30 Second Team Post Game

Purpose: To practice getting open in the low and high post areas to receive a pass. The defensive player will practice defending the offensive post player. The passers will work on making good, accurate passes into the post.

Drill: 2 teams of 5 per basket (you can use less players if necessary). Each player should be partnered with a player from the opposite team who is of similar size and ability.

Two players start in the post, one from each team (O1 and X1). O1 is on offense, therefore his teammates become the perimeter passers. X1 is on defense. His teammates wait behind their opposing partners and are not involved in the drill.

The drill begins with one basketball in the hands of one of the perimeter players. O1 attempts to get open to receive the pass and his goal is to receive as many passes as possible in :30 seconds.

To be considered a reception, O1 must have at least one foot in the lane when he catches the basketball. If the defender fouls the post player, it is also an automatic reception. The perimeter players can move the ball around if that helps create a better passing angle. It is up to O1 to get open by flashing, cutting, and sealing his defender. No over-the-top lobs are allowed since there is no help defense.

As soon as O1 receives the ball in the post, he immediately passes it out to any one of his teammates. O1 can move as he needs to get open and can get multiple passes from the same player.

Once O1 has completed his :30 seconds, X1 becomes the offensive post player to be defended by O1. The ‘X’ team member now become the passers while the ‘O’ team members wait.

When both players have had their turn in the ‘ring’ (post), the teams should rotate … O2 on offense, X2 on defense, etc… The team that begins on offense/defense should alternate each time.

Continue rotating until all players have been on offense and defense in the post. The team with the most total post-receptions wins the drill.

Coaching Tip:

For advanced levels, include the perimeter defenders to harass the passer. They will not defend the post pass back out to the perimeter but will only defend against the pass. This will make it more game-like and more difficult for the passers.