Post Drills

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How to Develop High Scoring and Highly Skilled Post Players

LEARN DON KELBICK'S UNIQUE METHODS TO DEVELOP FUNDAMENTALLY SOUND POST PLAYERS THAT CAN SCORE, REBOUND, AND DOMINATE INSIDE
www.BreakthroughBasketball.com Written By Don Kelbick
Copyright Notice
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical. Any unauthorized use, sharing, reproduction, or distribution is strictly prohibited. Copyright 2009 Breakthrough Basketball, LLC
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Copyright 2009 Breakthrough Basketball, LLC
http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com
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Table of Contents
FOREWORD BY JEFF HAEFNER................................................................................. 5 ABOUT DON KELBICK.............................................................................................. 6 GLOSSARY OF TERMS ............................................................................................. 7 INTRODUCTION - DEVELOPING AN EFFECTIVE POST PLAYER..................................... 10 THE BASICS.......................................................................................................... 14 POSITIONING ............................................................................................................. 14 FOOTWORK ............................................................................................................... 17 THE DRIBBLE............................................................................................................. 26 PLAYING THE GAME .............................................................................................. 29 GETTING OPEN ......................................................................................................... 29 SEALING .................................................................................................................... 32 MAKING YOUR MOVE ................................................................................................. 33 OFFENSIVE MOVES ................................................................................................... 34 DEVELOPING YOUR POST PLAYER ......................................................................... 37 W HO SHOULD YOU TEACH?...................................................................................... 37 HOW TO START ......................................................................................................... 37 HOW TO FIT POST DEVELOPMENT INTO YOUR PRACTICE PLAN................................ 39 DEFENSE AND REBOUNDING .................................................................................. 40 DEFENDING ............................................................................................................... 40 1 BALL POSITIONING DRILL .......................................................................... 45 2 BALL POST DRILL .................................................................................... 46 2 MAN SHOT BLOCKER DRILL ...................................................................... 48 REBOUNDING ............................................................................................................ 49 POST DEVELOPMENT DRILLS ................................................................................. 51 TAPS ......................................................................................................................... 51 MCHALE TAPS .......................................................................................................... 52 MIKAN DRILL ............................................................................................................. 52 BOARD BANGS .......................................................................................................... 52
Copyright 2009 Breakthrough Basketball, LLC http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com
BOARD BANGS WITH A POST UP................................................................................. 53 ANNIE OVER .............................................................................................................. 54 CHAIR PIVOTS ........................................................................................................... 56 SPLIT POST ............................................................................................................... 57 INTENSITY LAYUPS .................................................................................................... 58 CONTINUOUS JUMP HOOK......................................................................................... 59 FIGURE 8 JUMP HOOKS ............................................................................................. 60 POWER DRIBBLE INTO ............................................................................................... 62 SHORT CORNER ........................................................................................................ 64 CONTINUOUS TRAIL JUMPER ..................................................................................... 66 OUTLET AND SPRINT ................................................................................................. 67 TRAILER SHOTS ........................................................................................................ 68 3 CHAIR POST CIRCUIT ............................................................................................. 69 TRAILER, LOW, MID-POST ......................................................................................... 70 SCORING ON THE MOVE ............................................................................................ 71 SCORING ON THE MOVE (COMBO) ............................................................................. 73 W EAKSIDE KICK AND FOLLOW ................................................................................... 75 LOW POST ONE ON ONE ........................................................................................... 77 INCORPORATING DRILLS IN YOUR WORKOUTS......................................................... 80 SPECIALIZED POST CUTS AND MOVEMENTS ............................................................ 82 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ........................................................................... 87 THIS IS WHAT I TEACH, IT WORKS FOR ME ............................................................. 95 CONCLUSION ...................................................................................................... 100
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FOREWORD BY JEFF HAEFNER

If youve ever tried to learn or teach post moves, then youll appreciate the simplicity of the teaching concepts Don Kelbick presents in this book. I have found that each time I study and practice the simple concepts in this book, I get a better understanding of footwork, post play, and how to develop effective post players. In fact, I have practiced the footwork moves that Don teaches in my own basement. You dont even need a basket to get better. Just a basketball, 10 feet of space, and an imagination. I recommend that COACHES practice the footwork too! Even if you think youre way too old for that type of thing, trust me, its not hard. By practicing the footwork you really start to understand how your feet can transform the game and give a post player infinite moves and power. Practicing footwork in my basement has helped me better understand the learning process. It has also helped me discover new footwork possibilities, new ways to practice, and new ways to teach. I now see how a player has SO many options without dribbling the ball. Even after establishing a pivot foot we have plenty of choices. In one fluid movement I can front pivot, sweep, step through, inside pivot, drop step, inside pivot, and so on. This is all without dribbling or switching pivot feet. After practicing in the basement for just a little while I can make the moves without thinking. Its amazing how you see all the footwork coming together. And the beauty is that it works whether youre playing in the post or on the perimeter. The trick is knowing how to easily teach the concepts and apply them in a game. Dons book has really opened my eyes. Reading Dons book has greatly simplified the way I teach post play and made me more effective as a teacher. If you take the time to study this book it will do the same for you. Dont overlook the power of simplicity and the concepts that he presents!
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ABOUT
DON KELBICK
Don Kelbick is currently an NBA player development coach who works with very successful players like Raja Bell, Bruce Bowen, Carlos Boozer, Carlos Arroyo, Rasual Butler, and many other college and NBA players. Don is also a writer and key contributor to www.BreakthroughBasketball.com. Don has and continues to travel the world running camps and teaching skills to players both young and old. Both coaches and players can learn a lot from Don because he uses very unique and out-of-the-box tactics to develop and train basketball players. His overall knowledge of the game is extraordinary. Much of his knowledge comes from 25 years of college coaching experience, which includes stops at Hofstra University, Marist College, Keene State College, and Florida International University. Before coaching in college, Don spent two years as a high school coach. His teams produced 6 Division I players and was ranked #1 in Florida 28 out of a possible 34 weeks. In addition to coaching, he has scouted for NBA teams and served as a general manager in the USBL. Don currently resides in sunny Miami, Florida and likes to golf in his spare time. You can learn more about Don by visiting his personal website at: http://www.donkelbickbasketball.com
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GLOSSARY OF TERMS
We have made every attempt to define the terms used in this book to make it easier for the readers to learn. While it is probably impossible to anticipate all the questions regarding the terms, I will make an attempt here to define those terms that are not specifically defined in the text. Baseline The line that defines the end of the court, beyond each basket. Block The solid box that defines the first rebounding position along the foul lane. Foul Line The line where free throws are attempted from. It is 15 from the backboard. Foul Lane Line Two lines that are perpendicular to the baseline and connect to the foul line. Foul Lane Area defined by the foul line, baseline and foul lane lines. Also called the 3-second lane. The area is a rectangle that is 12 at levels below professional and 16 wide at the US professional level. In international play (FIBA), the lane is a trapezoid that starts at the elbows, 12 feet apart, and angles to the baseline, 219 apart. FIBA is currently transitioning to the NBA sized lane. Foul Lanes Spots Areas along the foul lane that serve as rebound positions for free throws. The block and two, 2-foot lines perpendicular to the foul lane line on each side of the lane delineate them. Elbow The junction of the foul line and the foul lane line. Pivot Foot The foot that remains planted when making a pivot. Swing Foot The foot that moves when making a pivot. Ball-you-man (defense) This is a term commonly used when teaching defense. As a general rule, the defensive player should be able to see the ball and their man at all times. If they cant see both, they are in the wrong position.
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Coaches will often say, ball-you-man, meaning if you draw a line from the ball, to you, to your man, it should form a shallow triangle. Weakside The side of the court that is away from the ball. For example, if the ball is on the wing, the opposite wing would be the weakside of the court. 1 Pass Away (defense) One pass away refers to when youre guarding an offensive player and there are no other offensive players between you and the ball. When the ball is one pass away, your positioning is very important because this will determine whether you can help on the dribble drive or rotate if needed.
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SYMBOLS
The symbols used in the book are generally accepted as internationally common when using basketball diagrams.
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INTRODUCTION
DEVELOPING AN EFFECTIVE POST PLAYER

