Post PDF

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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
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distribution is strictly prohibited.
© Copyright 2009 Breakthrough Basketball, LLC
Limits/Disclaimer of Warranty
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best efforts in preparing this book. The authors and publishers make no representation or
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of this book. They disclaim any warranties (expressed or implied), merchantability, or fitness
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damages. This manual contains material protected under International and Federal
Copyright Laws and Treaties. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited.
© 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

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 you’ve ever tried to learn or teach post moves, then you’ll 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 don’t 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 you’re
way too old for that type of thing, trust me, it’s 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. It’s
amazing how you see all the footwork coming together. And the beauty is that it
works whether you’re playing in the post or on the perimeter.
The trick is knowing how to easily teach the concepts and apply them in a game.
Don’s book has really opened my eyes. Reading Don’s 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. Don’t 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, 21’9” 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 can’t 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 you’re 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 don’t 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 today’s game, having a post
player gives you a huge advantage simply because they’re 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 let’s look at the other side of the coin. When players are young, you don’t
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&M’s. 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 won’t 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 can’t 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 can’t get every rebound, they won’t block every shot
and they won’t 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 can’t 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 coach’s job to recognize what their player’s strengths are and apply them
correctly. Just because your post player is 6-10 doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t
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
player’s 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 today’s 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 High-

Post 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 player’s
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
O’Neal 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. It’s 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 can’t 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 COUNTER
Front Pivot -----------------> Step Through

Inside Pivot ----------------> Sweep
Drop Step -------------------> Inside Pivot

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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.

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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.

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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.

P a g e | 25
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
didn’t 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, you’ll 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 don’t 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 defender’s closest foot.

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THE DRIBBLE
The dribble is the most misused action in basketball (notice I didn’t 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 isn’t to say that the dribble doesn’t have its place, because it does. The
dribble, when used properly, can expand a post player’s 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 shooter’s hands before the pivot foot returns to the floor. When not
shooting, the ball has to be out of the player’s 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 doesn’t 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 don’t 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 lay-
ups. 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
I’ll 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. I’m 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 player’s 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 don’t
know 60 post moves. I don’t 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 didn’t answer those questions it wouldn’t 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.

P a g e | 30
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 doesn’t 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 don’t let them get below you. If they want to
front, let them. But don’t 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 don’t 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 don’t 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 doesn’t 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.

P a g e | 34
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 doesn’t
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 don’t want players to analyze the situation. I don’t 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 it’s 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 player’s 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.

P a g e | 35
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 player’s 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

P a g e | 38
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 don’t. 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

P a g e | 39
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 don’t get to practice a play or I won’t
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 don’t.
Goalies don’t 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-you-
man, 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.

the ball high and the
offense on the weakside.

the ball low and the
offense on the weakside.

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FOOTWORK
As with most things in basketball, I believe that footwork is
the key to being a good post defender. Using the same drop-
step, 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.

P a g e | 44
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
can’t 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.

P a g e | 45
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.

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.

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.

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, it’s 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 doesn’t 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.
Wasn’t 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 I’m 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. It’s also a great conditioner.
Chairs are set:

• Top of the key facing mid-
court.
• 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 player’s 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 mid-
court.
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.

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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 you’ve 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 10 each hand

Reverse Mikans 10 each hand
Taps 10 with each hand
10 with both hands
10 alternating hands
10th one scoring
Continuous Jumps Hooks 10
Figure 8 Jump Hooks 10
Power Dribble Into 5 each, each hand
Jump hook
Jump Shot
Counter
Backboard Bangs With Shot 5 each side
Scoring on the Move Jump Hook from low Post
Scoring on the Move Combo Trailer shot, jump hook
Sample “Footwork “ Workout
Chair Pivots 3 Pivots, 5 each side, each

Chair Pivots 3 Pivot Counters, 5 each side, each
Split Post Drop step low, Inside pivot high
5 each, both ways
Split Post Counters, 1 dribble, dunk finish
Short Corner Drop step, Front Pivot, 5 each, each side
3 Chair Post Circuit Drop step, Inside pivot, front pivot
No dribble
Board Bangs with Post Up Drop step
Shooting on the Move Drop step low, Inside pivot counter mid-post.
Combo

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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? Shouldn’t 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
don’t 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.

P a g e | 88
I believe the more you can make the positions alike the quicker the players
develop confidence. Don’t confuse teaching a position with making a player who
already plays there more comfortable at it.
I have some post players who just don’t like their back to the basket and
not seeing the rim. How should I handle them?
If they don’t like playing with their back to the basket, don’t play them there.
The first law in the “7 laws of learning” is you have to have a willing student. If
they don’t want to be there, they won’t be good at it. That is your job as a coach
to recognize.
What about practicing post moves with a defense? I’ve 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 won’t develop the “feel” of when to make
the right moves. Why wasn’t 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 you’re probably wondering why I don’t believe in competitive teaching and
reading the defense. Even though my feelings on this are too extensive to cover
here, I’ll 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 don’t 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.

P a g e | 89
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 don’t 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
doesn’t 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 can’t get on the floor they can’t
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 can’t 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 well-
organized, 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.

