Whether I’m teaching basketball low post drills to a 10-12 year old novice boy or girl or an experienced 16-18 year old, I always start with the same technique tests from the low post.

I want to see how they move around the key as the ball moves around the perimeter. I want to see where they stand when they stop and what the path is they took to get to where they stop. I want to make sure they are facing the ball all the while, that their hands are ready to receive a pass and that their body balance is correct to protect the ball and to withstand defensive play. If they have trouble with any of these things, or all of these things, that’s where I begin to teach.

Moving

To begin this basketball drill, I want to see inside movement that mirrors the perimeter movement of the ball. For instance, start the post player at one low box, moving up the side of the lane to mid-post, then to high-post elbow, center high-post, other high-post elbow, down the other side to mid-and then low-post block. I want them shuffling their feet as they move, with wide stance, bent knees and upper body upright, while always facing out at the ball and with their hands in a ready, pass-receiving look. As they move, I will emphasize lane line rules and 3-seconds. So, when they stop in a position, I want the player to be sure the feet are placed outside the lane or FT lines—not touching the lines.

The Low-Post Block

This is where we will spend most of our time learning the post/center play basics. I want the player close-in to the basket and as the player grasps skills and progresses, we’ll then move all over the key. Starting with a good stance and feet placed outside the lane line, I want the player’s low foot (nearest baseline) above or barely touching the low box. This will become apparent soon. Players should always be cognizant of where the lines and post markings are, as they move about. This comes with repetition.

I will have a ball and be toward the wing position, about half-way between the baseline and the FT line extended. I want the player facing me, in ready, bent-knee stance, on good balance, with the arms extended toward the ball, hands anticipating a pass. I will pass in to the post and have them take the ball in to the chest, pressing the ball tight with both hands, elbows pointed out (parallel with the lane line). I emphasize always keeping the eyes on the ball, looking the pass right into their hands, before they attempt any other movement. We’ll do this several times, until the player is comfortable with the procedure and until I too feel they can do the drill and move on.

Next, I will have them come across the lane from the opposite low block, watching me and the ball all the while, giving me a lead/target hand to pass to, and landing in the right position described above at the near low block. Balance, stance, foot placement, arms and hands extended and ready—everything we just covered—and then I’ll pass the ball to them. When they have this maneuver correct, now we begin teaching what to do, once they receive the pass.

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