Basketball is a game of size and length. With the goal being 10 feet above the playing surface, the closer you can get to the goal the more success you are apt to have. When you look at current trends in basketball you see, Dribble, Drive, Motion, Princeton Offense, Flex, Run (or Fun) and Gun, etc. What you dont see these days, with a few exceptions, is an emphasis on post play. When looking over the history of basketball, there has always been an emphasis in the post. My philosophy has always been: the team that makes the most lay-ups wins. Even in trying to get perimeter shots the threat of a post player sucks in the defenders, opening up the perimeter for good looks at the basket. If post play is so important, why has it fallen by the wayside? I believe that these are some of the reasons: LACK OF SUCCESS IN INTERNATIONAL PLAY With recent American failures in the Olympics, World Championships and other prestigious international tournaments, there seems to be a priority in developing an international style in the U. S. INFLUX OF FOREIGN PLAYERS In international basketball post players spend a lot of time on the perimeter due to the trapezoid lane, short 3-point line and interior defense rules. Starting in the NBA and then trickling down through college and high school, there has been a great influx of international players into the American game. There is a trickle down effect in basketball. Trends that appear in the NBA show up in college after a couple of years and then down the ladder to high school and youth ball. While there are many very good foreign players in the NBA they are still, by and large, role players. However, at lower levels, foreign players often are some of the most significant players on their teams. Teams then adapt their
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systems to their best players. The result of this has been fewer post players being developed at the lower levels of basketball. I am very interested to see what will transpire over the next 10 years. The Federation for International Basketball (FIBA), the governing body of all international basketball (including the Olympics), is now transitioning to NBA style rules. Over the next few years, they will go to the NBA lane and 3-point line. What will happen to the post players then? Will they go back inside? Only time will tell. SCARCITY OF BIG BODIES This has always been why post players have been so valuable. I can only think of a few effective traditional post players in the NBA right now; Shaq, Greg Oden, Andrew Bynum and maybe Chris Kaman (Tim Duncan is the prototypical power forward playing in the post). Other post players, such as Kendrick Perkins of the Celtics would be undersized in other eras and would probably be power forwards. Others like Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Andrew Bogut are international and play the international style. The result of those factors are fewer post play role models for players and less time devoted to post development for coaches. Like most things in life, however, basketball is cyclical--what goes around comes around. As long as size is an advantage the post player will make a comeback. In todays game, having a post player gives you a huge advantage simply because theyre so rare. If you have a post player they will be very difficult to prepare for and will present a much more significant challenge to your opponents due to their lack of experience in playing against post players. Post play should be taught at all levels of the game. Much has been said and written about big players who are very skilled because when they were younger and smaller they were developed as guards. In turn, they retain those skills as they go through growth spurts (Kevin Garnett). And lets look at the other side of the coin. When players are young, you dont know what the finished product will be. The tallest player on your 12-year-old team might wind up as the smallest player on their high school team. The
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reverse is also possible. However, the teaching and learning process should not discriminate for size. The footwork, positioning and mentality of post play is beneficial for all players, of any age and any position. In all my years of working with players, whether they are youth, high school, college or professional players, we always start in the post. As we progress I try to relate the post fundamentals to their particular position. I have had great success using this method. What follows is what I feel are the important aspects of developing post players. Some of the thoughts and techniques are traditional, and some are not. I do not pretend to be the ultimate authority, but I do want to share the things that have been successful for me and the players I have worked with. This is not meant to be a checklist or a step by step program where you can churn out post players as if they were M&Ms. It is meant only to be a basis for which you can interpret, refine, experiment and develop your own insights and programs.
MENTAL ASPECTS
I believe that everything starts with the mental aspect of the game and nowhere is that more apparent than with post players. Post players run endline to endline, face intense physical contact on every play while often going possession after possession without touching the ball. They have to set screens on every play and must be involved in every rebound on every play. If they take one play, one possession or one rebound off, they become the focal point of criticism. If they play every play, they are often not noticed. Mentally, the post player must be strong enough to bear the weight on both sides. The first thing a post player must understand is he/she holds a special place in the game. Doing well what post players do has more of an impact on the game than any other position on the court. Post players need to know their value. They tend to minimize and not value their skills, and always try to do the things that guards do. They want to be nice with their dribble; they want range with their jump shots and they want to be creative with the ball.
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Post players should be encouraged to experiment and find the limit of their skills. Exploring what will work for them and what wont work will go a long way in allowing them to develop an effective game. But the exploration should be tempered with role definition. And most importantly, they should be taught to value what they have. No player likes to be told their limitations. But when your 6-10 post player asks you why they cant shoot from the 3-point line you have to explain how you are trying to point them toward their strengths, not away from their weaknesses. The post player must have the mentality that they own their position. They must understand that they cant get every rebound, they wont block every shot and they wont make every play but they have to come down on the next play and work at it again on the next play, and the next, and the next. A post player is a warrior. Every possession is going to be a war, whether they get the ball or not. There is going to be physical play every time down the court. If your player cannot accept that, they cant play in the post. If you have a player with that understanding, run them through the post at times, whether they are a post player or not.
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THE BASICS
POSITIONING
It is the coachs job to recognize what their players strengths are and apply them correctly. Just because your post player is 6-10 doesnt mean that they shouldnt shoot threes. Coaches often make the mistake that because they have a post player, it means the player has to go down to the block and be locked into the low post. Just as there are several guard and wing positions, there are several post positions.
LOW POST
Traditionally, this is where most people think the post player belongs. This is where power players traditionally set themselves. When playing in the low post, I have always taught that the players bottom foot (the foot closest to the baseline) should never go below the top of the block (mark on the lane). By positioning with the bottom foot, the post player has room to go baseline yet has a good angle to the basket. They are close enough to the rim yet far enough away so they have room to maneuver. If they set lower than the top of the block it will be easier to overplay them defensively because they will lose their baseline option. Setting below the block will create a situation where the post player will be behind the backboard if they turn to the baseline.
I teach the low post position as above the block, straddling the second lane marker. The baseline foot is in the lane spot above the block and the top foot is in the next spot up the lane.
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MID-POST The post player that is in the mid-post usually straddles the third and fourth lane spot. This allows the post player to execute a variety of skills. He/she has enough space to put the ball on the floor and go to the basket, he/she is far enough from the basket to make a traditional low post defender uncomfortable and take jump shots, and is still close enough to play their power game. At the same time, they are far enough from the basket to create enough room for teammates to make basket cuts, dribble drives and baseline cuts. There is enough room for the post player to be an effective passer.
The Mid-Post position is between the low post position and the elbow.
HIGH POST
The high post is traditionally on the foul line. It can also move to the elbows. With the advent of the 3-point shot and the influence of the international game, the high post now plays to the top of the key on the 3-point line. Traditionally, high post players have been passers and screeners. In todays game, it is a great advantage to have a post player that can shoot from the high post. It will open the lane for penetration and put players in better position to offensive rebound. Post players with good 1 dribble games also benefit from the expanded high post.
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I teach the HighPost position as the elbow, on the side of the lane and the foul line in the middle of the lane. The high-post can extend beyond the top of the foul circle and can be a couple of feet to either side of the lane, as long as he/she is above the foul line.
SHORT CORNER
The short corner is the most neglected position in the game. The short corner is located about mid-way between the foul lane and the 3-point line, along the baseline, actually behind the backboard. If you have a post player with a little bit of a 1 dribble game, this can be a very effective spot for them. Placing a player in the short corner forces the defender to make many uncomfortable choices as to how to play the offensive post player. If the defender plays their man in the short corner, it leaves a big hole in the lane that can be used for penetration and leaves them in poor position for rebounding. If the defender plays above the post player in a more traditional defensive position, it is easy for the offensive post player to get behind the defense or in a position to get the ball in a spot where they will be very difficult to defend.
The short corner is a non-traditional position. The post sets along the baseline, behind the backboard about four feet off the lane.
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FOOTWORK
Anyone who knows me, or knows of me, knows that I believe that the most critical yet widely ignored aspect of basketball is footwork. Good footwork is the foundation of a good basketball player. There is not an aspect of any players game that will not be improved by learning better footwork. Good footwork will give a player strength, balance, and rhythm. Good footwork will make a player more efficient and allow them to use less energy to accomplish the same tasks. The best post players in the history of basketball have had the same thing in common: great footwork. Hakeem Olajuwan was known for great athletic ability, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was known for his length and his sky hook, Shaquille ONeal is known for his power and strength. Speak to anyone who has coached them or had to play against them and they will tell you what set them apart from others is impeccable footwork.
PIVOTS
There are only a certain number of things you can do with your feet. Combine those things and you get a variety of moves that make you difficult to play against. There are 3 basic pivots that I like to teach. They are the front pivot, the inside pivot and the drop step. Please understand this is my terminology. You probably already teach these pivots but might use different terminology. It is very important to understand that pivoting is the same for posts, wings and guards. For some reason coaches give the same pivots different names for different positions. For example, an inside pivot for a post player becomes a step out for a wing. Its the same pivot; why not call it the same thing? The more common language and previous experience you use, the easier it will be for players to learn and the more confident they will be. In making a pivot, you have a pivot foot the foot that does not leave the ground and the swing foot the foot that steps and actually affects the pivot. A right foot pivot would be a pivot where the right foot stays on the ground and the left foot is the swing foot. A left foot pivot is a pivot where the left foot stays on the ground and the right foot is the swing foot.
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FRONT PIVOT
The front pivot is the most common pivot and is traditionally thought of as used in the low post. This pivot allows you to turn away from your defender.
In making a front pivot, imagine yourself with your back to the basket. For a right foot front pivot, your right foot is your pivot foot and remains on the ground. Swing your swing foot (left foot) forward in an arc outside your pivot foot so you turn completely around and are now facing the basket. Your shoulders and hips should turn toward the basket.
Both feet should be even and square to your target.
A good way to practice this is to stand with both feet on a line. Make your pivot and, when you are finished, you will have turned 180 degrees. Again, both of your feet will be on the line.
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INSIDE PIVOT
This pivot creates space from the defender. It also allows you to visually pick up the basket quickly.
To make an inside pivot, imagine you are standing with your back to the basket. For a right foot inside pivot, your right foot is your pivot foot and stays on the ground. Swing your swing foot (left foot) in an arc backwards (or inside the defense) so that you turn completely around with your shoulders and hips opening away from the basket.
When you have completed the pivot you should be facing the basket with your feet even and square to your target.
A good way to practice this is to stand with both feet on a line. Make your pivot and, when you are finished, you will have turned 180 degrees. Again, both of your feet will be on the line.
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DROP STEP
This pivot is used as a power move to get your defender on your back or as a quickness move to get inside of your defender.
To make a drop step, imagine yourself with your back to the basket and both feet even and square. For a right foot drop step, your right foot is your pivot foot and does not move. Move your swing foot (left) in a direct line backwards toward your target.
Your hips and shoulders should turn and be in line with your feet effectively on a parallel line toward your target. Your objective is to get your hips and foot past the defender.
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COUNTERS
A counter is a plan of action piece of footwork that players can flow into immediately when their original pivot is defended. I prefer to teach in an orderly progression where the pivot and the counter complement one another. Essentially, they cant defend everywhere. Make your pivot and if you are played, go somewhere else. This will become clearer as we go along. A counter is simply a second pivot to get you in position to take advantage of defensive positioning. Think in terms of boxing, every time a boxer throws a punch he/she removes one of their hands from the defense, leaving their self vulnerable to a return punch. The trick is to see the opening and get your punch in while their defense is weakened. It is the same thing in basketball, if a player makes a pivot as part of an offensive move and that pivot is defended, there is another opening that can be exploited. You just have to be prepared to take advantage of it. Pivots and counters work together. I usually teach them in pairs as I believe that each pivot has its own counter. In teaching and drilling, going from the pivot to the counter becomes instinctual, thereby allowing the player to become quicker, more confident and more resourceful. The pairs that I teach are these:
PIVOT
Front Pivot -----------------> Inside Pivot ----------------> Drop Step ------------------->
COUNTER
Step Through Sweep Inside Pivot
P a g e | 22 These are the counter pivots that I teach: FRONT PIVOT / STEP THROUGH COUNTER
Make a front pivot looking to score.
The step through counter is used to get by your defender when the initial front pivot is defended. After making your initial pivot, and your feet are square, your swing foot steps through the line made from your pivot foot directly to the basket.
The objective is to get your inside foot and hip past the defender.
For example, if you make a right foot-front pivot and the defense appears on your left side, you would step through the basket line to the pivot foot which would allow you to move to the left.
P a g e | 23 INSIDE PIVOT / SWEEP COUNTER
Perform an inside right foot pivot and look to score.
After pivoting to a feet square position, player sweeps their swing foot in the same direction (left foot) of the swing foot, left foot sweeps to the left.
The objective is to get your outside foot and hip past the defender.
P a g e | 24 DROP STEP / INSIDE PIVOT COUNTER
Perform drop step looking to score.
If that is defended by the defender stepping backward, perform and inside pivot looking to score.
The objective is to create space and hit the open shot.
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There is a next level to your pivot counter game when you recognize that after a pivot and a counter, the player is in position to add another counter. Notice I didnt say a different counter, I said another counter. The number of possibilities we can create for post moves is limitless. Too often we complicate things by trying to teach too much. In the beginning of the pivot section I mention that there are only a certain number of things you can do with your feet. I re-use these over and over and over again. Instead of naming each move and thereby having 20 moves, I prefer to call pivots so no matter what I teach, the player understands they have done it before. I teach all of these pivots without a dribble. Especially in the post, the dribble is the most misused weapon in the arsenal of offensive moves and players wind up shooting themselves with it. But to add a second level of counters, a dribble must be incorporated. The reason: a dribble allows you to change pivot feet. So, here are a few next level pivots and counters. Use your imagination here. If you understand the pivots, youll understand the move.
Right-foot front pivot, step through counter, dribble, left-foot drop step
OR
Right-foot drop step, inside pivot counter, sweep counter, dribble drive
If you work pivot by pivot, the footwork becomes simple.
ANGLES AND DISTANCE

