4 Post Moves All Forwards Should Have In Their Bag
Feb 23, 2025 6:03 pm
,
Coaches are well aware that the ability to excel with low post moves can significantly influence a forward’s impact on the game.
Having a comprehensive skill set of low post moves can transform a player from being merely good into an extraordinary force in the post.
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.
Post Pin (Over The Top)
One of Coach Bassin’s low post moves is called the post pin, which occurs when a defender tries to “front” the post player.
In this situation, the post player will want to create as much space between them and the rim as possible. Once they do so, the guard or whoever has the ball will want to lob the ball in between the post player and the rim.
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.
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, 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.
Step Through
Another important move 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 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
Coach Bassin’s face-up drive middle 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.
Thanh you Coach Bassin for sharing clips from ‘POST UP Encyclopedia (LOW POST strategies)’ details a plethora of post moves. We’ve pulled four of his favorites to include below for your use.
Never get out coached,
Coaches Clinic Community of Coaches Helping Coaches