Post Players (small forward, power forward, center)
But the question the coach should ask when examining their players and/or the player should ask when examining themselves as a post player is: "Can I do the following things?"
- Score in the fast break?
- Control my body balance on an offensive rebound?
- Make my foul shots?
- Handle contact?
- Be in the right position on defense?
Having questions such as these does two things: First it builds confidence and Second it builds trust.
The checklist above creates accountability and builds the awareness of what needs to get done to be ready. The player has a path to follow in order to receive more playing time because they not only understand what is required but as well what is expected from them at their position.
As a player accomplishes and checks things off of the list they in turn become more confident. Confidence not only in themselves but also in their new found ability to help their team. On the other side of the spectrum confidence is now being built in the coaching staff and the post players teammates. The coaches see the hard work paying off and feel comfortable playing the player more in games. Teammates see the improvement and trust the player more; giving them more touches and looks within the game.
Let's now break down our list ... ... ...
1. Score in the fast break: This not only has to do with making the shot, running the floor and catching the pass but more importantly for post players it has to do with balance and body control. Both of these are fundamental movement skills that form the foundation of player development for any position, but especially for a post player. Post players need to have the ability to go fast and then stop-- on balance. This skill will allow a post player to finish on the fast break without looking awkward and/or out of control.
2. Control my body balance on an offensive rebound: Post players need to know hot to absorb contact, regain balance in traffic and power up while getting bumped. For younger post players inside the paint, this is how they will get most of their shot attempts, due mostly to not having a great move to continually go to yet in their basketball career. Their shot attempts will come from being in the right spot when a teammate misses a shot, grabbing the offensive rebound and under control going back up and making the close range shot.
3. Make my foul shots: While everyone should be able to make free throws, the reality for post players is that they are going to get fouled a lot inside the paint. Making your foul shots gives you more confidence that even if you shot during the game is not falling you still can contribute to your team by getting fouled and going to the line for two. By doing so players will start to understand that getting fouled is a positive outcome. With that, and in time, you'll see a noticeable vigor in basketball players for seeking contact, boxing out and pursuing the ball in rebounding situations.
On a final note about foul shots, players should understand that when you twist and contort your body to avoid contact or getting blocked, you usually get blocked anyway or miss the shot. GO STRONG, initiate contact and go to the line. Help your team.
4. Handle contact: As stated above, a post players ability to perform with contact is imperative to their success as a post player. If you can't rebound, pivot, dribble, pass, box-out and shoot with some kind of contact from your opponent your success will be limited greatly, there in limiting the amount of playing time the coach will be able to give you. Handling contact comes from mental and physical toughness but as well with body balance. You have to look for contact, except it and power through it while keeping your body in balance. Remembering that the game of basketball is a contact sport helps as well.
5. Be in the right position on defense: Defense is made up of an understanding of basketball and how to play defense but more importantly its made up of 'heart'. 'Heart' is the ability to do what ever it takes to stop the person in front of you regardless of your or their talent level. 'Heart' is never giving up, never stopping the chase of following your opponent and never giving them room to breath or catch a pass. An understanding of concepts such as screens, pick and rolls, specific cuts and angles within the court for specific shots allows a post player to understand where they need to be positioned to limit the success of their opponent. Fundamentals, basketball IQ and simply having 'heart' mean all the difference in the game of defense.
And last but certainly not least is what we should teach a developing post player for offense
Learn and start with only 1 move. Perfect this move in a solo atmosphere with no defender by performing it over and over and over and over and over .... Next we introduce a defender and then move into live scrimmages and games. After we can perform this one move in a game-like situation with success we then learn a counter-move that relates to our primary move.
LET'S BREAK DOWN THE SMALL FORWARD POSITION (3 MAN)
Small forwards need to have an all around ability that makes them valuable to their team. The small forward in most cases will be the 3 position, playing on the wing as a guard and facilitator as well as being able to drop to the baseline or block if required by the coach. Small forwards due to this variety of positioning need to have dribbling skills as well as post up moves and the ability to shoot and score.