The game of basketball is a game of distance and angles. Good players also understand that you beat defenders with your feet; then, you separate from your defense with the dribble. You dont beat defenses with the dribble. Go in straight lines and cover as much ground as possible. If players would do just those two things, their games will expand ten fold. Anytime there is a step to the basket it should be to the front of the rim. In the post, when you execute a drop step, your swing foot goes in a direct line to the basket. The same should be said about a step through and a sweep. Those steps should be made as long as possible. Players should get low and long. Try to make the step beyond the defenders closest foot.
P a g e | 26 THE DRIBBLE
The dribble is the most misused action in basketball (notice I didnt say skill). That is accentuated in the post. I could never figure out why a player standing three feet from the basket needed to dribble to turn around and shoot. When a post player puts the ball on the floor, it limits their options and often gets them in trouble. When I train post players, we do most of our work without a dribble. I want to explore how many options we can create with just footwork. That isnt to say that the dribble doesnt have its place, because it does. The dribble, when used properly, can expand a post players game beyond their imagination. How do you use the dribble properly in the post? To answer that you have to understand what the dribble is for and what it can do for you. The dribble is to cover ground and take you to the basket. The dribble is used to go by a defender. It is important to understand the traveling rule. On a shot, the ball must be out of the shooters hands before the pivot foot returns to the floor. When not shooting, the ball has to be out of the players hand before the pivot foot leaves the floor. As an illustration, when taking a jump shot your pivot foot can leave the floor to shoot, but the ball has to be away before you return to the ground. When shooting a right handed lay-up where your right foot is your pivot foot you can jump off your left foot, the right foot can leave the floor before the ball is released, but the ball must be away before the right foot returns to the floor. When dribbling, with the right foot as the pivot foot, you can step with your left foot but the ball has to be out of your hand before your right foot leaves the floor. The dribble, especially in the post, also allows you to change pivot feet. This makes the dribble a potent weapon when using the pivot counters. It allows players to change direction, lock defenders behind you and go by defenders. For example, you are making a right-foot front pivot. The pivot is played and the player immediately counters to a step through move. The player can jump off their left foot into a shot (as long as their right foot doesnt return to the ground during the shot). If they add a dribble after making their step through move, with both feet on the ground, they can now use their left foot as a pivot foot. They can drop step, step through again or pull up. This might be a little hard to picture as a whole, but then again, take it pivot by pivot and it becomes much clearer.
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Most importantly, you use the dribble as part of a move. You dont use it to make a move.
SHOTS
Just as there are only a certain number of things you can do with your feet, there are only a certain number of shots you can take. I believe there are three.
LAY UP
The most elementary of all shots is one of the most effective shots for all post players. Lay-up, power move, reverse, etc., they are all layups. All alone, over the defense, powering through the defense, it is really all the same. Get me a post player who can make lay-ups and Ill show you a player who can help your team.
JUMP SHOT
Just like perimeter players, post players are more effective when they can make jump shots. Im not talking about putting them on the top of the key and telling them to let it fly. Whether it be from 3 feet, 13 feet or 23 feet, if your post player can face the basket and make a jump shot, they will be very difficult to play. Of course you will have to work with them to find their range and comfort zone, but a jump shot from 5 feet counts the same as one from the foul line. If they can face up and shoot it, they can help you.
HOOK SHOT
There was a time when a hook shot was mandatory for post players. I find it odd that at the same time Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was scoring 41,000 points with his Sky Hook, that the shot itself was phasing out of the game. Still the most effective shot for post players of any size, the hook shot should be in every post players repertoire. A hook shot is a great equalizer of size and quickness. A jump hook will out quick any opponent. A sky, roll or sweep hook (they are really all the same) will negate most size disadvantages.
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As versatile as we would want a post player to be, how many things can he/she actually do? I hear coaches all the time talk about teaching 50-60 post moves. Do they really think a player can master 60 post moves? Trying to teach a player that many moves would, at best, be confusing and at worst, debilitating. I dont know 60 post moves. I dont want to know 60 post moves. I know three pivots (front pivot, inside pivot and drop step), two counters (step through and sweep) and three shots (Lay-up, jump shot, hook shot). Just those eight things present an unlimited number of resources for a post player. Solid execution of these fundamentals creates a post player that will be effective at any level against any opponent.
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PLAYING THE GAME

Now that we have drilled and mastered the basics, how do we transfer the concepts to the court? After all, the whole reason for the work is so players play better. When do you use which pivot? How do you make a play? How do you even get the ball? If we didnt answer those questions it wouldnt matter how well we executed our fundamentals.
GETTING OPEN
Before executing anything in the post you have to be able to get the ball. Here, we are going to specifically discuss the low post. As discussed previously, there are three post areas: low post, mid post and high post. I like to treat all the positions the same. Whatever is discussed here in regard to the low post is also applicable to the other post areas. When setting away from the ball a good post player does one or two things, either come to the ball or prepare for the ball to come to them. Previously, we discussed that there are only a few things you can do with your feet (see Pivots). Referring to footwork by using consistent terminology (a front pivot here is a front pivot there) will make learning much easier. This is an example of that concept. There are also four magic words that apply to everyone as they try to get open, whether a post, wing or guard. If executed properly, these four magic words will allow players to get the ball in the position they want every time they want the ball. Obviously, that is a great advantage. Here are the four magic words: INSIDE SHOULDER, INSIDE HIP. Here is how you apply those magic words in the post. When coming to the ball, remember this, If you are played high, take your defense high then beat them low. When you are played low, take your defense low then beat them high. As the post player starts to move to the ball, the defender will pick a line of defense, usually based upon ball position. If the ball is high, the defender will usually be high, if the ball is low, the defender is probably low.
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Low post defensive position with the ball on the wing or high
Low post defensive position with ball in the corner or low
Weak side defensive position with ball on the opposite wing or high
Start your move by cutting in a straight line to the ball. If you are being played by a good defender (if they are a bad defender, it doesnt matter), they will step into your line and fight you to the ball. When you feel the pressure, execute a step-through pivot. The objective is to get your INSIDE SHOULDER and INSIDE HIP through the defender. For example, if the post player is on the left side and the ball is on the right wing, this is the position of the players.
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As the offense starts their move, they will be met by the defender. Because of the ball position, the defender will be high, so the offense should cut high.
When the offensive player feels the defensive pressure, the offensive player plants his left foot and executes a left-foot step through pivot (left foot is planted). The objective of the pivot is to get the right hip and right shoulder inside the defender. This effectively puts the defender on your right hip. You are now in a position to beat the defender low.
The next major rule is: only allow the defender to play you one way, regardless of where the ball is. If the defender is playing you high, keep them high. Hold them there until the ball is in position to be delivered on the low side. Do not give up your position to chase the ball. In other words, if you have the defender on your high hip, keep them on your high hip. Prevent them from adjusting their position as the ball moves. If you give up your position in an attempt to come in line with the ball you will never be in position to receive it. By the time you re-establish position, the ball will no longer be in position to be entered. Keep your position until the ball works its way around and can be entered.
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After taking the defense high and beating them low, keep the defender on the high hip and play the low angle to get the ball.
SEALING
Once you have beaten your defender to your spot, hold them there by using a technique known as sealing. When you seal your defender you effectively cut off their path to a particular passing angle. The primary footwork for a seal is the drop step. Using the example above where our offense has flashed from the right to the left and has the defender on their high side, they must hold the defender on the high side. The entry lane is now low and the ball should be brought toward the baseline to take advantage of the entry lane. As the ball works its way to the baseline, the defender will work to stay in the ball line. The offensive player seals by executing a left foot drop step to keep the defender on their left hip. In this case, the pivot is very similar to a box out for a rebound. The offensive player pivots, plants their hip and butt into the defender and pushes them up the lane to create a larger passing lane into the post. When sealing, you are using the defensive tactics against them. If the defender wants to play on top, let them. But dont let them get below you. If they want to front, let them. But dont let them get behind you or change sides. Any time the offensive post man can get a defender to play them one way or another, keep them there and dont let them change.
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RECEIVING THE BALL

Once the offensive player has made their move to get open, the battle has only begun. In receiving the ball, the post player has to be strong and still be in position to make their offensive move. The ball with a post player is like sugar to a fly, it is going to attract a lot of attention. Players will come from all over the court to play the ball. When they turn to shoot they should expect others to join the party. They have to expect contact on the move. Basketball is a physical game and the post is the most physical position of all. Officials expect post players to create contact so they dont make many calls. When receiving the ball, the post player should be in a low, wide and athletic position. The ball should immediately go into shooting position. It doesnt make a difference whether the player is facing the basket or not. The ball should go into shooting position on the catch. They should stay in this position throughout the move. Staying down and athletic with the ball in shooting position will make them stronger, quicker and more efficient. Not wasting time getting into playing position after the catch will allow you to take advantage of lapses by a defender and poor defensive preparation.
MAKING YOUR MOVE

This is an area where I differ from many other coaches. Some will teach their players to locate the defense and make your move accordingly. Rick Majeris teaches his post players to catch and look baseline; if you see the defense, go over the top, if not, go baseline. I do not teach either, nor do I teach many of the other methods that are taught. That is not to say that other methods are not effective, because they are effective. I teach what I teach because it works for me. First, I teach read the passer. I teach my passers to pass away from the defense. From the post perspective that means if the passer throws to the top side, turn to the top side. If the passer throws to the baseline, go baseline. I teach, Go with the pass. Second, reference the Getting Open section, previously discussed where I said, Only allow your defense to play you one way. When you are making your move, keep your defense on one side, receive the ball and go the other way.
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The third thing that I teach is, I believe, the most important. It is the reason I teach the footwork that I teach, the reason I teach the counters and why I teach the pivots and the counters in pairs. It is also another reason I teach footwork instead of moves. I learned a long time ago that, no matter what you teach and no matter what you do, players are only going to do a finite number of things well. When under pressure, players are going to go back to what is comfortable for them. I try to teach within that. The basis for my teaching is: do what you are comfortable with, what works for you first. If that is defended, counter. It doesnt make a difference what the defense does, if you like to front pivot and shoot, do that first, if it is defended, counter (in this case it would be a step-through counter). If you like to inside pivot (a la Tim Duncan or Dirk Nowitzki) do it. If it is defended, counter (in this case it would be a sweep counter). I dont want players to analyze the situation. I dont want them to think. I want them to act. I want them to play. I want them to do it immediately. I teach, Do what you do best, if its defended, counter.
OFFENSIVE MOVES
The only limitation on your offense is your imagination. But trying to learn or teach too much can only lead to confusion, doubt and a lack of confidence. So how do you teach or learn a variety of offensive moves without the issues that cause indecision and analysis paralysis, (when you study or think so much about what you are doing that you are not able to do it at all)? If you read the previous sections you know that the basis is simplicity and consistency. Using the same terminology, footwork and counters give you almost an unlimited selection of offensive weapons. Below is a partial list, in simple terms, of some of the offensive shot actions that I teach. The only limitation on the variety of offensive moves in the post is the players imagination. To be effective, players have to act instinctively. Having a player catch and think about what to do will destroy all of the good work you and they have done in trying to develop a post player. For that reason, I believe that a player has to have the power of imagination to progress. It not only adds to creativity but, if a player can imagine himself being successful and if they can see themselves successfully performing the skills, their learning curve becomes much quicker.
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Below is a sampling of moves for the post. At first look, it seems like a lot and is in direct opposition to the theory of simplicity that I have discussed. But upon closer examination you will notice how many commonalities there are between the moves. Teaching and learning technique are important. I am a big believer in teaching by previous knowledge. If you work on footwork, each move just becomes a finish to the same footwork over and over again. Would I expect all players I work with to be good at everything we do? Of course not. Again, the limitation is imagination. If a player can imagine it, they can do it. By the same token, a player is only going to be good at a finite number of things. Eventually, players will settle in with the moves they are comfortable with. So expose them to everything, practice some, expect competence in a few and excellence in a couple.
FROM THE LOW AND MID POST