P a g e | 90
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/international-
trip/
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 shoulder-
inside hip.” I also have rules that I remind players, such as “straight line to the
rim” or “think shot”.
Most female players can’t do the drills in the book, what do you suggest?
I don’t 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 can’t touch

P a g e | 91
the rim or backboard then we go to a wall or something more appropriate for

their physical skill level. But I don’t 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 isn’t 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:

P a g e | 92
• 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 doesn’t matter. Just ignore it and
complete the play (I’m not saying it is easy). That’s really all there is. Some
people teach how to counter the contact physically but I don’t. 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 can’t 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 doesn’t mean a younger kid can’t learn it.
That is one of the things that I learned as my teaching style evolved. Older and
higher level players don’t do different things; they don’t 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?

P a g e | 93
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 player’s foot doesn’t
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 can’t catch well. There are physiological reasons for that,
reaction time, perception, quickness, etc. I don’t 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 can’t, then you won’t. 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 don’t 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
you’re 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. It’s important to do things going both ways and using both feet. That’s why
the pictures don’t 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?

P a g e | 94
There might be but I don’t know what they are and I don’t 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.

P a g e | 95
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 it’s 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 player’s

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 player’s 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
don’t 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 he’s a

P a g e | 96
legend. I teach "shooting position" which encompasses balance and body

position. That’s it. That’s 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 couldn’t 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 people’s 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 90º", and to say
"throw it from here" instead of "make your entry pass from a 45º 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).

P a g e | 97
I think all that is ludicrous. I think it’s 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 I’m 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 let’s me do what I feel is important, and he
supports it. He is Italian, the players come from many different countries, and to

P a g e | 98
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. It’s 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.

P a g e | 99
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 don’t 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, I’m glad to entertain questions about post play. I know some of
this won’t make sense to everyone. That’s ok and I’m 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.

P a g e | 100
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 can’t do, but not post players. I often hear comments, “He can’t shoot it
outside of 10 feet.” Well, if he is 6-10, I don’t think I would want him to shoot
outside of 10 feet. What matters is, does it go in?
I also hear, “He can’t 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
guard’s rebounding but you do hear about your post man’s 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 don’t 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 “How’s 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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Page |2

How to Develop High Scoring

Written By Don Kelbick

© Copyright 2009 Breakthrough Basketball, LLC

© Copyright 2009 Breakthrough Basketball, LLC http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com

FOREWORD BY JEFF HAEFNER................................................................................. 5

ABOUT DON KELBICK.............................................................................................. 6

GLOSSARY OF TERMS ............................................................................................. 7

INTRODUCTION - DEVELOPING AN EFFECTIVE POST PLAYER..................................... 10

PLAYING THE GAME .............................................................................................. 29

DEVELOPING YOUR POST PLAYER ......................................................................... 37

DEFENSE AND REBOUNDING .................................................................................. 40

POST DEVELOPMENT DRILLS ................................................................................. 51

© Copyright 2009 Breakthrough Basketball, LLC http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com

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

© Copyright 2009 Breakthrough Basketball, LLC http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com

FOREWORD BY JEFF HAEFNER

© Copyright 2009 Breakthrough Basketball, LLC http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com

Don Kelbick is currently an NBA player development

Don is also a writer and key contributor to

© Copyright 2009 Breakthrough Basketball, LLC http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com

Swing Foot – The foot that moves when making a pivot.

Ball-you-man (defense) – This is a term commonly used when teaching

© Copyright 2009 Breakthrough Basketball, LLC http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com

© Copyright 2009 Breakthrough Basketball, LLC http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com

© Copyright 2009 Breakthrough Basketball, LLC http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com

If post play is so important, why has it fallen by the wayside? I believe

• LACK OF SUCCESS IN INTERNATIONAL PLAY

With recent American failures in the Olympics, World

• INFLUX OF FOREIGN PLAYERS

In international basketball post players spend a lot of time on the

© Copyright 2009 Breakthrough Basketball, LLC http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com

I am very interested to see what will transpire over the next 10

• SCARCITY OF BIG BODIES

© Copyright 2009 Breakthrough Basketball, LLC http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com

© Copyright 2009 Breakthrough Basketball, LLC http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com

A post player is a warrior. Every possession is going to be a war, whether they

© Copyright 2009 Breakthrough Basketball, LLC http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com

Traditionally, this is where most people think the post player

I teach the low post

© Copyright 2009 Breakthrough Basketball, LLC http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com

Traditionally, high post players have been passers and screeners.

© Copyright 2009 Breakthrough Basketball, LLC http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com

I teach the High-

Placing a player in the short corner forces the defender to make

The short corner

The post sets along

© Copyright 2009 Breakthrough Basketball, LLC http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com

© Copyright 2009 Breakthrough Basketball, LLC http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com

The front pivot is the most common pivot and is traditionally

In making a front pivot,

Both feet should be even

A good way to practice this is to stand with both feet on a line.

© Copyright 2009 Breakthrough Basketball, LLC http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com

When you have

A good way to practice this is to stand with both feet on a line.

© Copyright 2009 Breakthrough Basketball, LLC http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com

This pivot is used as a power move to get your defender on your

To make a drop step,