Four Post Moves All Basketball Forwards Should Have In Their Bag

• By Grant Young

The ability to excel with low post moves can significantly influence a player’s impact on the game. 

This multifaceted skill set is what makes them more effective, versatile, and dangerous on the court. Good post players often rely on a limited range of moves—such as the straightforward hook shot or the basic drop step. 

While these techniques can yield results, they tend to become predictable. Experienced defenders can catch on quickly, effectively anticipating their moves and limiting their scoring opportunities. In contrast, great post players possess an extensive toolkit of moves that keeps defenders perpetually guessing. They can fluidly transition between an array of techniques—like up-and-unders, spin moves, fadeaways, and crafty foot fakes. This unpredictability doesn’t just create scoring opportunities; it forces defenders to react swiftly, often leading to mistakes and fouls. 

A diverse post repertoire empowers players to tailor their strategy based on the specific matchup or court positioning. A physically dominant player might lean toward powerful finishes at the rim, while a more agile player could opt for finesse moves that create space for crisp jump shots. This adaptability not only amplifies their scoring ability but also enhances the overall effectiveness of their team’s offense. 

By consistently varying their post play, they can exploit mismatches, capitalizing on smaller or less skilled defenders. In essence, the divide between good and great post players lies in their ability to draw from a rich arsenal of post moves. This variety fosters unpredictability, enhances scoring potential, and promotes effective teamwork. 

Having a comprehensive skill set of low post moves can transform a player from being merely good into an extraordinary force in the post game.

When it comes to knowing the right post moves to teach young players, few can be trusted more than Luka Bassin. 

Luka Bassin is a Slovenian basketball coach who worked at all levels of European basketball. He served as video coordinator, advanced scout, scout, assistant coach, player development coach and head coach in the best Slovenian team Olimpija, as well in youth and senior national teams of Slovenia.

Coach Bassin’s ‘POST UP Encyclopedia (LOW POST strategies)’ details a plethora of post moves that he has seen used to great success in professional basketball. We’ve pulled four of his favorites to include below for your use. 

Post Pin (Over The Top)

One of Coach Bassin’s low post moves is called the post pin, which occurs when a defender (ideally a smaller defender who is mismatched down low) tries to “front” the post player (playing in front of them in order to deter a pass). 

In this situation, the post player will want to set their front arm against the defender’s back and create as much space between them and the rim as possible. Once they’re able to do so, the guard or whoever has the ball will want to lob the ball in between the post player and the rim. 

For this to work, the post player has to use their legs and superior size to create space in the paint while keeping their arm up in the air to indicate that they’re open. Once the pass is received, they need to get their shot up without bringing the ball back downward, as that can allow the defender an opportunity to take the ball away. 

Baseline Spin

Another one of Coach Bassin’s favorite post moves is the baseline spin, which becomes an option once a post player is slightly out of the paint along the baseline with a defender in proper position behind them.

Once they receive the pass, the post player will want to lean backward against their defender. This is a crucial step for this move’s success because it will inform the post player where their defender is trying to guard them depending on which side they’re positioned. 

If the post player is positioned away from the baseline (which is usually the case), this creates an opportunity for the post player to spin around using their inside pivot foot toward the baseline, which will open up a path for them to either drive to the basket or shoot a jump shot from their current position, depending on their skill set.

Step Through 

Another important move that a post player can add to their arsenal is what Coach Bassin calls the step-through move. 

This move starts when the big receives the ball on either block. From there, they’ll take a moment to gauge when their opponent is trying to contain them defensively. Once that verdict is reached, the player will either drive to the middle or to the baseline (depending on their defender) go up for a shot, pump fake, and then use their pivot foot to alter to a new position before taking their actual shot. 

This shift in rhythm will throw the defender off and likely create a wide-open shot close to the basket. 

Face Up Drive Middle

The fourth and final post move from Coach Bassin we’re discussing is what he calls the face up drive middle. 

This move is perhaps the most simple. All the post player is going to do is get the pass, face up to their defender, and drive straight through their chest. Since there isn’t much momentum, it’s unlikely that the defender will try to take a charge. But it should knock them off their balance enough to open up space.