Front pivot, jump shot Inside pivot, jump shot Front pivot, jump hook Drop step, layup (no dribble) Drop step, hook (no dribble) Front pivot, step through counter, layup (no dribble) Front pivot, step through counter, hook (no dribble) Inside pivot, sweep counter, dribble, layup Inside pivot, sweep counter, dribble, jump shot Inside pivot, sweep counter, dribble hook Drop step, dribble power layup (2 foot take off explosion) Drop step, inside pivot counter, jump shot Drop step, inside pivot counter, dribble layup Drop step, inside pivot counter, dribble jump shot
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FROM THE HIGH POST

Front pivot jump shot Front pivot, step through counter, 1 dribble, layup Front pivot, step through counter, 1 dribble, short jump shot Inside pivot, jump shot Inside pivot, sweep counter, 1 dribble, layup Inside pivot, sweep counter, 1 dribble, jump shot Inside pivot, sweep counter, 1 dribble, drop step, and hook Inside pivot, sweep counter, 1 dribble, step through, jump shot
Again, this is just a sampling born of my imagination. See what your imagination can come up with.
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DEVELOPING YOUR POST PLAYER

WHO SHOULD YOU TEACH?
As you go through your post work you have to give some thought to who you want to develop. Should guards do post work, wings, forwards? Some of those answers become easier the higher the level of player. But, getting younger, you have no idea what your player will turn out to be. The tallest player on your team at 13 years old might be the shortest at 17, and vice versa. So the answer to that question is, I believe that everyone should do post development work. Regardless of the level of play or the players position, post skills are transferable to any position. I believe the basis for all basketball is footwork. Nowhere is that more obvious than in the post. Work on your footwork in the post and it gets better everywhere. The types of shots that can be taken are more varied in the post than anywhere else. Work on the co-ordination of your footwork with your shots in the post, they get better everywhere. The greatest motivator is success. Not only with young players who need positive reinforcement to steepen their learning curve, but in developed players who need to come back after tough games. Post players practice close to the basket. Shots taken close to the basket are successful more often than those taken further from the basket. Teach, reinforce and practice closer to the basket, motivation goes up as does results.
HOW TO START
STEP 1 - The key to any teaching program is an organized plan of progressions and then repetition. Using the proper progressions that build upon previously learned skills, players see order in their game and will not be overwhelmed. The progressions I have had the most success with, start from the bottom up. Initially, I concentrate on the three basic pivots; drop step, front pivot, inside pivot. Using the theory of previously learned knowledge, I use the drop step first because it turns into a layup. Every player I have ever come across, regardless of
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age, learned a layup first. Finishing with a layup sets the stage for new ideas later in the training. Step 2 - After working with the basic pivots I move to the counters. I carefully explain what they are, what they are for and how they fit into the big picture. I do very little of teaching of shots. You will find that the more comfortable players become with the pivots, the easier and more successful the shots become. Usually, very little discussion about type of shots is necessary. All the footwork is done without a dribble. Getting players to give up the dribble and encouraging them to use their imagination helps them expand their games ten fold. Having them get comfortable with their feet and using footwork as a weapon goes a long way to making post players effective. Not only will they learn that it is their feet that creates and expands their games, but they learn that with good footwork they are never off balance, never out of position and never without options. STEP 3 - After getting players comfortable with their feet it is time to add the dribble. It is important to understand that the dribble is often a limiting factor in post play. It does not add to most players games. When thinking about players that misuse the dribble, the players that are most ineffective with the dribble and the players that are hurt most by the dribble, post players are first on the list. There are two purposes for a dribble. First, it is used for separation from the defense. Once you have the defense beat, the dribble allows you to get distance from your defense and get closer to the basket. The second thing is it allows you to change pivot feet. This is especially important when executing counter and combination moves. I believe that 90% of your offensive play in the post can be accomplished without a dribble. And that dribble should put you in better position to score, not just allow you to turn around. STEP 4 - Next we work on types of shots, jumpers, hooks, power, finesse, etc. Inside of the shot work, I again call on previously learned knowledge and try to teach which footwork predicates what shots, which shots need a dribble and which dont. This is where we really start to get into high repetition. As a coach, you have to remember that things are not always as they appear. I am constantly saying that what you think is a shooting drill, I think is a footwork drill. As a coach, your focus should be on the footwork. The players will feel through their shots. Whether the ball goes in should not be your point of emphasis. Keep the
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big picture and understand that a successful shot is a result of proper process, not an end unto itself. STEP 5 - The next step is to start integrating game situations into the workout. I am a believer in taking competition out of teaching, so teaching game situations such as duck ins, seals, kick outs, etc. are done without defense. How do you do that? Use your imagination. Develop mental imagery of situations and players, help your players do the same and you really quicken development. Take on other situations as they present themselves. Always start at the beginning and continually shore up the basics and then progress. You will find a rise in confidence level, a greater work ethic and quicker development.
HOW TO FIT POST DEVELOPMENT INTO YOUR PRACTICE PLAN

Players will make the biggest strides in the off season. Unfortunately, once practice begins, everyone becomes consumed by offense and defense. There is usually no time in a practice plan that leads to significant skill improvement. In reality, the more skilled your players become, the better your offense and defense, regardless of what you run. I do not allow players to shoot around before practice. I also do not believe in stretching or running for conditioning. I think that time can be put to better use. I have taken that time out of my practice plan and I use it for skill development. I usually separate the court, one side for post and the other for perimeter. When a player comes onto the court they immediately go to their side and start working. Some call that pre-practice because it is before I blow the whistle to start practice. After the whistle, it is all team stuff. The period before the whistle is at least 30 minutes. If I have two hours for practice then team practice will last an hour and a half. If I have an hour and a half for practice, then the team section will be an hour. That might mean I dont get to practice a play or I wont have as many repetitions of a defense, but I can live with that. In addition, one of the laws of learning is the Law of Primacy. The Law of Primacy says that in the eyes of the learner, whatever is taught first is most important. That is the major reason why I put it in the beginning of practice. Everything else comes second.
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DEFENSE AND REBOUNDING

DEFENDING
One of the most important things that a post player has to do through the course of a game is defend. No other position on the floor has as many defensive responsibilities as the post player. Post players are to basketball what goalies are to hockey or soccer. Regardless of what happens outside the scoring area, some balls are going to get through. The goalie has to be there to stop the ball. The same is true in basketball. The post player is the last line of defense. Unlike hockey or soccer, the post player has a responsibility that goalies dont. Goalies dont have players to guard, only the goal. Post players have to guard their man and the goal. They have to be aware of everything that occurs on the floor and be ready to defend any penetration or pass that puts the basket in danger. The three things that will allow any post player to be an effective post defender are: Knowledge, Positioning and Footwork. KNOWLEDGE Knowing the game and knowing the players on the court are great advantages when defending in the post. Knowing what the offensive player is strong at and weak at will allow for an effective man-on-man defense. If your player is right handed, force them to use their left. If they are good on the glass, force them to use the jump shot. If they use strength, use quickness against them. Knowing your teammates and the opposition will help the post player become a great goalie. Which of your teammates is most susceptible to getting beat off the dribble? Is your 4 man stuck on the perimeter guarding their point guard? Which of their players is best at putting the ball on the floor and taking it to the basket? These are the things that will allow the post player to anticipate when the basket will be in danger and be in a position to help.
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Knowing which players on the other team are jump shooters and which are non-shooters will help the post player get in great position to rebound as well. POSITIONING Defense is a positional activity. It is not strength or quickness based; it is an activity that is dependent on positioning. The principals for defending in the post are the same anywhere else on the court, before your man gets the ball, stay ball-youman, after receiving the ball, stay between the ball and the basket and try to force them to do things they are not good at. When on the weakside, be in a position to play ball and man and be prepared to play both. The difference between defending in the post and defending on the perimeter is that in the post, you are the goalie, the last line of defense and are always one pass away. A wing, defending on the perimeter, can relax at times when neither the ball nor their man puts the basket in danger. But because the post player is the goalie, they never get to relax; the play is always coming at them. They must always be in the proper position.
Defensive positioning with the ball high and offense in the low post.
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Defensive position with the ball low and the offense in the low post.
Defensive position with the ball high and the offense on the weakside.
Defensive position with the ball low and the offense on the weakside.
P a g e | 43 FOOTWORK
As with most things in basketball, I believe that footwork is the key to being a good post defender. Using the same dropstep, front pivot and step-through pivots as we do on offense, post players already have the background and knowledge to be an effective defender. They just apply the footwork they already have to defense. Too often, players run from spot to spot. Good players might slide. But in the confined space of the post, there is not enough room or time to do that. Good post defenders pivot. For example, the ball is on the left wing and your post player is defending in the low post. Their position is on top of the low post with their left foot toward the ball and their right foot trailing. The ball is crossed from the left wing to the right wing. All your post player has to do is perform a right foot drop-step. That simple piece of footwork will put the post player in help position, between their man and the ball, in a position to maintain contact with their man and in position to protect the basket. Another example would be the ball is on the left wing and your post player is defending in the low post. Their position is on top of the low post with their left foot toward the ball and their right foot trailing. The ball gets passed from the wing to the corner. If the defender makes a left foot step-through move (remember the magic words, inside shoulder-inside hip, from the getting open section) and then a right-foot drop step, it will allow them to step over the offensive player and finish defending along the baseline in a ball-you-man position.
JUST MAKE THEM MISS

