Let me tell you something I've learned from watching basketball at every level - from local college games to the NBA. The other day I was watching an Adamson game where Cedrick Manzano put up 16 points and four rebounds, while OJ Ojarikre nearly grabbed a double-double with eight points and 11 boards. What struck me was how much their success in the paint reminded me of fundamental post moves that many players seem to be forgetting in today's perimeter-oriented game. Despite their individual efforts, Adamson still suffered their third straight defeat, which tells you that having one or two players who can operate inside isn't enough - the entire team needs to understand how to leverage these skills.
When I first started analyzing post play seriously about a decade ago, I realized that the most effective big men aren't necessarily the tallest or strongest - they're the ones who master the footwork and timing of basic moves. The drop step, for instance, is something I've seen Tim Duncan use to perfection throughout his career. It's not flashy, but when executed properly, it creates high-percentage shots that are virtually unstoppable. What many young players don't understand is that the effectiveness of this move comes from the initial seal and reading the defender's positioning. If the defender is playing you tight, a quick spin can create that precious half-step advantage that's all you need to get to the rim.
The hook shot, often considered old-fashioned, remains one of my personal favorites because it's so difficult to block when done correctly. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's skyhook wasn't just legendary because of its accuracy - it was nearly impossible to defend due to his release point. Modern analytics might suggest focusing on three-pointers, but I've consistently observed that teams with reliable post scorers actually shoot better from outside because defenses can't overcommit to perimeter players. The threat of an efficient post game opens up the entire floor in ways that analytics don't always capture in their raw numbers.
What really separates professional-level post players from college athletes like Manzano and Ojarikre is counter-move development. In that Adamson game I mentioned, I noticed several possessions where our big men established good position but only had one move in their arsenal. At the NBA level, players like Joel Embiid have developed sequences of moves - if the initial post move is defended, they immediately flow into a counter, and sometimes even a counter to the counter. This layered approach is what makes truly dominant post players so rare and valuable. I've counted at least six distinct moves that Emdiid might use in a single post possession, each one setting up the next like chapters in a story.
The mental aspect of post play is something I believe gets overlooked in modern coaching. Having coached youth basketball for several seasons, I've seen players become so focused on executing moves that they forget to read defenders. The best post players I've studied don't just react - they dictate the terms of engagement. They feel where the defensive pressure is coming from and adjust accordingly. This spatial awareness, combined with fundamental techniques, creates the complete post package that can truly dominate the painted area. It's not just about having the moves in your toolkit - it's about knowing when and why to use each one.
Looking at the broader picture, I'm convinced that post play is due for a resurgence. The analytics revolution has pushed teams toward three-point shooting, but basketball trends are cyclical. As defenses adapt to protect the perimeter, smart coaches will rediscover the value of having a reliable scoring threat in the paint. The ten essential techniques we've discussed aren't just historical artifacts - they're proven tools that, when mastered, can give teams a strategic advantage that's difficult to counter. The game will continue to evolve, but the fundamental beauty of a well-executed post move will never go out of style.