Too often with junior teams one player steps into a post position and then stays there throughout the offence, and this is repeated time and time again.

All players must be introduced to basic principles of post play and should be encouraged to look for opportunities to play in the post. A guard that can play effectively in the post is particularly hard to defend. Furthermore, players that may initially establish a post position need to be able to step to the perimeter.

A “post” player that can play on the perimeter is much harder to guard than one limited to only being able to play in a post position.

Post Up at the Basket

Whilst the low post position is on the side of the keyway, players on a post up cut should cut to the basket – getting their head under the basket. From here, they post in the keyway. Players do need to be conscious of the 3 second rule, however referees will usually warn a player to vacate before calling a violation . The 3 second period is also longer than most players realise.

Post Up Cut – “4 Out, 1 In” from Dribble Entry
Open Side

  • 1 dribbles toward 4 because they are denied (and a pass cannot be made).
  • 4 back cuts, getting head under the basket and then posts in the keyway.
  • 5 lifts to at least the elbow.
  • 2 replaces 1.
  • 3 can move to the corner or can stay in the wing position.

5 steps to the perimeter and 4 steps to the low post to return to “4 Out, 1 In”.

Post Side

  • 2 dribbles at 3, because 3 is denied.
  • 3 initially moves towards the corner.
  • 5 lifts to the elbow or higher.
  • 3 then back cuts to the basket, getting their head under the basket before posting inside the key way. This cut can also be effective if the ball is passed to 5 on the high post.
  • 4 moves to the corner and 5 can move to the perimeter.

Post Up Cut “5 Out” – from dribble entry
From Point

  • 3 is denied so 1 dribbles to the wing.
  • 3 back cuts to the basket and 5 steps to the corner
  • 3 gets their head under the basket and then posts in the key
  • 4 also gets to the corner and 2 “balances” to the top of the court.
  • 3, may move to the perimeter (replacing 2 at the wing) to return to “5 Out”

From Wing

  • 1 passes to 3 and cuts to the opposite corner.
  • 4 and 2 “balance” the floor
  • 3 dribbles at 5, who back cuts to get their head under the basket” before posting inside the keyway.
  • 5 can move to the perimeter to return to “5 Out”
  • The same action can be played by dribbling to the other side of the floor.

Post Up Cut “3 Out, 2 In” – from dribble entry

  • 1 dribbles at 2, because 2 is denied and a pass cannot be made.
  • 4 lifts to the top of the circle opposite the elbow – replacing 1.
  • 2 back cuts to the basket, getting their “head under the basket” before posting up in the key.
  • 5 may lift to the elbow and if they do, 3 gets to the corner

Alternatively, 5 may step to the corner and 3 would remain at the wing.

Post Up Cut – “4 Out, 1 In” – High post

As 2 dribbles to the wing, 5 lifts to the perimeter and 3 cuts to the basket.

POST UP CUT - “4 Out, 1 In” - Flash Cut

Players may also perform a post-up cut after passing. This may be done if the coach wants particular players to be exchanging in and out of the post. Or it may be done, where a player “reads” that they have an advantage on the post over their defender.

The low post player (5) lifts to at least the elbow, as the basket cut is made. From the free throw line, 5 may be able to make a “high-low” pass to the posting player, or they move to the perimeter and the exchange is complete.

Post Up Cut “5 Out” – flash cut

Player may also perform a post-up cut after making a pass, particularly when they “read” that they have an advantage on the post against their defender.

Post Up Cuts 4 Out 1 In
Post Up Cuts 5 Out
Post Up Cuts 3 Out 2 In