For some reason, many players (and many coaches) feel the need for post players to block shots. Sure, it is loud and exciting to see a rejection. There is an intimidation factor that may or may not be worth the risk of blocking a shot.
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There are some players that are truly gifted in this area. That is usually based in long arms and a great sense of timing combined with athleticism. Players such as Dikembe Mutombo and Dwight Howard are examples. What are the risks for players that are not as gifted? If you study it closely, shot block attempts are very closely linked with fouls. The more attempts, the more fouls. There are probably three fouls committed for every shot that is actually blocked. Your post player cant help you if they are on the bench in foul trouble. The next risk is a large percentage of shots that are actually blocked either go out of bounds with the offensive team retaining possession or stays in play with the offensive team. When that happens, your defense is usually out of position and the offense scores anyway. So the question is this: is it really worth the risk for your post player to try and block every shot? In most cases, it is more productive for post players to work on making the offensive player miss the shot and remaining in position to rebound. Working on positioning, angle, squaring up, getting your hands up, etc. will go a long way in cutting off the same shots you might stop by attempting a shot block, but it will be more productive because your post player will stay on the court and the defense has a better chance to get possession of the ball after the play. The following are some drills I use for post positioning, rotation and stopping those inside shots.
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1 BALL POSITIONING DRILL
Players set up on either side of the lane with their inside foot on the block. Coach is on the top with the ball.
Coach passes the ball to one player or the other.
Offensive player makes a direct move to the basket, no dribble, no fake, just straight to the hole. Other player becomes defense. Their job is to get between the shooter and the basket. No block shots, no foul, just cut off the shooter.
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2 BALL POST DRILL
Offensive players set up on each side of the lane with their inside foot on the block. Defense sets in the middle facing center court. Coach is on top with two balls.
Coach passes one ball to the first player.
Offensive player makes a direct move to the basket, no dribble no fakes. Defensive player moves to cut off the offense and get between them and the basket. Offensive player tries to score. They get only one shot, no rebounds.
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Coach passes the second ball to the other offensive player.
Offensive player makes a direct move to the basket, no dribble, no fakes. Defense must recover and cut off the offense by getting between the offense and the basket. Offensive player tries to score. They get only one shot, no rebounds.
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2 MAN SHOT BLOCKER DRILL
Offensive players set up outside the lane, above the 2nd lane marker and face the baseline. Defense sets in front of the rim, facing center court. Coach is on the baseline with the ball.
Coach flips the ball to one of the offensive players.
Offensive player makes a direct move to the basket. They can also take a short jump shot. Defensive player has to react and try to cut off lane to the basket and stop the shot.
P a g e | 49 REBOUNDING
A primary function of a post player is rebounding. Rebounding requires strength, stamina and knowledge. The continual pounding that post players take, just by virtue of playing the position, makes rebounding a war of attrition. Players wear down as the game and the season wears on. How many times have you heard, He seems to get stronger as the game goes on? I will not argue that. With some players it certainly seems that way. In reality, its more than likely the player in question is just stronger and better conditioned. As the other players wear down this player, because of his condition, just wears down at a slower rate. As the game goes on he is closer to his maximum performance than those that have fatigued around him. So, he stands tall as the weaker fall down around him. He appears to get stronger, quicker and more athletic than those that have succumbed to fatigue. For this reason, conditioning and strength training are vital tools in creating an effective rebounder. Knowledge is an important component in creating a rebounder. The knowledge of which players are more apt to shoot, and from where, will help your post players put themselves in a position to rebound. But more than that, knowing where the rebounds are going to go will create a great advantage for your rebounder. It doesnt take a magician to figure where the rebounds are going, just a shot chart and a little bit of study. On the whole, 70%-80% of all rebounds carom off the rim at the same angle or opposite angle from the shot. On a shot from the right corner, 80% of the rebounds will either bounce back to the same corner or go to the opposite corner. On a shot from the wing, 70% of the rebounds will carom off the rim to the same or opposite wing. On a shot from the middle, 70% of the rebounds will carom back to the middle. Wasnt it Woody Allen who said, 90% of success is just showing up? Armed with that knowledge and some repetition, on a shot from the wing, your post player should instinctively get himself to rebound in line with one wing or the other. They will get more rebounds than they ever imagined.
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POST DEVELOPMENT DRILLS

These are some of the drills I like to use in working on post development. They are multidimensional since they work on many things at once. Primary in all the drills are footwork and intensity, and they all need to be done at least at game speed. Particular attention has to be paid to footwork. Because footwork repeats itself in many different places and a drop step is a drop step, practicing your footwork in one area will improve it in other areas. I believe that drill work must accomplish three things: skill development, conditioning and mental aspect. How you do these drills, the level of intensity you work at, the thoughts that you implant and the things that you emphasize will determine the effectiveness of the finished post player. One thing to keep in mind is that there are more drills here than what it might seem. It seems like I run hundreds of different drills, but when it comes down to it, these are all the drills that I use. I simply vary them depending on which players Im working with that day. For example, the shots that come inside of the drill "Shooting on the Move" might be different for you than they might be for another coach. The framework of the drill remains the same, but some players will put the ball on the floor, some will make dribble changes, and some might just grab the ball and shoot. It makes it seem to me like there are more drills. When drilling, coaches and players should experiment. When inside the drill, use the skills that they want to develop; not just run the drill.
TAPS This is a drill that helps develop timing, ballhandling confidence and can aid in conditioning the player. Player starts on right side of the backboard and dribbles the ball with their right hand off the backboard with their right hand. They tap 10 times and 11th one they try to score. Player then moves to the left side to work with their left hand.
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Player moves in front of the rim and taps off the backboard over the front of the rim with both hands
MCHALE TAPS This drill provides an additional challenge over the Taps drill. Done the same way the Taps drill (above), except that player taps the rim with their free hand while tapping the ball off the backboard.
MIKAN DRILL This is essentially a footwork drill. It helps develop balance, body positioning and scoring close to the basket. Player stands in front of the rim facing the baseline. Paying close attention to their footwork, using step-through pivots, player continually takes short hook shots alternating left and right sides and left and right hands. He/she shoots, rebounds the ball out of the net, takes a step and shoots with the other hand. They should step with their left foot when going to the right side with their right hand and step with their right foot when going to the left side and using their left hand.
BOARD BANGS When done at high intensity, this drill conditions and helps strengthen the players hands and arms. Player holds ball with both hands. He/she bounces and bangs the ball against the backboard, jumping as high as he/she can, banging as hard as he can. He/she bounces and bangs the ball a pre-prescribed number of times and the last one should be a score.
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BOARD BANGS WITH A POST UP This drill combines board bangs with defensive rebound and pitch protocol and allows the player to finish with a low post move.
Coach is positioned on the wing. As with Board Bangs, player jumps and bangs the ball off the backboard.
Player then throws pitchout to coach, then posts up. Coach throws a post pass and player makes a post move.
P a g e | 54 ANNIE OVER
This is a timing and conditioning drill. It can also be used as a trigger for other drills. In a team situation I use it as a trigger for fast break drills, advantage break drills or controlled scrimmages.
With 3 players, start with 1 player on one side and 2 players on the other. The ball is with the first player in the line with 2 players.
Player 1 throws the ball off the backboard on the far side of the rim. He/she then changes sides and goes behind 3.
3 rebounds the ball off the backboard and while in the air, throws it off the backboard on the far side of the rim. He/she then crosses the lane and gets behind 2.
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2 rebounds the ball off the backboard and while in the air, throws it off the backboard on the far side of the rim. He/she then crosses the lane and gets behind 1.
Rotation continues with players rebounding and passing off the backboard and changing sides.
When working with a 5 man team, start with 3 on one side and 2 on the other. The ball always starts in the line with the most players.
P a g e | 56 CHAIR PIVOTS
This drill is the basis for all teaching and repetitions while practicing footwork. Every pivot should be used and then followed by pivot-counters. Chairs can be spread wider and higher to accommodate players that can play a mid-range game. Chairs can also be moved out to the wings for perimeter work.
Chairs are set up just outside the low post position, facing the basket, with a ball on each chair. Player starts in the middle.
Player cuts to the right chair, executes a pivot into a low post shot.
Player cuts to left chair and executes the same pivot and shot.
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Rebounders grab the ball and replace it on the chair to allow for multiple repetitions. In this drill, all pivots are practiced. First, basic pivots, then pivots and counters. Chairs can be gradually moved back to work pivots from wing positions.
SPLIT POST
This is a progression after Chair Pickups. Splitting the chairs works the low and mid or high post in the same drill. It also aids in conditioning. Pivots and counters are all the same from one chair to the next. You can vary the pivots or use the same pivot on each chair.
Drill sets up with one chair in the low post and one chair on the opposite elbow. Both chairs face the basket. A ball is on each chair. Player cuts to the first chair and executes a pivot and a shot. They then cut to the second chair and execute the same pivot into the appropriate shot. Rebounders grab the ball and replace it on the chair to allow for multiple repetitions. Use all the pivots. You can also go with a 1 dribble move from the elbow.
P a g e | 58 INTENSITY LAYUPS
This drill works on explosion and finishing at the rim. It is a great conditioner as well. Another aspect can be added by having the player backpedal as they are going toward the chair and explode going forward.
Player starts near the basket. Player cuts up the lane, cuts around the chair picks up ball and takes a 1 dribble layup.
Players comes back up the inside, cuts around the chair, picks up ball and takes one dribble layup.
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CONTINUOUS JUMP HOOK This drill allows for high repetitions while working on jump hooks.
Chairs are set just outside the lane, facing the basket, with a ball on each. Player starts in the middle. Player cuts to the left chair, grabs the ball in good shooting position and makes a right foot drop step to the middle (right foot is planted), takes a power dribble and shoots a right handed jump hook.
Player then cuts to right chair, grabs the ball in good shooting position and makes a left foot drop step, takes a power dribble and takes a left hand jump hook. Rebounders replace the ball on the chairs and the shooter goes continually.
P a g e | 60 FIGURE 8 JUMP HOOKS

This is an alternative for working on jump hooks. This drill allows the player to work on their jump hooks while using both hands on either side of the court.
A chair is placed on each side of the lane in the low post position. Chairs face mid-court with a ball on each. Player starts between the chairs and faces mid-court.
Player starts by going to their left, over the top of the chair and to the outside. Player scoops the ball and takes a right handed jump hook.
Player then cuts between the chairs, over the top of the left chair, scoops the ball and takes a left handed jump hook.
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Player then cuts between the chairs and over the top of the right chair. Player scoops the ball for a right handed jump hook and drill continues by running figure 8s for jump hooks
After getting some repetitions, players can change direction. Going in the other direction, the player starts in the middle, facing the basket.
He/she then cuts to the left, under, and runs around the chair.
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They scoop the ball and take a right handed jump hook. Then, have them cut under and around the top of the other chair for a left handed jump hook. Drill continues by running figure 8s for jump hooks
POWER DRIBBLE INTO

This is a high intensity drill that teaches players to go straight up when shooting in the lane. Pivots and shots can be added for full effectiveness. Front pivot jump shot, step through and drop step counters are easily appropriate for this drill.
Drill starts with three chairs in the lane, forming a shooting pocket. A chair is placed outside the lane, facing the middle with a ball on it. Player starts in the low post. Player steps and takes the ball off the chair as if they are receiving a pass in the low post
Player makes a right foot drop step (right foot is planted), takes 1 dribble to get into the shooting pocket. Player takes a right hand jump hook.
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Drill continues with ball being placed back on the chair for more repetitions.
Drill can also be done with jump shots and counters.
P a g e | 64 SHORT CORNER
This drill simulates post action when receiving the ball in the short corner. Quick turns and long power dribbles are used. Player should get their shoulders parallel to the baseline when getting the shot off.
Place a chair, facing the baseline in the short corner position on both sides of the lane. There is a ball on each chair. Player starts in the short corner position, back to the baseline, facing the chair.
Player picks up the ball and immediately makes a right foot drop step (right foot is planted). They get their shoulders parallel to the baseline and take a power dribble into a power layup.
Player then runs to the next chair and gets in the same position, back to the baseline, facing the chair.
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Player now makes a left foot drop step until their shoulders are parallel to the baseline, takes a power dribble into a power layup. A rebounder grabs the ball after a shot and replaces it on the chair. This will allow the shooter to go from chair to chair for multiple repetitions.
Drill progresses as above
Now, when the player grabs the ball, they execute a right foot front pivot until their shoulders are parallel to the baseline. Then they power dribble into a power layup.
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Player cuts across the lane to other chair.
Player grabs the ball. He/she executes a left foot front pivot until their shoulder is parallel to the baseline. They then power dribble into a power layup.
CONTINUOUS TRAIL JUMPER

