Using the Low Post as a Playmaking Hub

For a long time the low post was the center of most offenses. The ball went into a big, and the other four players stood and watched a long 1-on-1. You rarely see that now, for a few reasons:

• The Math of the Three-Pointer: Shooting 33% from beyond the arc yields the same offensive efficiency as shooting 50% on contested two-point post-ups. So teams value the three and the spacing it brings.
• Defensive Rule Changes and Spacing: The legalization of zone defenses and sophisticated help-side rotations make it easy for defenses to load up on a post player and crowd the paint. Consequently, offenses favor open spacing and pick-and-roll schemes that force defenders to cover more ground.
• The Rise of Versatile "Positionless" Players: Modern big men are now expected to stretch the floor, handle the ball, and shoot from the perimeter rather than just camp near the rim. Many centers are now playmakers who create shots for everyone else.

Add the turnovers that come with post entry passes, and many teams have stopped running their offense through the post.

But the post isn't finished. In a conceptual offense we use it as a hub: a place to catch the ball, draw attention and start triggers for teammates.

1. Use "My Turn, Your Turn"

We keep the decision on the catch simple with "My Turn, Your Turn." The post player reads what the defense gives them and acts right away.

The "My Turn" Phase

"My Turn" occurs when the post player catches the ball and immediately perceives a clear, actionable advantage.

• Size Mismatch: A significant physical advantage over a smaller defender.
• Defensive Error: The defender is out of position or "caught sleeping" on the catch.
• Action: The player must make a quick, decisive move to get all the way inside the smile. They must attack before the defense can send help.

The "Your Turn" Phase

If there is no 1-on-1 advantage, it becomes "Your Turn." The post player doesn't force a contested shot. They hold the ball and become the passer for the perimeter players.

2. Run triggers around the post

During "Your Turn" the perimeter players don't stand and watch. They run triggers, the actions that knock over the first domino.

When the ball is anchored in the post hub, the perimeter players can run triggers such as:

• Splits: A screen-away action involving two perimeter players.
• Flare Screens: Forcing the defense to navigate off-ball screens while the ball is close to the basket.
• Grenade: Utilizing the post player as a moving screener and passer.
• Double Stagger Away: A double screen away to get shooters open.

With the ball in the post, the defense pulls in. If two defenders miscommunicate on an action, the post player hits the slipping screener. If the defense sags, the post player kicks out for a "silver medal" catch-and-shoot three.

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A free PDF of small-sided games you can run right away. A practical first taste of the approach.

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3. Develop players who can play everywhere

Using the post this way also helps long term development. We want players who can solve problems in every part of the floor, whatever their size.

Using the post as a trigger, especially in youth basketball, allows players to work on their pivoting and footwork.

SSG: 3-on-3 Post, Solo or Blast Cut Start

• How it Works: Players have to trigger with any of the triggers here: Post, Solo or Blast Cut. Live after a trigger.
• Constraints & Scoring: Double points for a score from the post up trigger (directly, or from the dominoes it creates).

Further learning

If you are looking to visually understand how to implement these exact concepts, watch the Transforming Basketball YouTube video titled "How to Turn the Post Into High-Value Offense."

It shows how to use the low post as a playmaking hub, and how splits, handoffs and other triggers create good shots for the whole team.

Conclusion

Stop forcing post-ups against a set defense. Catch, read "My Turn, Your Turn," and let the triggers around the post create the shot.

To build the post into a wider system, our conceptual offense guide shows how the pieces connect, and how to introduce and run triggers in your conceptual offense walks through teaching triggers like the post up.