one of the most common moves in basketball and is used by players of all sizes. Posting up can be used to create space between the defender and the offensive player, allowing for a higher percentage shot or a pass to an open teammate.
Advantages of Posting Up
Posting up can be an effective way for a player to score or create a scoring opportunity for their team. It can also be used to draw defenders away from the basket and create open space for other players. Additionally, posting up can be used to take advantage of mismatches and create opportunities to score against a weaker defender.
How to Set Up a Post Up
Positioning: When setting up a post up, it is important to position yourself in a way that gives you an advantage over the defender. This could mean setting up in the low post, where you have a height advantage, or in the high post, where you can out-quick the defender. It is also important to keep your body square to the basket when setting up a post up.
Use of Feet: When setting up a post up, it is important to use your feet to create separation from the defender. This can be done by shuffling forward or backward to create space, or by using a jab step to change the defender’s direction.
Use of Hands: It is also important to use your hands to create separation from the defender. This can be done by using a swim move, a rip move, or a push-off.
How to Execute a Post Up
Footwork: Once you have set up the post up, it is important to have good footwork. This can be done by using a drop step, a spin move, or a jump stop to get into good position.
Use of Hands: Once you have set up the post up, it is important to use your hands to create separation from the defender. This can be done by using a swim move, a rip move, or a push-off.
Shooting: Once you have created separation, it is important to shoot the ball with confidence. This can be done by using a jump shot, a fadeaway, or a hook shot.
How to Defend a Post Up
Defending a post up can be difficult, especially against a bigger or stronger player. Fortunately, there are several techniques that can be used to successfully defend a post up.
- Fronting: Fronting is a technique where the defender stands in front of the offensive player and tries to deny them the ball. This technique can be effective against a bigger player but can also be used against a smaller player if the defender is quick enough.
- Doubling: Doubling is a technique where two defenders double team the offensive player and try to force them to pass the ball. This can be an effective technique against a bigger player, as it can force them to give up the ball.
- Denying: Denying is a technique where the defender stands on the side of the offensive player and tries to deny them the ball. This technique can be effective against a smaller player, as it can force them to give up the ball.
- Help Defense: Help defense is a technique where the defender helps out on the post up by providing an additional defender. This can be effective against a bigger player, as it can force them to give up the ball.
Defensive Strategies
In addition to the techniques mentioned above, there are several defensive strategies that can be used to defend a post up.
Stay Low
Staying low is an important defensive strategy when defending a post up. This can be done by keeping your chest low and your feet firmly planted on the ground. This will help you stay balanced and in position to contest the shot or block the pass.
Maintain Position
Maintaining position is also important when defending a post up. This can be done by keeping your feet planted and not allowing the offensive player to move you out of position. This will help you stay in front of the offensive player and contest the shot or block the pass.
Be Physical
Being physical is an important defensive strategy when defending a post up. This can be done by using your body to fight for position and box out the offensive player. This will help you stay in front of the offensive player and contest the shot or block the pass.
Stay in Help Position
Staying in help position is also important when defending a post up. This can be done by staying in the paint and keeping an eye on the offensive player. This will help you anticipate the offensive player’s moves and be in position to help your teammate if needed.
Conclusion
Defending a post up can be difficult, especially against a bigger or stronger player. However, by using the techniques and strategies outlined above, you can be successful in defending a post up and help your team get a stop.