This drill conditions and simulates trailing on the break. Counters can be added to simulate reaction to defensive adjustments. Any 1 dribble move should be finished at the rim.
Set up chairs as illustrated. Chairs should face mid-court and there is a ball on each chair at the elbow. Player starts behind chair on the top. They sprint to the right chair (as if they are coming up on the break), scoop the ball and take a trailer jump shot.
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Player then turns and runs back to the top, around the chair and does the same running to the left chair. Rebounders replace the balls on the chairs. You can also mix in 1 dribble trailer drives.
OUTLET AND SPRINT

This drill combines rebounding, pitchouts, fast breaks and conditioning.
Player starts at the elbow with the ball. Coach is at the sideline in a pitchout area. Drill starts with the player shooting the ball off the backboard.
Player chases the ball off the backboard and rebounds.
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On the rebound, player pivots and pitches to the coach. After the pitch, player runs up the floor as if filling the lane. Coach then passes back to the player. Player can continue up the floor to score on the other end or can reverse direction to execute the drill again.
TRAILER SHOTS
This drill is an alternative way to work on a trailer jump shot. Also it combines rebounding, outlet and conditioning.
Player starts under the basket with the ball. Coach is on one side. Markers are placed on the opposite side as the coach. One marker is near mid-court and the second marker is placed where you want the shot to come from. Drill triggers by the player doing a backboard drill (Mikans, Bangs, taps, etc) for a prescribed number of repetitions.
After the trigger drill, player pitches out to the coach.
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Player sprints out as if on the break. They run around the first marker, sprint towards the basket and receive a return pass for a shot. Shot can be any that you work on for your post players.
3 CHAIR POST CIRCUIT

This combines multiple aspects of the post game by insisting on the use of skills from three different post areas. Footwork can be varied or the same but the type of shots should be dictated based on the need for that particular area.
Chairs are set as illustrated with a ball on each chair. The chair at the high post faces mid-court; the other two face the basket. The drill starts with the player doing either a Mikans drill or board bang. They go as many times as you would like. Usually I go with four baskets or bangs.
After scoring, player leaves the ball, sprints around the chair at the foul line, scoops the ball off the seat and takes a jump shot.
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Player then sprints to the chair on the right side, scoops the ball, makes a left foot drop step (left foot is planted) and takes a jump hook.
They then go to the left chair, do a left foot drop step and make a baseline power move. You can mix the pivots and the shots.
TRAILER, LOW, MID-POST

This drill uses multiple shots from multiple areas. The coach can determine what pivots and what shots can be used. Its also a great conditioner.
Chairs are set: Top of the key facing midcourt. Left wing facing the basket. Right low post facing the basket. A ball is on each chair. Player starts at mid-court. Player cuts to first chair, scoops the ball for a trailer jumper shot.
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After the shot, player runs and touches the baseline. After touching baseline, player pivots to the low post chair. Player picks up the ball, pivots and takes a low post shot.
After low post move, player cuts to wing chair, picks up the ball pivots to face the basket for a 17 foot jumpshot.
SCORING ON THE MOVE

This drill is a great conditioner and is very adaptable to any players skills. Utilize all three of the post lane positions.
Player starts with the ball at the basket. The coach is in a pitch area along the sideline. There is a cone or a chair or other marker near mid-court. Drill starts with player doing Mikan, Board Bang or Tap drill for a prescribed number of repetitions. I usually use four.
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After the fourth repetition, player pitches to the coach. Player sprints to mid-court, toward the marker.
Player cuts around the marker and
Option 1:
Fills the low post. Coaches passes in for a score, player makes a low post move.
Option 2:
Player trails through the middle. Coach passes to player who makes a short jumper or 1 dribble move.
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Option 3:
Player fills trailer spot. Coach passes to trailer. Player can take trailer jumper or make 1 dribble move to the basket.
SCORING ON THE MOVE (COMBO)

This drill uses multiple aspects of the post game in one drill.
Drill is set up with player under the basket, a coach on each side (one with a ball) and a marker at midcourt. Drills starts with player activity, it can be taking Mikans, Taps, Board Bangs, etc.
After a prescribed number of repetitions, player rebounds the ball and pitches to the coach without the ball. Player then sprints to mid-court as if they were on the break.
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Coach returns the pass for a trailer jump shot.
After shot, player then cuts to set a ball screen for the coach with the ball. Coach dribbles off the ball screen.
Post player can pop and gets return pass from coach for a jump shot.
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Or Player rolls to basket for a return pass. Or Player slips the screen for layup.
WEAKSIDE KICK AND FOLLOW

This simulates the most effective way to free a post player. By using the weakside shooter as a weapon, post player learns what options might be available after throwing a spot up pass.
Player starts on the left side. Coach is on the left wing. Chair is placed in the opposite low post position, facing the lane. A ball is on the chair. Player cuts across the lane.
Player picks up the ball (holds it in scoring position). They then make a left foot drop step (left foot is planted) and throw a spot up pass to the coach.
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Player then pivots, seals, and receives the return pass from the coach for a shot.
After throwing the spot up pass, they can cut high, and receive a return pass for a jump shot.
Player can receive return pass and make a 1 dribble move. Player can also cut to the low post for a post move or they can simulate any movement or shot that might be appropriate for their game.
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LOW POST ONE ON ONE

This is a live drill that tries to simulate offense and defense in the low post.
Drill starts with two players on the elbow. Coach is out on the wing with a ball.
When coach says go, both players sprint to the opposite block. Upon touching the block, players then cut to the strongside low post. It is a race.
Whichever player gets to the low post first becomes the offense; the other player becomes the defense. Offensive player tries to maintain passing angle and open lane to the ball. Coach passes into the offensive player.
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Game becomes live one-on-one game in the post.
P a g e | 79 MORE DRILLS & ADVICE

These are certainly not the only drills that can be done. Every player is different and so are their needs, so use a variety of drills. You pick the emphasis in each drill, but I recommend that you emphasize footwork in every drill. The important consideration should not be whether the ball is going in, but rather, are your players improving? Need more drills? Use your imagination. Isolate parts of your offense. Determine what the player needs to improve on, isolate it and do it. Make it interesting. Make it fun. Work it hard.
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INCORPORATING DRILLS IN YOUR WORKOUTS

As you teach you should strive to improve the total game. Your teaching should not only incorporate new skills, but reinforce those already taught. It is like a pyramid. You start with a base and then keep building layer on top of layer. I do not use separate teaching drills. I teach inside of my workouts. I continually reinforce what had come before and then add onto the back end. In other words, early in your workout you are using drills and skills that have already been mastered. As your workout goes along, the early part of the workout serves as a basis for the later aspects, which might encompass new information. For that reason, drills inside of your workout should flow from the simple to the more complex. Once youve incorporated the simpler concepts you can then move on to more complex ones, building on what your team has already learned. These are commonly called building blocks or progressions. For that reason, I usually theme my workouts. For example, I might have a Jump Hook Workout, or a Footwork Workout (understanding that all workouts emphasize footwork). All the drills I use will fit the theme. Below are a couple of sample themed workouts. Please understand that these workouts change according to development of the player and for variety. These are only samples of particular workouts I have done on a particular day. You should use your knowledge and the progressions you are comfortable with for you. These are not presented for you to copy and use, though you might like to. For that reason, I am not going to go into detail and describe each section. They are meant to illustrate how we go from simple to complex, using an increasing series of complexity while keeping it simple by repeating what has been worked on earlier in the workout.
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Sample Jump Hook Workout Mikans Reverse Mikans Taps 10 each hand 10 each hand 10 with each hand 10 with both hands 10 alternating hands 10th one scoring Continuous Jumps Hooks Figure 8 Jump Hooks Power Dribble Into 10 10 5 each, each hand Jump hook Jump Shot Counter Backboard Bangs With Shot Scoring on the Move Scoring on the Move Combo 5 each side Jump Hook from low Post Trailer shot, jump hook
Sample Footwork Workout Chair Pivots Chair Pivots Split Post 3 Pivots, 5 each side, each 3 Pivot Counters, 5 each side, each Drop step low, Inside pivot high 5 each, both ways Split Post Short Corner 3 Chair Post Circuit Counters, 1 dribble, dunk finish Drop step, Front Pivot, 5 each, each side Drop step, Inside pivot, front pivot No dribble Board Bangs with Post Up Shooting on the Move Combo Drop step Drop step low, Inside pivot counter mid-post.
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SPECIALIZED POST CUTS AND MOVEMENTS

