It seems as though everyone is attempting to take their basketball game to the next level. Whether it’s working on post moves to get to the rim, shooting threes off the dribble, or perfecting your releases on free throws, the game of basketball is changing, and the number of skilled players is increasing almost every day.
Despite all these new tricks that are coming out, one thing remains the same as ever – angles can be the difference between a shot being made and rejected. A slight shift of the body one way or another can open up a shooting opportunity from anywhere on the court. This holds true especially in the post, which allows for a multitude of angles and shots to be made or taken advantage of.
That is why today we are looking at how to “unlock your post moves” by using angles to your advantage. Here, we’ll discuss the different post moves you can use, the advantages of utilizing angles, and some tips and tricks for making the most of these angles. So, if you want to make the most of your post game and become a master of angles, keep reading to unlock your post moves!
Learn to Create Offensive Angles
A key part of creating effective post moves is learning how to create offensive angles. Utilizing these angles allows post players to both make their own space and seal off the defense. Moving towards the basket with an angled approach keeps the defender guessing and can help lessen the chance of being blocked or double-teamed while keeping the ability to finish in close proximity to the basket.
Angles should not always be straight ahead as this gives defenders ample time to cut you off and set up defensive position. Instead, a well-timed angle change gives the offense an advantage by providing just enough space for a quality finish that is close to the hoop. Angling into the defender also gives you a better opportunity to fit between them and the rim for a layup.
When deciding which angle to take, it’s important to consider what type of defender is on you. If it’s an aggressive big man, your move should include contact since they will likely attempt to double-team or cut off any other angle. If up against a quick guard, you should aim for making a wide angle away from them and towards the hoop, leaving enough distance for you to make your move without contact. The key is to remain unpredictable; if defenders can anticipate where your moves are heading, they’ll have a much easier job defending you.
Creating offensive angles in post moves isn’t just physical but mental too; understanding when to use angles and how they work provide players with great advantages against their opponents. Learning how angles are used on both sides of the court helps give players awareness around running offensive sets and developing their games without sacrificing safety or control over the ball. With some practice, any player can learn how to effectively use angles during post moves, paving the way for more effective play and higher levels of success on the court.
Usage of Angles on the Low Block
Using angles on the low block can be an extremely beneficial part of post moves. The low block is a great way to utilize different angles in order to get past defenders and score hoops. Players who master post moves that use angles on the low block can make themselves tougher to guard, often times freeing up space for their team to score easy buckets.
When utilizing angles on the low block it is important to remember that angles are the defender’s nemesis. With the correct footwork and quickness, an offensive player can utilize angles; create more options; and get off shots or passes that would otherwise not be open. By finding the angle that best suits them, players can gain better field position and set up their defender for a counter-move to get an easy basket.
Offensive players must be sure not to become too reliant on utilizing just one or two specific angles or their defender will catch on and start to anticipate their moves. This could lead to fewer scoring opportunities for both the offensive player and their team overall. By consistently using the same angle on the low block it can limit the ability of the defense to make adjustments since they will become overly familiar with a certain type of offense.
By understanding both sides of this argument, offensive players will be able to use angles efficiently while still keeping their opponents guessing. Properly mastering these post moves, offensive players will have more confidence when attacking the low block and setting up their teammates for game-winning shots.
Creating Open Space in the Post
Creating open space in the post can be among the most challenging tasks a player is confronted with down low. When your defender is on balance, it may seem almost impossible to create a clear lane to the basket. Nevertheless, there are techniques that can help you gain the separation needed for a successful post move.
The first key is to exploit angles of approach. By attacking from an angle instead of just straight ahead, you can create room between you and your defender before you even make contact with them. This can make it difficult for them to maintain their position and anticipate your next move. It is important not to rush your cuts when taking this route – setting up well away from the defender and maintaining a quick but comfortable speed will help you navigate through the traffic and remain balanced on your run.
The second approach is to use short, controlled steps when trying to get open in the post. Box-outs like hop-steps or drop-steps are a great way to generate minimal space while keeping both feet firmly planted on the floor. Utilizing these emphatic movements in conjunction with dribble moves — such as hesitations, jabs, crossovers — can often be enough to beat defenders who stay too close. Timing becomes increasingly important – you must find that crucial window where neither you nor your opponent has an advantage and make your move quickly before they are able to reset.
By understanding the concept of “leverage” — using any means necessary (angles, quick movements, etc.) — you will be able to outsmart your opponents and create valuable space for yourself down low. It becomes much easier to vary attack strategies against even the most formidable foe – positioning yourself so that instead of flopping over them or attempting futile pushes off to gain separation, you ultimately get what you desire without sacrificing defensive integrity or running into unnecessary contact situations.
Attacking the Defense with Footwork
Footwork is an often overlooked yet important tool in maximizing your post moves. It’s key to setting up your offensive game and creating advantages against the defense. Defenders use their feet to stay in front of you, so it’s prudent to find ways to use your feet to maximize your offensive initiative.
A good footwork routine involves sound body positioning and staying balanced. A strong stance allows you to pivot and burst with the ball while keeping pace with the defender. Moving side-to-side between defenders can help you gain the upper-hand and create space for a shot or pass. When defending a back-to-the basket player, some defenders may even try to sit down to guard you – an effective counter can be utilizing jab steps and quick arm movements.
Dribble moves also play a big role in post footwork. You can move in a number of directions, granting you access to different angles that can give you an advantage over the defense. Utilizing dribbles towards the baseline gives you more room for passing or driving lanes for shots. Pivoting off the dribble on either side allows you to quickly switch directions when attacking.
