Dominate the Inside Game

If you're going to play the post, there are certain "basic" moves that you'll need to know. But it's not just enough to know what the moves are.

You'll have to practice these moves over and over again until you can do them without thinking, do them quickly, and do them with power.

The drop step

Drop step baseline: Move #1
Drop step to the middle: Move #2

The drop step is the most basic, and the most imporant move you will use as a post player down low. You will use the drop step while on the block, after catching the ball in the middle of the paint, or after grabbing a rebound and going up strong for the put-back shot. Start off by mastering the drop step to the baseline, then work on the drop step to the middle.

I break this down as if it's two different shots, because the move to the baseline and the move to the middle are very different shots. A player that can make this move in one direction can't necessarily make the move in the opposite direction unless they really practice it.

The key to the drop step is to stay low and on-balance when making the move, and also make sure to really pin the defense with the leg you are dropping towards the basket.

Turnaround jumper

Turnaround jumper baseline: Move #3
Turnaround jumper to the middle: Move #4

The turnaround J is the next move you should add to your arsenal. And just like with the drop step move, you need to be able to make this move to the baseline, or to the middle.

Work on the turnaround jumper without dribbling the ball (simply catching and turning to shoot), as well as taking a quick dribble one way or the other then going up with the shot. You should also work on using a slight fall-away while shooting. There may be times when a fall-away shot is the right move. But regardless of whether you add the fall-away part, always be on balance, get good lift off the ground, and go up strong with the shot.

The up-and-under move

Up-and-under move to the right: Move #5
Up-and-under move to the left: Move #6

The up-and-under move is one of the most effective moves you can make inside the paint. It works like this: after catching the ball in the low post with your back to the basket, turn to one side and show the defense the ball with a pump fake. This should get the defense off-balance, at which time you swing your body and the ball through to the opposite side, put the ball on the floor for a quick dribble, and step past the defender and towards the basket.

This move works especially well against defenders who like to block shots. Once you give them the pump-fake, they should bite, and either jump or at least go up on their toes. Once this happens, you've got them beat. Just make sure to swing through, dribble, and make your move to the basket quickly and powerfully.

Turn and face moves

The turn and face move: Move #7

The turn and face move is especially effective if you have a nice little jump shot around the lane. Here's how it works: after catching the ball in the low post with your back to the basket, pivot on your outside foot so that you actually move away from the basket (and the defender) on the pivot. This will create space between you and the defender.

If you have a good shot at this point, take it. If the defense is still applying good pressure, you can give a pump fake and drive to the baskert, or simply put the ball on the floor (without pump faking) and break your defender down with the dribble.

The jump hook

Jump hook with the right hand: Move #8
Jump hook with the left hand: Move #9

Mastering a jump hook is one of the keys to being a good inside player. If you develop and use this shot, your effectiveness as an offensive player goes up tremendously.

The key to the jump hook is to keep your body perpendicular to the defensive player. In this way, you keep your body between the D and the ball. Also, be sure to hold the basketball at chest level and with two hands while going up for the shot, and then releasing the ball with full extension and a flick of the wrist to ensure a soft shot.

Work on this shot with both the right and left hands. I can't tell you how important it is to be able to use both hands around the basket. It's especially true for the jump hook shot: you've got to be able to shoot the shot with either hand.

Jump shot from the elbow

Elbow jump shot: Move #10

As an inside player, you've got to get used to playing at the high post as well as the low post. Work on developing and fine-tuning a jump shot from the elbow (either corner of the free throw line), and you'll improve effectivness and scoring average.

Key to this move: when catching the ball at the eblow, turn and face the basket in the triple threat position. This puts pressure on the defense and give you options. You can make a pass to a teammate, you can put the ball on the floor, or you can take the jumper.

Work on these moves, and establish them as your foundation for low post offense. Once you perfect the footwork and coordination required for these, you can start to add even more moves to your arsenal to keep the defense guessing and off-balance.

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