What Is The Basketball Post Position? Learn & Improve

The basketball post position refers to placement on an area on the basketball court known as the post. This area begins from the free throw line and ends at the baseline.

This region is usually painted one solid color, making it easy for players to identify. When it comes to posting positions, players can assume two formations for the game.

Positioning near the free throw line is known as the high post, whereas positioning near the hoop or below the free throw line is called a low post position. 

Why Do Players Take A Post Position?

Post players assume the post position when they need to help their team members with a pass.

The offensive players usually take these positions (especially the low post basketball position) to help the ball move up the half court.

By attaining this position, the player can reverse pivot at this location. Moreover, once a player receives a pass, they can also ward off a defender by blocking shots and using offensive plays like a power dribble, fake out, or spin.

Both low post and high post basketball positions, therefore, open up room for several opportunities for scoring a basket.

What is the Post in Basketball Post Position?

There is no fixed answer to why and how the post in basketball term came into being. Most believe this term was inspired by soldiers or shooting guards guarding a post during a war. Others believe that the post was derived from the word outpost.

In a basketball game, the post player is quite essential, and teams use their best players to help turn the game around, score points and win.

In recent years, the post position has become less prominent amongst basketball enthusiasts as NBA games take on the feel of a guard game.

Even the post-player position is fading away. The quick-paced NBA games have promoted outside shooters of all shapes and sizes to participate in the game.

Teams no longer believe in hiring taller players. They now look at the skill set instead of height requirements for each position. This allows shorter players with exceptional skills to get a chance to put their abilities to the test.

What Are The Two Post Player Positions On The Basketball Court?

Let us now take an in-depth look at the two post players (usually power forward and center) that players often make use of:

Low Post: A low post is a region outside the lane and near the basket. It is an effective scoring spot as the offensive player can position themselves only a few feet away from the basket for an easy drop step.

Also, if the defense fails, the team can score two points easily or call a foul using low post play.

High Post: This post play refers to a spot approximately 12 to 15 feet from the hoop around the foul line. This position is less ideal for scoring as compared to a low post. Posting a tall high post player here is a good strategy.

This player can stop the opponent from scoring and act as a towering defense. The post player at this high post play can also face the zone defense by:

• Passing the ball to a perimeter player.
• Shooting a jumper.
• Drive the ball up to the basket.
• Ruin or collapse the defense when they are off guard.
  

How Can You Post Up In A Basketball Game

Most players will use the following 4 steps to post up effectively:

1. The offensive team can choose to use more than one post player. These could be the centers or power forwards. Any positioned player must be ready to accept the ball from the point guard.
2. While trying to get hold of the ball at a post position for post shots, the offensive player’s back must face the hoop. The player must make eye contact with their point guards and keep their focus on the ball.
3. To ward off aggressive opponent members, the post player can:
   1. Cause a foul.
   2. Use agility and precision to steer the ball away from defenders.
   3. Play a pump fake or shot fake.
   4. Play a power dribble or powerful post shots.
   5. Use a drop step.
   6. Assume a triple threat stance.
   7. Pass the ball to an open team member.
4. The post players can also shoot the ball to get a score. The low post and high post positions allow players to score using shots like:
   1. Long jumpers
   2. Mid-range shots
   3. Fadeaway
   4. Hook shot
   5. Jump hook
   6. Layup
   7. Up or undershot
   8. Slam dunk
   9. Rebounds

Top Post Moves And Jump Shots Used To Post Up In Basketball

Post Moves

1. Drop Step: The post players grab the ball at a low post position. They then dribble and try to bring the ball to the center of the basket. Pivoting away can help ward off defenders.
2. Spin Move: Agile players should use this move to spin quickly. Taller players can use a power spin.
3. Triple Threat: After grabbing the ball, the offensive player faces the defender and tries to shoot, dribble or make another mid-range shot.
4. Dream Shake: This move became popular due to Hakeem Olajuwon. While moving down the baseline, the offensive player must fake a layup to post up and hit a jump shot or a hook shot.
5. Sikma Move: This move became popular due to Jack Sikma. Once the offensive player grabs the ball, they must face the offense and shoot immediately. The shot must be played from the back of the head to allow more space.

Shots Used By Post Players

1. Hook Shot: The hook shot refers to the shot played between the ball and basket when the player’s body is between them. Shooting with the hand farther away from the basket helps create more space and scoring opportunities.
2. Up and Under: The offensive player uses a shot-fake beneath the basket when the defender jumps. They can then use an open shot to get a score.
3. Layup and Dunk: Layups and dunks help score the most points.
4. Jump Shots: A plain jump shot with enough space to score can sometimes do the trick.
5. Turn-Around Fadeaway: With their back facing the hoop, the offensive player wards off the defender and turns suddenly to shoot a fadeaway jump.

Conclusion

By learning about the right shots, moves, positioning techniques, and form, you can quickly master basketball post positions yourself. Using these positions to your advantage may be an excellent strategy to turn the game around and bring home a victory for your team!