Read the Defense

Great post players catch and wait "1-second" to see how the individual and team defense will react to the low post pass before attacking the basket. While there are exceptions, such as when a player has an undeniable direct path to the basket with the defender behind them or on their hip, in general the best players look first, then make their move. This 1-second let´s them read if a double team is coming, who is collapsing, and who might be left open should the double occur. It also helps them to keep good court vision to spot an open teammate cause by rotating defensive players.

knees bent

Keep the knees bent and make yourself a “wide” target. DO NOT stand up straight. We want the lower body low , the feet wider than the shoulders and the upper body up. The post should show his numbers to the passer and give an aggressive target. He should always present the picture of a post player that wants the ball.

Use the Glass

Great post player can use the backboard when scoring to reduce the effectiveness of a great shot blocker, and in creating higher percentage shots by increasing the scoring opportunities by using the glass.

Be a Leader

Great post players are leaders by example in practice, in conditioning, and all aspects of training. They do not walk through the motions some days, and attempt to bring their "A" game to the top level with inconsistent practice methods and intensity. The greatest post players are nasty to play against every single day. No one wants to get in the trenches with this player. It´s almost futile to stop the power, intensity, and determination of a great post player.

Patience

Both for the player and the coach, a big key with big men is patience. Because of their size and the skills required, it will often take a taller youngster more time to develop then a shorter player. Those working with these taller players have to be patient and encouraging. If allowed to develop at his own pace, he may blossom into a truly outstanding player.

Leverage

Leverage Is Vital! Leverage is gained by foot and body movement and contact. Footwork is one of the hardest things to teach because it is not natural. Toes and shoulders should be pointed at the ball. Sit on the defender's thigh - the post's center of gravity is thereby lower than the defender's and this makes the post stronger. If the defender steps around in front of the post's foot, the post should step over the top of the defender's foot. If the defender attempts to go behind the post, the post keeps the defender behind by using short choppy steps with his arms in an “L”, keeping his
toes pointed toward the ball and maintaining contact with the defender. It is important for the post to get at the defender's feet, have firm arm bars in the shape of an “L” thereby creating space for the pass.

Keep Working

Great post players do not belly-ache about not getting the ball down low. They work so hard and efficiently that it is totally obvious to their teammates they are open and can score. If one "moment of opportunity" is missed they don´t sulk and quit playing, they hunger and continue to work for the "next moment of opportunity" and are ready when it comes.

Recognize Scoring Opportunities

Great post player neither a "black hole" nor a "automatic toss-back machine" when the entry pass is made. They recognize scoring opportunity but equally see when a pass out and return back later in the offensive sequence is a much higher percentage scoring play than forcing a shot just because they are positioned inside and receive the ball.

Position in the Low Post

When you are on offense in the low post you need to make the defense play you on just one side. The offense wants to keep contact with the defense and once he has established his defensive position, pin him there and make him stay where he is. Be big and wide and always give a "target hand" so your teammate knows where to pass the ball.

“wide” target

Keep the knees bent - make yourself a “wide” target - DO NOT stand up straight. We want the lower body low - the feet wider than the shoulders - and the upper body up - the post should show his numbers to the passer and give an aggressive target, he should present the picture of a post that wants the ball.

PowerUp

This is a drill for your post players to practice exploding up to the basket, and using the backboard to score. With 3 players and one ball per basket, the 2 balls are placed on the blocks. It is a timed 1 minute drill. Player 1 picks up the ball on the right side, makes a drop step, gathers his feet and goes up strong off 2 feet, using the backboard and scores a layup. Then he does the same on the left side. Players 2 & 3 rebound and replace the ball to the blocks. Player 1 tries to make as many baskets as he can in 1 minute.

Chin the Ball

Whenever one of our big men gets the ball, whether he has grabbed a rebound or had the ball passed to him, we want him to immediately chin the ball. This is accomplished by putting the ball under the player´s chin with his hands on either side of the ball and his elbows out. This allows the player to protect the ball, up high away from smaller players, while he decides what move to make with it.

Create space

Create as much space for the pass as possible: A) If the defense is on the baseline side, set up lower to create more space for the pass on the high side - KEEP CONTACT WITH THE DEFENSE! B) If the defense is on the (top) high side, set up higher to create more space for the pass on the baseline side - KEEP CONTACT WITH THE DEFENSE! C) If the defense is behind, set up at the edge of the lane above the block to set up a situation where you can go either way. ATTEMPT TO MAINTAIN CONTACT WITH THE DEFENSE! D) If the defense fronts with the ball at the wing, set up as far from the lane as possible within four feet of the lane to create more space for the lob pass.
If the defense fronts with the ball at the guard spot, set up as high as possible up to the fourth free throw lane space, to create more space for the lob pass. KEEP CONTACT WITH THE DEFENSE!

Catching the ball in the low post

When catching the ball in the low post, always come toward the ball, catching it with a little hop so that you can jump stop upon receiving the pass. This will allow you to be able to move in either direction after receiving the ball.

Tipping

Stand to one side of the basket, facing the basket, and toss the ball up on the board. Go up and tip the ball straight back ten times, the last one into the basket. The keys to this drill are developing your timing and using your finger tips in order to control the ball.

Seal Defenders

Great post players know how to use their back side to position and seal off defenders from getting good defensive position. Not only that but they are intelligent enough and skilled at baiting even the best defenders into fighting for a seemingly desired position, only to gain a better offensive position and chance of scoring from a more effective angle or position near the basket.

Hustle

Great post players hustle back on defense in transition and never let either the post player they are defending nor their other low post teammate´s beat them up the court. Getting back every single time enables early transition defenders to keep pressure on the ball reducing rapid ball movement which might isolate an open offensive player in transition.

Talk on Defense

Great post players talk on defense and move their feet to support the defensive perimeter. They call out screens well before they are set and adjustments when the angle or location of a screen changes. They also keep light on their feet and active to show and release, or trap on tough perimeter pick and roll screens. They rarely come late to support the pick and roll screen hanging their perimeter defenders out to dry.