Post Position in Basketball | Guide 2024

One position that tends to create confusion is the post position. What does it mean? The post position in basketball refers to a specific role played by the center or power forward near the basket, involving rebounding, offensive post moves, and defensive duties.

Post position in basketball is the area near the hoop where players aim to score close-range shots.

What is Post Position in Basketball?

What exactly is the post position in basketball? This term often perplexes fans and leaves them questioning its meaning. In the world of basketball, the post refers to a specific position on the court. The player in the post position can be either the center or power forward, and their primary role is to operate near the basket.

This entails rebounding, executing offensive post moves, and defending close to the rim. Understanding the post position is crucial for appreciating the strategic dynamics of the game.

How Many Posts are in Basketball?

There are typically two main post positions in basketball, the high post and the low post.

High Post in Basketball

The high post refers to an area on the court that is closer to the top of the key or free-throw line extended. Players positioned in the high post often operate around the elbow area of the court. In offensive strategies, the high post can be utilized for various purposes, such as setting screens, facilitating ball movement, or initiating plays. Players with shooting or passing skills in the high post can create scoring opportunities for themselves or their teammates.

Low Post in Basketball

The low post refers to an area on the court that is closer to the basket, typically near the baseline or the blocks (the painted rectangular areas adjacent to the basket). Players positioned in the low post often operate close to the basket, looking to score points through post moves, layups, or short-range shots. In offensive strategies, the low post is commonly used to establish a strong inside presence, draw fouls, and create scoring opportunities near the basket. Players with size, strength, and scoring ability excel in the low post.

Roles and Responsibilities

The post position in basketball carries several roles and responsibilities:

Rebounding: Post players have a key responsibility to grab rebounds on both ends of the court, securing possession for their team and limiting second-chance opportunities for their opponents.

Scoring in the Paint: Post players utilize their size and skill to score close to the basket. They are expected to execute post moves, such as hooks, drop steps, and layups, to contribute to the team’s offensive production.

Defending the Paint: Post players play a vital role in protecting the rim and contesting shots. They aim to deter opponents from scoring near the basket, using their size, positioning, and shot-blocking ability to provide a strong defensive presence.

Setting Screens: Post players often set screens to free up their teammates for open shots or to create opportunities for them to drive to the basket. This involves using their bodies to impede defenders and create space.

Passing and Playmaking: Post players should possess good passing skills and court vision. They can initiate offensive plays by making accurate passes out of the post to open teammates, creating scoring opportunities for the team.

Offensive Rebounding: Post players are responsible for crashing the offensive boards to retrieve missed shots and extend possessions. Their ability to secure offensive rebounds gives their team more scoring opportunities.

Communication and Court Awareness: Post players need to communicate effectively with their teammates, directing defensive rotations, calling out screens, and providing guidance on positioning. They must have a strong understanding of the game and be aware of their surroundings.

By fulfilling these roles and responsibilities, post-players contribute to the overall success of the team on both ends of the court.

5 Things Every Basketball Post Player Should Know

Here are five essential things that every basketball post player should know:

Footwork is Key

Mastering footwork is crucial for post players. Proper footwork enables you to establish a position in the paint, execute various post moves effectively, and defend against opposing players. Practice pivot moves, drop steps, and spins to develop agility and balance in the post.

Fundamental Post Moves

Every post player should have a repertoire of fundamental post moves in their arsenal. These include the drop step, up-and-under, jump hook, and baby hook. By mastering these moves, you can become a versatile scorer in the paint and keep defenders guessing.

Rebounding is a Priority

Rebounding is a vital aspect of post play. As a post player, you need to be aggressive on the boards, both offensively and defensively. Develop good positioning, timing, and boxing-out techniques to secure rebounds and give your team extra scoring opportunities.

Defensive Presence Matters

Post players play a significant role on the defensive end of the court. You need to be able to defend the paint, protect the rim, and contest shots effectively. Develop your defensive skills, including shot-blocking, help defense, and one-on-one post defense, to become a reliable defender.

Court Awareness and Passing

While scoring is important for post players, they also need to have good court awareness and passing skills. Be aware of your teammates’ positions on the court and look for opportunities to make smart passes out of double teams or to cut teammates. Being a willing passer can help facilitate ball movement and create scoring chances for your team.

How do you Become a Pro Post Player in Basketball?

Becoming a professional post player in basketball requires dedication, hard work, and strategic skill development. Start by mastering the fundamentals: dribbling, passing, shooting, and footwork. Focus on honing post-specific skills like post moves, positioning, and rebounding.

Practice various techniques such as drop steps, up-and-under moves, and jump hooks. Work on improving footwork with pivoting, jab steps, and spin moves. Strengthen your body through exercises like squats, lunges, and deadlifts. Watch films of professional post players to learn from their techniques and strategies. Play against tough competition to challenge yourself and improve.

Seek feedback from coaches, teammates, and mentors to refine your skills. Work with a knowledgeable coach for personalized guidance. Cultivate a strong mindset by staying focused, resilient, and confident. Visualize success and maintain a positive attitude throughout your journey to becoming a professional post player.

5 Top Post Basketball Players in the NBA

Here are five of the best post players in the NBA:

Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers): Known for his dominant presence in the post, Embiid combines size, skill, and agility to score and defend effectively.

Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets): Jokic is renowned for his exceptional passing and scoring ability from the post, making him a versatile threat on offense.

Anthony Davis (Los Angeles Lakers): With his combination of size, athleticism, and skill, Davis excels at scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking in the post.

Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks): While primarily known for his versatility and athleticism, Antetokounmpo is also a formidable presence in the post, using his length and strength to overpower opponents.

Domantas Sabonis (Indiana Pacers): Sabonis is a skilled post player known for his footwork, rebounding, and scoring touch around the basket, making him a valuable asset for the Pacers.

FAQs

Conclusion

Understanding the post position in basketball is essential for players and fans alike. Whether it’s executing post moves on offense or defending the post on defense, this area of the court plays a significant role in the game. Post players use their size, strength, and skills to score close to the basket, while post defenders aim to protect the rim and limit scoring opportunities. By mastering the post position, players can contribute effectively to their team’s success and impact the outcome of the game.