There are drawbacks to relying too heavily on footwork – if a defender anticipates your move they may be able read and react faster while if overused, it can drain energy as well as valuable time on the clock. Despite these potential issues, it’s important to remember that footwork can provide beneficial opportunities when used judiciously and with momentum in mind.
Taking Advantage of Defensive Angles
Taking Advantage of Defensive Angles is a key part of success for post players. Being able to successfully read and maneuver defensive angles will be the difference between a successful post move and a failed one. Moving quickly before a defender can get into position, or setting up plays by taking advantage of the angle your defender gives you, can greatly improve offensive efficiency.
Angling away from a defender with your hip should give you enough space to make a play. Staying close to the baseline while beginning your move will also give you more space as defenders tend to move further away to close out on the ball handler. By keeping your hips low and staying close to the rim, defenders are less likely to be able to fully defend against a move as they have less time and space to do so. Utilizing spins, fakes, and other misdirection moves can also throw off defenders and create openings for scoring opportunities.
Angling too far away from a defender can be equally detrimental if it’s done at the wrong time or for too long. You must remain aware that even though your angle may work in one instance, an unsuspecting defender might overcommit themselves and cut off the lane for further progress down the court. Even subtle misdirection moves may lead a defender into an awkward position where they must commit themselves without having seen the goal of your movement. In some cases, this may mean going from an offensive angle to a defensive angle depending on how well you can anticipate where help defense is coming from.
Post players have multiple angles and options available during any given game situation. Taking advantage of those angles when making a move turns those options into viable scoring chances. By carefully evaluating defensive angles and understanding when it’s time to adjust them, post players can become more efficient and effective scorers on the court. With that being said, taking control of these angles is only one part of creating successful post moves – usage of angles when facing double teams is also an important factor that must be taken into consideration in order to make the most out of every offensive opportunity presented within the game.
Usage of Angles to Offset Double Teams
When countering double-teams, using angles is crucial. Players must be aware of their position on the court in relation to their defender to stay one step ahead of their opponents’ scheme. They can achieve this by utilizing sharp cuts or strong drives towards the basket to move their defenders out of position. To be successful in this approach, it is important for players to recognize how the defense aligns and what lanes are open for them to attack.
When double teamed, a player can gain an edge by making quick adjustments in their footwork and body positions. Utilizing short, hard steps will help them drive away from the pressure and create space for themselves. Shifting the weight of your body slightly off balance can force defenders to react and cause confusion among the opposition.
The usage of angles goes beyond just offensive moves; it can also factor into defensive tactics. When defending against a double team, players should use a wide base and keep their shoulders square to defend any penetration attempts while still being able to see the entire court. Staying alert and maintaining a center eye level as well as an active stance with willing feet will allow them to react quickly when they need to reset and adjust his position relative to newly created angles dictated by his opponent’s actions.
How to Create Angles on the Pick and Roll
When it comes to using angles to create successful plays within the pick and roll, there are two primary approaches: a one-man weave and a two-man weave. Each type of play offers unique benefits and drawbacks, which should be carefully considered depending on the desired outcome.
The one-man weave relies on strong ball handling skills and includes a series of quick moves. This type of play is best used when it is difficult to get your defenders to match up with the ball handler quickly. It can also be advantageous if the defense has no hesitation in reacting to the first move. The major downside to the one-man weave is that the defender can recover quicker by taking shorter steps than required for the two-man weave.
The two-man weave requires great spacing and timing between both parties; as well as deep understanding of one another’s movement patterns. In this type of play, it is paramount that each player works together in unison so strategies like overplaying or help side defense will minimize its effectiveness. The effectiveness of a successful two-man weave can also depend on how good both players are in creating separation from their opponents. A distinct advantage to this type of play is that it requires longer strides from defenders, making them less likely to keep up with either offensive players.
No matter which approach you chose, understanding how best to use angles during a pick and roll can make or break an offensive strategy. In order to maximize success on such plays, it is important to understand when best to employ each tactic while using not only skill but positioning and timing as well.
Using Angles to Your Advantage in the Post
When it comes to post moves, using angles to your advantage is often the key to success. Angles allow players to execute a variety of different shots and create scoring opportunities in the paint. By recognizing and utilizing angles when moving without the ball, players can gain an edge and increase their overall effectiveness around the basket.
One way to use angles to your advantage in the post is by directing defenders away from your own shot. If a defender is directly in front of you and you want to get to your good hand for a shot or layup, you can use an angle to “bump” the defender out of position. This can be done by stepping or pivoting into them as you move towards the basket. This will force them out of position and give you more space along with an open look at the hoop.
Another way to use angles effectively in the post is by creating separation in order to receive a pass from another player with ease. When running an offensive set or running cut into the post, angled cuts can help gain separation and make it easier for you to receive a pass without turning over the ball. When running a pick-and-roll or setting a pick on offense, using angles again allows more freedom of movement in tight quarters while also opening up areas of the court that weren’t initially available.
There are pros and cons to using this technique depending on how it is executed. Using angles effectively can result in more open lanes for scoring opportunities which lead to greater offensive efficiency. If not done properly, it can be difficult to get back into a proper defensive stance which could potentially lead to easy baskets for opposing teams.
When deciding whether or not it’s worth incorporating angles into your post game strategy depends on individual player ability and preferences; being able to recognize and capitalize on available space created by angles gives players another tactical dimension that can lead them down a path of offensive success when executed properly.
