Low Post Repetition Drill

The Low Post Repetition Drill is a bread and butter activity for young and old post players alike. The Low Post Repetition Drill can be used as a warm-up activity or as an option that is used for specialised development during a training session for low post and back to the basket players.

The Low Post Repetition Drill starts initially as a 1 v 0 drill. The drill can have a variation of adding a defender into the mix to allow for further player development and challenge.

Additionally in the diagram below the Low Post Repetition Drill is shown to utilise both sides of the keyway, but obviously this can be varied to only use one side of the keyway and featuring one player at a time performing the technical skill desired. This might be a good alternative for coaches of younger players who need some additional attention. By only working from one side of the floor the coach can maintain constant attention and give ongoing feedback about each and every repetition.

It is suggested that prior to receiving the ball in the low post that each offensive player starts away from this catching position. Players can start on the opposite side of the keyway, in the High Post or Pinch Post. The important aspect by having the player move is the mindset of the offensive player always creating a lead to find space in the desired catching position. From this starting point, coaches can start to drill into their players the need to create leads and be relentless in their work ethic for finding space and ultimately wearing down the defence.

When catching the ball it is desired that both feet are in contact with the floor. The correct technique should not be to have the player stepping towards the ball and initiating a pivot foot on the catch. It is preferred that the low post player catches the ball and then chooses which foot they would prefer to initiate as the pivot. This allows the low post player to move equally in either direction depending on their read of the defence.

Another teaching point to be discussed is the catching position itself. The low block is often the traditional teaching position for receiving the catch. Rather than straddling the low post block, it is suggested that players have at least their high foot on the double block. This position provides additional space for the offensive player to work towards the baseline side with. Additionally if the post player decides to turn to the middle of the floor, they are able to roll towards the basket, not just across the keyway horizontal to the basket.

The Low Post Repetition Drill starts with the player taking up a position away from the low post catching area. The coach slaps the ball for the offensive player to begin their lead and move towards the catching position.

The post player should simulate (1 v 0) sealing the defensive player reading to receive the pass.

The offensive player catches the ball in a low and wide stance. Arms should be extended either side of the body with elbows at chin height and palms facing the passer.

From this point, the offensive player will have any number of different techniques to practice. Some of these include:

• Drop-step middle (low foot pivot), Dribble, Jump-stop, Hook shot
• Drop-step baseline (high foot pivot), Dribble, Jump-stop, Power lay-up
• Drop-step middle (low foot pivot), Dribble, Jump-stop, Shot fake, Step through, Lay-up
• Drop-step baseline (high foot pivot), Dribble, Jump-stop, Shot fake, Step through, Reverse lay-up
• Pivot on the high foot, face-up to the basket, Jump shot
• Pivot on the low foot, face-up to the basket, Jump shot
• Pivot on the high foot, face-up to the basket, Shot fake, Dribble, Lay-up
• Pivot on the low foot, face-up to the basket, Shot fake, Dribble, Power lay-up
• Pivot on the high foot, face-up to the basket, Shot fake, Dribble, Jump-stop, Hook shot or step through for lay-up
• Pivot on the low foot, face-up to the basket, Shot fake, Dribble, Jump-stop, Reverse lay-up

As the player becomes more and more competent with the different techniques of the Low Post Repetition Drill they can then be exposed to using spin fakes, shot fakes and pass fakes to add further complexity to the movements. These skills are best honed against defence though.

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