In basketball, the big man sometimes gets lost in a game of quickness, flash and finesse. We often forget about the importance of having a strong post presence to run your offense through. This may be because nowadays big men want to play small. What's the fun in that? Embrace your big frames and basketball it to your advantage. The following are five top ways to improve your offensive inside game.
Physicality is essential if you want to be a quality post player, so get mean. This will create space for you to work, putting defenders at your mercy. Make sure to keep contact with your defender. Learn to go from soft to strong to soft. When you first receive the ball you want to display soft hands by using your finger tips to embrace the impact from the ball. Then secure the ball with two hands and place the ball under your chin (this is the strong part). Gain leverage and make sure you have a solid foundation to push basketball your defender. Finally, when shooting, the ball should roll of the tip of your fingers. A nice touch around rim goes a long way.
Big man footwork is one of the hardest things to teach. So the basics must be stressed when learning proper footwork. Start out in triple threat with your back to the basketball in a slightly squatting position. Most of your moves should be very decisive, always keeping you pivot foot on the ground. Start off using the drop step and the power dribble move as it is a powerful but easy to learn move. The hook shot is great to gain separation (Antawn Jamison is the prototype for the mini-hook). The up and under is a powerful tool for a more advanced post player.
Learning patience and not forcing anything that is not there is essential to a big man's success. Just because you get the ball at the block doesn't mean you should automatically throw the ball up. Recognize what the defense is giving you and take it! If a double comes, someone is open. If a shorter player is guarding you, a simple drop step will clear some room (rotate and take a big step with your non-pivot foot towards the hoop). Most importantly, be patient with your development process. Taller players have more body to control, so body control takes a little more time to develop then with shorter players.
Understanding that Positioning is Everything, is everything. Get low with a wide base to gain leverage. Elbows should be out to maintain ground and not allow your defender to move around your body freely. Ideally you would like to be posting up with your back to the basket in the middle of vertical free throw lines on either side of the basket. This allows you to be out of the center where help and congestion may be and still use the backboard to your advantage. You can utilize your hook shot, power moves, fade away, almost any move from this position. One thing that may seem counter intuitive is to take what your defender is giving you. If he is playing you high side (he is closer to the passer allowing you to be closer to the basket) roll off toward the rim or push him towards you passer so you can receive a lob pass underneath. If your defender is pushing you far out, square up and face the basket. If you are at the elbow or closer to the base line give him a quick jab step and go the other way. Always understand where you are in relation to the basket and passer!
Understand the importance of post play and be assertive! Understand that a major key to any teams offensive success is working the ball in and out of the post. Call for the ball constantly and fight hard for position. First, getting the ball near the basket is one of the first steps to getting the ball in the basket. Second, after you establish a presence down low, you will create opportunity for other players. From clearing out the lane for dribble penetration or kicking out to jump shooters you are the foundation for a properly ran offense.
Never forget the importance of big time post game. If you have size, embrace it. There are way too many big players trying to be smaller. It's basketball and the hoops are ten feet tall, be happy with your height. However, do not step onto the basketball court without the proper tools.
Brenton Gieser is a contributing blogger to http://www.BlackTopHoops.com/blog, the ultimate blog for street, recreation and pick up basketball. On Blacktop Hoops you will find articles on: improving your game, the newest basketball kicks and gear, the best leagues, tournaments and courts to play at and much more!
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