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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 or by any means, electronic or mechanical. Any unauthorized use, sharing, reproduction, or distribution is strictly prohibited. © Copyright 2009 Breakthrough Basketball, LLC
Limits/Disclaimer of Warranty The authors and publishers of this book and the accompanying materials have used their best efforts in preparing this book. The authors and publishers make no representation or warranties with respect to the accuracy, applicability, fitness, or completeness of the contents of this book. They disclaim any warranties (expressed or implied), merchantability, or fitness for any particular purpose. The authors and publishers shall in no event be held liable for any loss or other damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or other 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
Page |3
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 © Copyright 2009 Breakthrough Basketball, LLC
http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com
Page |4 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
© Copyright 2009 Breakthrough Basketball, LLC
http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com
Page |5
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!
© Copyright 2009 Breakthrough Basketball, LLC
http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com
Page |6 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
© Copyright 2009 Breakthrough Basketball, LLC
http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com
Page |7
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. © Copyright 2009 Breakthrough Basketball, LLC
http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com
Page |8 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.
© Copyright 2009 Breakthrough Basketball, LLC
http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com
Page |9
SYMBOLS The symbols used in the book are generally accepted as internationally common when using basketball diagrams.
© Copyright 2009 Breakthrough Basketball, LLC
http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com
P a g e | 10 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
© Copyright 2009 Breakthrough Basketball, LLC
http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com
P a g e | 11 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
© Copyright 2009 Breakthrough Basketball, LLC
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P a g e | 12 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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P a g e | 13 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.
© Copyright 2009 Breakthrough Basketball, LLC
http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com
P a g e | 14
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.
© Copyright 2009 Breakthrough Basketball, LLC
http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com
P a g e | 15
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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http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com
P a g e | 16
I teach the HighPost 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.
© Copyright 2009 Breakthrough Basketball, LLC
http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com
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 or by any means, electronic or mechanical. Any unauthorized use, sharing, reproduction, or distribution is strictly prohibited. © Copyright 2009 Breakthrough Basketball, LLC
Limits/Disclaimer of Warranty The authors and publishers of this book and the accompanying materials have used their best efforts in preparing this book. The authors and publishers make no representation or warranties with respect to the accuracy, applicability, fitness, or completeness of the contents of this book. They disclaim any warranties (expressed or implied), merchantability, or fitness for any particular purpose. The authors and publishers shall in no event be held liable for any loss or other damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or other 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
Page |3
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 © Copyright 2009 Breakthrough Basketball, LLC
http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com
Page |4 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
© Copyright 2009 Breakthrough Basketball, LLC
http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com
Page |5
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!
© Copyright 2009 Breakthrough Basketball, LLC
http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com
Page |6 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
© Copyright 2009 Breakthrough Basketball, LLC
http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com
Page |7
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. © Copyright 2009 Breakthrough Basketball, LLC
http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com
Page |8 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.
© Copyright 2009 Breakthrough Basketball, LLC
http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com
Page |9
SYMBOLS The symbols used in the book are generally accepted as internationally common when using basketball diagrams.
© Copyright 2009 Breakthrough Basketball, LLC
http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com
P a g e | 10 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
© Copyright 2009 Breakthrough Basketball, LLC
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P a g e | 11 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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P a g e | 12 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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P a g e | 13 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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P a g e | 14
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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P a g e | 15
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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P a g e | 16
I teach the HighPost 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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