Whether playing in a structured offense, motion offense, or working for position, post play involves some specialized movements that will help the post player get the ball in good offensive position. The specialized movements also require good footwork and teaching technique. By improving footwork, all of these movements become better. And if you are very good at it, you become impossible to defend. Since post players play in such a limited space, the area they use to get open is limited as well. Perimeter players use constant movement, run wing to wing and constantly have opportunities to come off screens (see Richard Hamilton). Post players should rely on their footwork, ball position, and the movement of other players to create opportunity. As previously discussed in the section Getting Open I pointed out the importance of inside shoulder and inside hip while moving to the ball. Below is a series of movements that may occur in an offense or a freelance situation. These movements can be very effective in creating offensive opportunities for the post player. Please keep in mind that this is not a book about team offense or skills needed to get the ball into the post. This book deals only with post development. As such, these movements are strictly for the post player and not for any other players that might be involved in the diagram.
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SEALING AFTER THE DOWNSCREEN If you run an offense containing down screens or you teach down screens as an offensive weapon, they are often taught as an opportunity to free a shooter. Down screens present an excellent opportunity to free your post player.
Post player (1) screens down for the player on the block. After screening, 1 holds their position and gets strong, still facing the basket.
The post player then uses whichever foot matches the cut as their pivot foot. In this case, if the cutter cuts low or on the baseline, it would be the right foot or the baseline foot. If high or over the top, then left or top foot.
The post player executes an inside pivot and holds the defender behind them (away from the passing angle into the post). The wing player will then have an open passing angle into the post.
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If the defense switches, the post player again executes an inside pivot, holds the defender on their back and looks for a pass from the top.
DUCK IN The next move is called a Duck In. This is possibly the most effective move a post player can make. The Duck In takes advantage of defensive player movement as the ball moves on the perimeter. It is most commonly used as a method for getting the ball from the high post to the low post.
The post player prepares for the duck in by moving into a position where they can make contact with the defender, as the ball is being passed to the top. Timing is very important.
As 3 receives the ball, the post player steps into their defender with their top foot (left foot in this case) and executes a step through pivot, getting their inside shoulder and inside hip past the defender. They hold the defender away from the passing angle with their lower body and receive the pass from the top.
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HIGH-LOW SEAL The high-low seal is a very common movement in a 3 out/2 in motion offense. It creates post entry opportunities from different angles and can really put a defense at a disadvantage. It can be especially effective if your post players are confident passers.
The move sets up with the ball on the wing and the post players in both the high and low post.
The high post player (1) screens for the low post player (2). The low post player cuts to the high post.
The screener maintains contact with the defender and executes an inside pivot and looks back for the ball. They hold the defense on their back, very similar to a box out, and call for the ball.
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If the pass goes to the high post the post player, after their inside pivot, continues to lock the defender behind them by maintaining contact and their pivot foot. They then step their swing foot between the defender and the ball, as if they were making a drop step, and call for the ball.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why do the majority of the drills use a chair? Shouldnt part of the drill be receiving the ball in the post through an entry pass and then getting to work? This is a big picture question. It is just my style of teaching. I developed it because I am usually 1-on-1 in the gym. Using chairs as a passer has allowed me to use multiple balls for a better workout while still being the only rebounder. I dont believe in one guy rebounding and passing the ball back out for a shot. I am able to place chairs at particular angles to simulate receiving from specific situations. That has developed into using chairs as reference points for teaching as well as for other things such as defenders, etc. When I have more players, the chairs are not needed as passers but I keep them for consistency of teaching and reference points. That might address the entry pass question to a certain extent. I usually do not address entry passes with post players. I believe that is a guard oriented action, and I try to teach post players from all angles. During workouts, I am also interested in high repetitions, high intensity and major advances in skill. When you throw a passer in the drill, you wind up with bad passes, dropped balls, etc. And those get in the way. If I had a team I would spend some time with combo drills where we work on that issue from both positions, but this is about individual development. What is the difference in mentality between someone who is comfortable playing at the high post and someone who is more comfortable playing the low post? There is no difference in mentality (in regards to aggressiveness, intensity, etc). The only difference is the comfort and skill level of the player. This is what the book is all about. Developing skill and comfort. How can you help a post player be more comfortable playing both high and low? I think the answer to everything is repetition. It breeds confidence. I also think that most (but not all) post players should work in both places. The footwork, shots, etc are all the same. Only the context of use has changed.
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I believe the more you can make the positions alike the quicker the players develop confidence. Dont confuse teaching a position with making a player who already plays there more comfortable at it. I have some post players who just dont like their back to the basket and not seeing the rim. How should I handle them? If they dont like playing with their back to the basket, dont play them there. The first law in the 7 laws of learning is you have to have a willing student. If they dont want to be there, they wont be good at it. That is your job as a coach to recognize. What about practicing post moves with a defense? Ive read that players need less 1-on-0 and more 1-on-1 and situational drills. Once they have a base for some moves, they need to practice those moves against competition. Otherwise, they wont develop the feel of when to make the right moves. Why wasnt that addressed? I am completely on the opposite side here. I think players need more 1-on-0 work and less 1-on-1. I don't believe in competitive teaching. I don't teach reading the defense. I teach action and counter. There is no right move, there is only what you do well. 90 percent is mentality. The information in this book is exactly what I teach. Then I just send them out to play. Now youre probably wondering why I dont believe in competitive teaching and reading the defense. Even though my feelings on this are too extensive to cover here, Ill try to address some of my thoughts. My philosophy has developed over 30 years of coaching in both team and individual situations. I combine that with three degrees in Education. I say that not to blow my own horn or to minimize anyone else, but to emphasize that it is not an arbitrary method. I believe that to be an effective teacher you have to remove stress from the classroom. I dont believe in negative reinforcement, running for mistakes, placing penalties for missed shots or turnovers, or winners and losers in teaching situations. All that adds to the stress level of the players you are trying to develop. A basic effect of stress is that it narrows the perceptual field. It limits what the player is able to see, and how they form perceptions.
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When you are a big picture teacher, as I am, anything that prevents the players from seeing all the possibilities or puts them in a position to fear failure, as competition does, would be counter productive. I have seen situations where players fail over and over again because they are working out against a better player. That affects self-image and retards development. I have also seen players take advantage of lesser players and never fail. This gives them a false sense of accomplishment and when they fail in a game, it is a hard fall. I put my competition into scrimmages where they actually have to play and do the things they practice. Admittedly, it goes slow at first but then the curve becomes very steep. I dont teach reading the defense. Having a defense there so it forces a particular turn does not fit with my philosophy. Shooting over a hand or having to deal with contact are moot points because I try to build an act and counter mentality to the position. I also really push the mentality that shooting is all rhythm. So, getting a shot blocked, bothered or shooting with contact doesnt matter because I want to ignore those things and just concentrate on rhythm. In practice, not using competition in your teaching allows for a better pace of learning, more consistent situations, less dropped passes, less bad passes, more skill intensity and better self image. And then there is the biggest issue; if a player cant get on the floor they cant improve or help you. If I had one hair on my head for all the players that got hurt in competitive drills and had to sit out practices or games I would have more hair than the ex-Governor of Illinois (I cant even say his name properly, no less spell it, but I do know he had a lot of hair). An injury in a game or scrimmage is acceptable. But an injury in a teaching situation is tough to defend. To say they need to knock heads to become better when it knocks them out instead is not acceptable. I gave the post player book a quick read through. It seems wellorganized, thorough, and succinct. I'm wondering if a little more could have been included to address interior passing by post players? I don't think that teaching interior passing is an aspect of teaching post play. It is a team play issue and is particular to a team philosophy. That is not something that I work on or drill when I am working with individual post players.
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Can you include more information and illustrations about teaching defense to post players? The defensive section is actually a token mention just to show that there are post defensive concepts. Once the footwork is done, everything stems from there. When working on defensive footwork, I don't even demonstrate. I just call the footwork. Post defense is a very large subject and is addressed in this eBook: http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/pr/mandefense.html How do you get players to fix incorrect technique and footwork when running drills in practice? I really had some affirmations of my teaching methods when I was in Greece. http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/blog/index.php/category/internationaltrip/ While I might be considered unconventional here, in Greece they thought I was just weird! They are very conservative and traditional. If one player does not execute perfectly, they stop and re-teach everyone. I told them in my sessions to give them repetitions, allow them to figure it out and correct themselves. They thought I was crazy. After one workout where we were working on jump shooting, I really had to get on the coaches to allow them to play through the errors. By the end of the workout, 100% of the players had picked up the concepts. The coaches came to me and said "we are impressed!" You are probably starting to realize that I fight against convention. Keep that in mind when reading my materials. Traditional coaches are going to read convention into the content. That doesn't make them wrong, nor me right. With that said, I do call out certain pivots and counters such as inside shoulderinside hip. I also have rules that I remind players, such as straight line to the rim or think shot. Most female players cant do the drills in the book, what do you suggest? I dont think there are any drills in the book that girls cannot do. I do the same drills with 12-year-old girls that I do with 7 foot professionals. If they cant touch
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the rim or backboard then we go to a wall or something more appropriate for their physical skill level. But I dont change the drill. Is there a difference in developing female players vs. male players in the low block? Can you compensate for the difference in strength and athletic ability with different counters or footwork? I do not believe there is a difference between male and female players. My philosophy is based in footwork, not strength, size, or athletic ability. How do you teach players to handle a rebound (how to secure it and let the defense clear)? This is a rebounding issue for all players, not just a post issue. However, I will offer a couple suggestions on securing the rebound As the player goes up for the ball, they obviously need to catch the ball. There is no technique for this other than getting your hands ready, watching the ball into your hands, and practicing. As simple as it sounds, this is something that must be practiced and drilled! Immediately after catching the ball, the player must then secure the ball with two hands. Most coaches teach players to secure the ball with two hands, keep elbows out, and keep the ball above the waist. After grabbing the rebound, the player can bring the ball down below his or her chin and hold it against his or her chest. Elbows point out. This is often called chinning the ball. The player should be in a good stance with a wide base, ready to pivot and outlet the ball. Securing the ball properly, with elbows out, is something that should be practiced. Players need to learn how to be strong with the ball and avoid the turnover. How many times have you seen a big man come down with the ball only to have a small guard poke the ball out of his hands? A defensive rebound isnt officially complete until the ball is passed to a teammate for a fast break. This pass is referred to as an outlet pass. Once the player secures the rebound, he or she has a few options to consider. He or she can:
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Dribble the ball up the court (if the point guard gets the rebound). Pass the ball to a teammate on the closest sideline. Turn and throw the pass to a teammate in the middle of the court. Dribble the ball out of traffic and then look to make the pass.
The choice that the player makes relies greatly on the amount of pressure that the defense creates. As a general rule, we suggest that the player only dribbles if they absolutely HAVE to make some room to make the pass. How can you further develop confidence against contact in the battle ground of the paint? I also try to develop a mentality where contact doesnt matter. Just ignore it and complete the play (Im not saying it is easy). Thats really all there is. Some people teach how to counter the contact physically but I dont. I just ignore it. It seems that the concepts and drills in this book are geared more for the high school players and up. Do you have drills and concepts that are useful for younger kids? My girls won't be doing "McHale Taps". This book is not targeted for older kids. As I have said before, I teach the same thing to 10 year olds that I do to pros. I think it is a mistake to think that younger kids cant do those things and that is an issue with our coaches. You have to be more patient with younger kids and look longer range and bigger picture, but that doesnt mean a younger kid cant learn it. That is one of the things that I learned as my teaching style evolved. Older and higher level players dont do different things; they dont really do more things, they just do them better, with a high level of intensity and success (one would hope). I think they can do McHale Taps, just maybe not on the backboard. I think that the key to developing players is not lowering expectations but realizing limitations and working within them. As they age, the limitations will disappear and you will be left with unlimited skill. I'm having problems getting my players to play more physical and create contact. They often shy away from the contact and sometimes fade away. Is there anything to fix this?
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Footwork is the key to getting inside players to make contact. Most coaches yell at their players to make contact and be strong. But the problem lies in their footwork. Most coaches neglect to look at their feet. For example, the problem with the fade away is that the players foot doesnt turn enough or create a good enough angle to shoot straight up. How do I get my big post players better at catching the ball? I have some very tall players but they tend to lose the ball when we pass it to them in the post. Some people just cant catch well. There are physiological reasons for that, reaction time, perception, quickness, etc. I dont believe that you can effectively alter that with anything but experience. I have tried bad pass drills, slap drills, heavy balls, and several others techniques. Maybe there was some improvement, but not significant and not enough to justify the time spent. Adding hand strength might help to a small extent, but mostly after the catch. I believe in controlling the things you can control and I think those things are 90% of the issue and you can have no effect on it. The 10% that you might be able to have some effect on is self-image. Most things in sports are self-fulfilling prophecies: if you think you cant, then you wont. As a coach, how do you react to a dropped pass? Do you yell and scream and make your player afraid to go after the next ball? As a player, do you get down on yourself and hope they dont pass it to you? Just keep practicing your skills, have some success and the fear of catching will disappear. I noticed the footwork pictures always use the right foot as the pivot. If youre on the right side of the basket, should you always use your right foot as the pivot? No. When demonstrating pivots, you have to use a foot. I decided to use the right foot. Its important to do things going both ways and using both feet. Thats why the pictures dont include pictures of the basket or lines on the court. They only illustrate how to turn. There is no reference as to where you are when you turn, which could be anywhere. Are there any techniques or specific things to work on to make an undersized post player more effective?
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There might be but I dont know what they are and I dont try to teach them. I teach everyone the same way and players just find what is effective for them. What do you suggest for off-season conditioning and weight training workouts? I am not an expert on weight training but I do think it is necessary as players get older, through puberty. I would refer them to someone with more expertise in the field. My experience also tells me it should be year round. I am not a big conditioning guy. I believe your workouts should provide your conditioning. None of the players I work with do running type conditioning outside our workouts. They do cross-train however, with the most popular being yoga, pilates, martial arts, and boxing. Do you offer personal training and skill development for high school and college post players? Yes, I will train anyone. I often travel to players to train them or train them locally. It works best in small groups (3 -4 players) but I have worked with individuals and with groups as large as 600.
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THIS IS WHAT I TEACH, IT WORKS FOR ME