In theory the small forward should be the best one-on-one player on the team so that when an offensive set breaks down they can take their opponent off the dribble and into the lane to make things happen. Movement on the fast break and the ability to finish are important as well as the ability to consistently hit the outside shot, regardless if it is a 3pt shot or midrange. By doing so the small forward thus forces their defender to play them honestly, rather than sagging off, again allowing the small forward with dribble skills and one-on-one skills to then drive to the lane. The small forward must be a master of their own footwork, allowing for a great first step move as well as mid-range shooting.
Normally the small forward will have a little more height then the teams point guard and shooting guard. Because of this fact, defensively the small forward should be versatile and have the ability to not only shut down the opponents swing-man but as well be able to cover and shut down an opponents best 2 player (shooting guard). The extra height will come in handy to deter outside shots and the quickness of the small forward will allow them to stay with the opponents 2 guard during drives.
LET'S BREAK DOWN THE POWER FORWARD POSITION (4 MAN)
Power Forwards must be excellent rebounders, but more importantly must be able to take care of the ball after securing it. A power forward should be able to score with their back to the basket as well as the ability to step out and hit open shots, since they typically aren't the focal point of a defense. Being a spark capable of making a big play for the team is a huge momentum shifter.
Power forwards are asked to make life tough for opponents close to the basket by denying position, closing up passing lanes and not allowing any easy close range shots. Being a shot block as well increases a power forwards skill set and versatility.
Thought not normally the primary scorer on the team the power forward that can make shots is a huge asset to any successful basketball team. And finally power forwards are being asked to rebound, play physical defense and run the floor when needed. Physical strength and being well conditioned are vital resources to a power forwards game.
Rebound, Rebound, Rebound -- Simply ways to improve your rebounding
1. If you want to encounter a lot of offensive rebounds, run to the front of the basket during your fast break. This is a great time to do so because the defense is not in position for the rebound yet and you are ready for your teammates possible miss.
2. Great rebounders go for the ball no matter where it's at. Bad rebounders stand and watch because they think the ball is out of their reach or will just magically come to them. Practice drills that teach you to rebound outside your area, such as throwing the ball off the back board on the other side of the rim and then "go get it!"
3. Make contact before your opponent. You will be able to be in control what happens if you make contact first when boxing out. Make sure to hit them first before they make contact with you to ensure leverage. Remember, anticipate and always be first, this will give you the edge.
4. Start moving as the shooter is uncoiling. If you react and move quicker, you will improve anticipation and get more rebounds. As the shooter is uncoiling start the contact by blocking out. Do the same on offense; as the shooter uncoils go after the rebound.
5. Run the front of the rim on dribble drives. During dribble penetration, follow your teammate to the rim so you can be there to retrieve the ball if its missed. This is a great time to rebound because the defense is usually collapsed on the driver and they forget to box-out.
LET'S BREAK DOWN THE CENTER POSITION (5 MAN)
Centers are and should be the most physical of all five positions on the floor. The center has to be able to score with or without their back to the basket while absorbing large amounts of physical contact. On defense the center must be able to control their body with finesse while not sacrificing their physicality and aggressiveness.
Due to the closeness of the center to the basket on offense their shots should be a higher percentage especially with the ability to draw a foul. Because of this the center is oftentimes called upon to score in close games and in late game situations. As well a team with a talented center has the ability when perimeter players shots are not falling to continually go inside for points until the guards get their confidence back.
The center on defense is the last line of defense against people driving towards the basket. The best centers block 3-4 shots a game, and more importantly change countless others (making the opponent alter their form, body, and shot in order to not get blocked). A good center is an excellent rebounder on both sides of the court. On a defensive rebound the center must have the ability to pivot, and outlet the ball quickly and with length to allow their team an opportunity for fast break points. On a offensive rebound the center must be able to control their body movements and balance and rely on their offensive moves and power to go back up to the basket for the score.
M.E.
Information within this specific blog was used from the writing of Ettore Messina and from iHoops.com