DefensePost Play

Post Defense (Fronting & Denial) Drill

Advanced post-defense technique work, covering three-quarter denial and fronting against an entry pass, for defenders guarding a skilled low-post scorer.

Age RangeAges 15+
Duration12 minutes
Group SizeGroups of 3
SportBasketball

Equipment Needed

  • One basketball
  • Half court

Build out your practice kit

This post-defense drill just needs a ball and three players, but a basic coaching-aid kit keeps the rest of practice moving.

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Setup

  • Three players: a post player, a passer on the wing, and the post defender.
  • The post player sets up on the low block looking to seal for an entry pass.
Post Defense (Fronting & Denial) DrillPWing passerOPosts upX3/4 denialDefender denies the high-side entry passHalf a body ahead; front only as a last resort

Instructions

  1. The post defender works to establish a three-quarter denial position, overplaying the side the entry pass would come from.
  2. The passer looks for the entry; if the post player seals them under the rim, the defender fully fronts instead.
  3. If the entry pass connects, the post player and defender play out a live post move and contest.
  4. Rotate positions so every player defends, passes, and posts up.
Coaching Points
  • Half a body ahead on the high side denies the easy lob entry; full fronting is a last resort against a big size mismatch.
  • Use the forearm to feel and control positioning, not to hold or push.
  • Communicate for weak-side help the instant the entry pass connects.

Variation

Add a weak-side helper whose job is to dig down the instant the post catches it, simulating real team post defense.