Some Insight into my Teaching Methods What you find in this book is exactly how I develop post players, and its what works for me. I know other coaches go into more detail or teach in a different manner. They have different points of emphasis, some larger, some more minute. Coaches have asked me the following questions that deserve a response: I know balance is important. How do I improve my post players balance? What is the correct body position of a post player when they catch the ball? How should their legs, back, and head be positioned for optimal balance? How can I improve my post players hands, so they catch the ball better? How do I teach post players to get open?
These are all excellent questions. I do address these issues, but maybe not in the ways that you might be used to. Let me explain... I have taken what I have learned from other coaches and adapted it to what works for me. Rick Majerus teaches catching, and he always looks to the baseline. If the defense is there, go over the top. If not, go baseline. This works for him. I teach act and counter. Hal Wissel is a great coach and a great teacher. He teaches neuro-linguistics, a form of self-talk in a rhythm that helps your shooting. It works for him. I teach dont think, feel your shot.. When it comes to teaching balance, Pete Newell teaches you to have knees bent almost 90 degrees, your back almost vertical, head and chin up, equal distribution of weight on feet, and feet spread shoulder width. This provides a really strong base in everything that you do. That works for him and hes a
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legend. I teach "shooting position" which encompasses balance and body position. Thats it. Thats what works for me. There also has to be some assumed knowledge. I assume that someone knows how to catch the ball. If not, they should play soccer. I used to do catching drills, bad pass drills, turn around and find the ball drills, scoop drills, etc. That didn't work for me and just wasted workout and teaching time. I did not see any tangible results that I couldnt attain using active, big picture drills. I believe that by talking about "shooting position", you cover everything. The drills that I included are actually the drills that I use when I teach. I have thousands of drills. The reason I don't use all those drills anymore is because I have found the ones in this book have been more effective for me. Notice I said "for me". I am not making value judgment on other peoples drills. There are variations and adjustments that I make for individuality and situations that are not in the book but the drill framework is the same. You can make your own adjustments based on what you are comfortable with. I have learned that simpler is better for me, and the players I work with. I have found it more effective to say "get lower" rather than "bend 90", and to say "throw it from here" instead of "make your entry pass from a 45 angle", and to say "don't get too close" rather than "space 15' apart." I believe it is a better method. Over time, I think more coaches come over to my way of working than go the other way. Here are a couple stories that might help you better understand my teaching philosophy When I was in Greece running skills camps for kids, it was a show and go situation. I would demonstrate, I would teach the players what to do and why, and then send players to their baskets with the Greek coaches. I would then run around and supervises the drills at all the baskets. Greek coaches are very traditional. They are loud, they believe they have to yell at players to get them to work, and they are very precise. They believe that they should run through the woods for three weeks before they practice with a ball. They will run for 45 minutes and stretch for 30 minutes before they practice which leads to three and four hour practices. That is the way they were taught and is the culture of coaching there (and a lot of international basketball).
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I think all that is ludicrous. I think its counter productive and damaging to the enthusiasm of the players. I was lucky that this was my show so they had to teach my way. When we went to baskets, I noticed that every time one player would make a mistake, the coach would stop the entire group and re-teach the skill, with very little patience for error. We had a meeting and I told them not to worry about a kid making a mistake on a repetition, just keep going and to concentrate on the number of repetitions they were given. "Get them through as many reps as quickly as you can," was what I told them. They thought I was crazy. "How can they improve when they make mistakes that are not corrected?" they asked. I answered, "Give them some credit. Give them time and they will figure it out." We were working on shooting footwork one day in the gym. And again, they were stopping the whole group to correct one error. I guess shooting has its own priorities. Again, I kept telling them to just get them through the reps. We moved from drill to drill and, slowly, we were making progress. I watched one coach through an entire line where all the kids actually preformed perfectly. I mentioned to the coach what a wonderful thing repetition was. He told me "I think the angle they are approaching the ball from is helping them. What will happen if we work from another angle?" I said, "Let's see." We moved to another drill and by the second time through the line, every player worked correctly. The coach looked at me, smiled and said, "I am impressed." They were astounded that all this could be accomplished without yelling and screaming and with the kids actually enjoying themselves. In a lot of the discussions we had after that, they shared with me how unproductive they felt their coaching methods were, but that was the way they were expected to conduct themselves. I am not saying that to pat myself on the back or to say I have the perfect plan, but coaches act like they think they are expected to. New or different ideas are not necessarily easily accepted in coaching. I am also relating that story to set the stage for this one. Here in Austria, as Im finishing the final text of this book, I am very lucky to be doing what I am doing. And I am very lucky that this team has a coach that is very much like me. He allows me to do my work without thinking I am infringing on his competence or his team. He lets me do what I feel is important, and he supports it. He is Italian, the players come from many different countries, and to
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my surprise, every practice is conducted in English. I get one to one and a half hours in the morning with the team, and he runs his regular practice at night. He runs the Triangle offense. Traditionalist would cringe at his practice plans. He shows the team any new options that he may put in that day and then warms up. Most teams have elaborate warm-up plans. P.J. Carlesimo was famous for putting his assistants at certain points and if the team didn't execute at each point they all suffered penalties. The coach's warm up here is "Start moving up and down." The players then take about five minutes to do whatever they want to work up a sweat and then they start. It's scrimmage time. All whole work, no breakdowns, just play. Every play ends in a fast break that goes up the other end. Sometime they'll go once at each end, other times they'll go several times. Sometimes they will go by the clock, sometimes by score. But, always play. His corrections come in wholes when they are done. I have watched every practice and now 7 games. We talk about basketball. I bring up things like spacing, decision making, shot selection, all things that don't seem to get addressed. His answer is always, "Give it time. They'll figure it out." As strange as my methods are, I have never run into that. He was having a problem with one player because he wouldn't accept his role. I said, "You have to address that with him." His answer is, "In time, he'll figure it out." I kept watching day by day. There were some small corrections and lots of new options. Little by little, they started to figure it out. I was amazed. After a couple of games in which the player saw how he was being used, even he has started to figure it out. No conflict, no arguments; they just figure it out. He really has a way about him that allows players to experiment and then he steers them toward the positive results. They have great chemistry and really share the ball. And, they think it is their idea so they really embrace it. I don't think many coaches can work that way. Its too out of the box, too different. But, he has had great success. I feel bad now for making the suggestions I did because he was in total control of the issues. I just couldn't see it.
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Most coaches are traditionalist and probably have trouble grasping that method. But the coach here has obviously found a way that works for him. He could, and would share it but that doesn't mean that it would be right for someone else. It also doesn't mean it should be recommended to anyone. The major point is that this book is what I teach. All the little things like errors or little mistakes in footwork or positioning will be worked out with time and repetition. I believe in the big picture, not individual reps but in the final result. I dont expect players to perform well when we start. I do expect them to perform well when we finish. I always take the long view. With that said, Im glad to entertain questions about post play. I know some of this wont make sense to everyone. Thats ok and Im happy to clarify and answer any questions. Every coach has to figure out what works for them. I have described what works for me. Hopefully reading how I do things will give you some ideas and improve the way you work with post players.
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CONCLUSION
I think that most of what I believe and present is simple. As coaches, we have a tendency to do and expect too much from our post players. Post players bring aspects to the court that no other players can bring. Size, rebounds and most importantly, the ability to get fouled are areas that post players can contribute to, even without much development. For some reason, we seem to forgive perimeter players when there are things they cant do, but not post players. I often hear comments, He cant shoot it outside of 10 feet. Well, if he is 6-10, I dont think I would want him to shoot outside of 10 feet. What matters is, does it go in? I also hear, He cant handle the ball. Do you really want your post player to handle the ball? Why is it you never hear anyone complaining about a point guards rebounding but you do hear about your post mans range? Just because of his size, we automatically think all post players should be good. We all hear, If I were that big, I would be great, or How can you be that big and be that bad? You dont hear that about guards. We have to understand the post player, by virtue of size and position, brings other things to the court and has to be evaluated differently than other players. We also have to understand the psychology of a post player. A point guard walks off the court and becomes an everyday person, someone who can mix in with the crowd. The same is true of the other positions. But, post players can never leave it behind. Tall players have to endure the ever present Hows the weather up there? question while walking through the mall. The first thing they are asked by strangers is not how are you? but is do you play basketball? Big players often are gangly and gawky when they are young. They are often graceless and awkward off the court. The only place they might be comfortable is on the court. It has to be a place of refuge. Provide that and they might explode into the great player they want to be. Keep your teaching simple and consistent. The more you can present previously learned information and skills, the quicker your players will progress. Using footwork as a foundation, you can go anywhere on the court and create a game and a player. Work on mentality, keep your work aggressive and always think attack and you will build confidence and attitude. Allow your post players to grow and they will exceed your expectations.

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How to Develop High Scoring and Highly Skilled Post Players

www.BreakthroughBasketball.com Written By Don Kelbick

Copyright 2009 Breakthrough Basketball, LLC

Copyright 2009 Breakthrough Basketball, LLC

FOREWORD BY JEFF HAEFNER

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DEVELOPING AN EFFECTIVE POST PLAYER

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Both feet should be even and square to your target.

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Make a front pivot looking to score.

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P a g e | 23 INSIDE PIVOT / SWEEP COUNTER

Perform an inside right foot pivot and look to score.

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P a g e | 24 DROP STEP / INSIDE PIVOT COUNTER

Perform drop step looking to score.

The objective is to create space and hit the open shot.

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If you work pivot by pivot, the footwork becomes simple.

ANGLES AND DISTANCE

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PLAYING THE GAME

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Low post defensive position with ball in the corner or low

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RECEIVING THE BALL

MAKING YOUR MOVE

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FROM THE LOW AND MID POST

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FROM THE HIGH POST

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DEVELOPING YOUR POST PLAYER

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HOW TO FIT POST DEVELOPMENT INTO YOUR PRACTICE PLAN

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DEFENSE AND REBOUNDING

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JUST MAKE THEM MISS

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