Portland Post Moves | News, Weather, Sports, Breaking News

Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, August 4th 2025 at 1:56 GMT by WGME
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Mastering Post Moves: The Art of Dominating the Paint in Basketball

In the high-stakes world of basketball, where speed, agility, and sharpshooting often steal the spotlight, there's an enduring craft that harkens back to the game's fundamentals: post moves. These techniques, executed primarily by big men and forwards in the low post area near the basket, form the backbone of interior offense. Whether it's a classic drop step, a fadeaway jumper, or a powerful hook shot, post moves allow players to exploit mismatches, draw fouls, and score efficiently against taller or more physical defenders. This deep dive explores the history, techniques, strategies, and modern evolution of post moves, drawing from legendary players and contemporary stars to illustrate why this skill set remains indispensable in today's game.

The origins of post moves can be traced back to the early days of basketball, when the sport was dominated by centers who controlled the paint. Pioneers like George Mikan, the NBA's first superstar in the 1950s, revolutionized the position with his ambidextrous hook shots and footwork that turned the low post into a scoring fortress. Mikan's influence paved the way for icons like Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell, who combined size with finesse to dominate eras. Chamberlain's finger rolls and Russell's defensive prowess in the post highlighted how these moves weren't just about offense but also about controlling the game's rhythm. As the league evolved, players like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar elevated post play to an art form with his skyhook—a nearly unblockable shot that relied on precise positioning and timing. Abdul-Jabbar's hook, delivered from either hand, became synonymous with post mastery, scoring him over 38,000 career points.

Fast-forward to the 1980s and 1990s, and post moves reached new heights through the likes of Hakeem Olajuwon and Kevin McHale. Olajuwon, often called "The Dream," possessed a repertoire that included the Dream Shake—a series of fakes, spins, and counters that left defenders guessing. His footwork, honed through soccer in his native Nigeria, allowed him to create space in tight quarters, making him a two-way force who led the Houston Rockets to back-to-back championships in 1994 and 1995. McHale, with the Boston Celtics, was the epitome of efficiency, using up-and-unders, pump fakes, and shoulder shimmies to score from awkward angles. These players demonstrated that post moves aren't merely about brute strength; they're about deception, balance, and reading the defense.

At its core, effective post play begins with positioning. A player must seal their defender—using their body to create a barrier—while calling for the ball. Once the entry pass arrives, the arsenal of moves comes into play. The drop step is one of the most fundamental: after receiving the ball, the offensive player takes a quick step toward the baseline or middle, using their shoulder to bump the defender and create separation for a layup or dunk. This move is particularly effective against slower defenders and is a staple for players like Shaquille O'Neal, whose sheer power amplified its impact during his dominant Lakers tenure.

Another cornerstone is the hook shot, which involves sweeping the ball in an arc over the defender's head with one hand while pivoting away from pressure. Tim Duncan's bank shot variation, often executed off the glass, showcased how subtlety can triumph over flash. Duncan's "fundamentals-first" approach with the San Antonio Spurs earned him five championships, proving that consistent post work can anchor a team's offense even in an era shifting toward perimeter play.

Fakes and counters add layers of complexity. The up-and-under move, popularized by McHale, involves faking a shot to get the defender airborne, then stepping through for an easy basket. Olajuwon's Dream Shake incorporated head fakes and shoulder dips to manipulate the defender's balance. Modern players like Nikola Jokić have adapted these with a twist, incorporating no-look passes and Sombor Shuffles—his signature fadeaway that blends footwork with vision to either score or distribute.

In today's NBA, where three-point shooting and pace dominate, post moves might seem antiquated, but they're experiencing a renaissance. Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers embodies this, blending old-school back-to-the-basket play with face-up drives and mid-range jumpers. Embiid's post game draws double-teams, opening up opportunities for teammates, and his ability to draw fouls—averaging over 10 free throws per game—highlights the efficiency of interior scoring. Similarly, Anthony Davis with the Los Angeles Lakers uses his length for lob finishes and turnaround jumpers, while Karl-Anthony Towns adds a three-point threat to traditional post work, stretching defenses thin.

Coaches emphasize drills to develop these skills. Footwork exercises, like the Mikan Drill—repetitive layups from alternating sides—build muscle memory. Post players practice sealing drills to improve positioning, and one-on-one simulations teach reading help defense. Strength training focuses on core and lower body to withstand contact, while film study dissects opponents' tendencies.

Defensively, countering post moves requires anticipation and physicality. Defenders like Rudy Gobert use their wingspan to contest without fouling, while teams employ double-teams to force turnovers. However, elite post players thrive on these challenges, using pump fakes to draw fouls or kick-out passes for open threes.

Beyond the pros, post moves are crucial in college and high school basketball, where physical mismatches are common. Programs like Duke and Kentucky teach bigs to post up early in possessions, controlling tempo and wearing down opponents. Internationally, players like Yao Ming brought post dominance to a global stage, influencing how the game is taught worldwide.

The evolution continues with analytics. Data shows post-ups yield high points per possession when executed by skilled players, especially in the playoffs where games slow down. Yet, the rise of small-ball lineups challenges traditional centers, pushing them to adapt with perimeter skills. Stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo, though not a pure post player, incorporate Euro steps and spins derived from post fundamentals to attack the rim.

For aspiring players, mastering post moves requires patience and repetition. Start with basics: establish position, protect the ball, and use the glass. Advanced techniques involve chaining moves— a drop step into a hook, or a fake spin into a fadeaway. Mental toughness is key; post play is physical, often leading to bruises, but the rewards are high-percentage shots and team success.

In women's basketball, post moves shine through players like Brittney Griner, whose dominance in the paint mirrors male counterparts, or A'ja Wilson, who combines power with finesse for the Las Vegas Aces. The WNBA's emphasis on fundamentals keeps post play vibrant.

Ultimately, post moves represent basketball's timeless essence: using skill and strategy to overcome physical advantages. From Mikan's hooks to Jokić's shuffles, these techniques endure because they exploit the game's core geometry—the space under the basket. As the sport evolves, post mastery will continue to separate good players from great ones, ensuring the paint remains a battleground of artistry and athleticism.

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Portland Post Moves | News, Weather, Sports, Breaking News

Mastering Post Moves: The Art of Dominating the Paint in Basketball