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How to Develop High Scoring

and Highly Skilled Post Players
LEARN DON KELBICK'S UNIQUE METHODS TO DEVELOP FUNDAMENTALLY SOUND
POST PLAYERS THAT CAN SCORE, REBOUND, AND DOMINATE INSIDE

www.BreakthroughBasketball.com

Written By Don Kelbick

Copyright Notice
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form
or by any means, electronic or mechanical. Any unauthorized use, sharing, reproduction, or
distribution is strictly prohibited.

© Copyright 2009 Breakthrough Basketball, LLC

Limits/Disclaimer of Warranty
The authors and publishers of this book and the accompanying materials have used their
best efforts in preparing this book. The authors and publishers make no representation or
warranties with respect to the accuracy, applicability, fitness, or completeness of the contents
of this book. They disclaim any warranties (expressed or implied), merchantability, or fitness
for any particular purpose. The authors and publishers shall in no event be held liable for any
loss or other damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or other
damages. This manual contains material protected under International and Federal
Copyright Laws and Treaties. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited.

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Table of Contents

FOREWORD BY JEFF HAEFNER................................................................................. 5

ABOUT DON KELBICK.............................................................................................. 6

GLOSSARY OF TERMS ............................................................................................. 7

INTRODUCTION - DEVELOPING AN EFFECTIVE POST PLAYER..................................... 10

THE BASICS.......................................................................................................... 14
POSITIONING ............................................................................................................. 14
FOOTWORK ............................................................................................................... 17
THE DRIBBLE............................................................................................................. 26

PLAYING THE GAME .............................................................................................. 29

GETTING OPEN ......................................................................................................... 29
SEALING .................................................................................................................... 32
MAKING YOUR MOVE ................................................................................................. 33
OFFENSIVE MOVES ................................................................................................... 34

DEVELOPING YOUR POST PLAYER ......................................................................... 37

W HO SHOULD YOU TEACH?...................................................................................... 37
HOW TO START ......................................................................................................... 37
HOW TO FIT POST DEVELOPMENT INTO YOUR PRACTICE PLAN................................ 39

DEFENSE AND REBOUNDING .................................................................................. 40

DEFENDING ............................................................................................................... 40
1 BALL POSITIONING DRILL .......................................................................... 45
2 BALL POST DRILL .................................................................................... 46
2 MAN SHOT BLOCKER DRILL ...................................................................... 48
REBOUNDING ............................................................................................................ 49

POST DEVELOPMENT DRILLS ................................................................................. 51

TAPS ......................................................................................................................... 51
MCHALE TAPS .......................................................................................................... 52
MIKAN DRILL ............................................................................................................. 52
BOARD BANGS .......................................................................................................... 52

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BOARD BANGS WITH A POST UP................................................................................. 53

ANNIE OVER .............................................................................................................. 54
CHAIR PIVOTS ........................................................................................................... 56
SPLIT POST ............................................................................................................... 57
INTENSITY LAYUPS .................................................................................................... 58
CONTINUOUS JUMP HOOK......................................................................................... 59
FIGURE 8 JUMP HOOKS ............................................................................................. 60
POWER DRIBBLE INTO ............................................................................................... 62
SHORT CORNER ........................................................................................................ 64
CONTINUOUS TRAIL JUMPER ..................................................................................... 66
OUTLET AND SPRINT ................................................................................................. 67
TRAILER SHOTS ........................................................................................................ 68
3 CHAIR POST CIRCUIT ............................................................................................. 69
TRAILER, LOW, MID-POST ......................................................................................... 70
SCORING ON THE MOVE ............................................................................................ 71
SCORING ON THE MOVE (COMBO) ............................................................................. 73
W EAKSIDE KICK AND FOLLOW ................................................................................... 75
LOW POST ONE ON ONE ........................................................................................... 77

INCORPORATING DRILLS IN YOUR WORKOUTS......................................................... 80

SPECIALIZED POST CUTS AND MOVEMENTS ............................................................ 82

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ........................................................................... 87

THIS IS WHAT I TEACH, IT WORKS FOR ME ............................................................. 95

CONCLUSION ...................................................................................................... 100

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FOREWORD BY JEFF HAEFNER

If you’ve ever tried to learn or teach post moves, then you’ll appreciate the
simplicity of the teaching concepts Don Kelbick presents in this book.

I have found that each time I study and practice the simple concepts in this book,
I get a better understanding of footwork, post play, and how to develop effective
post players.

In fact, I have practiced the footwork moves that Don teaches in my own
basement. You don’t even need a basket to get better. Just a basketball, 10 feet
of space, and an imagination.

I recommend that COACHES practice the footwork too! Even if you think you’re
way too old for that type of thing, trust me, it’s not hard. By practicing the
footwork you really start to understand how your feet can transform the game
and give a post player infinite moves and power. Practicing footwork in my
basement has helped me better understand the learning process. It has also
helped me discover new footwork possibilities, new ways to practice, and new
ways to teach.

I now see how a player has SO many options without dribbling the ball. Even
after establishing a pivot foot we have plenty of choices. In one fluid movement I
can front pivot, sweep, step through, inside pivot, drop step, inside pivot, and so
on. This is all without dribbling or switching pivot feet. After practicing in the
basement for just a little while I can make the moves without thinking. It’s
amazing how you see all the footwork coming together. And the beauty is that it
works whether you’re playing in the post or on the perimeter.

The trick is knowing how to easily teach the concepts and apply them in a game.
Don’s book has really opened my eyes. Reading Don’s book has greatly simplified
the way I teach post play and made me more effective as a teacher. If you take
the time to study this book it will do the same for you. Don’t overlook the power
of simplicity and the concepts that he presents!

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ABOUT
DON KELBICK

Don Kelbick is currently an NBA player development

coach who works with very successful players like Raja
Bell, Bruce Bowen, Carlos Boozer, Carlos Arroyo, Rasual
Butler, and many other college and NBA players.

Don is also a writer and key contributor to

www.BreakthroughBasketball.com. Don has and
continues to travel the world running camps and teaching
skills to players both young and old.

Both coaches and players can learn a lot from Don because he uses very unique
and out-of-the-box tactics to develop and train basketball players. His overall
knowledge of the game is extraordinary.

Much of his knowledge comes from 25 years of college coaching experience, which
includes stops at Hofstra University, Marist College, Keene State College, and
Florida International University.

Before coaching in college, Don spent two years as a high school coach. His
teams produced 6 Division I players and was ranked #1 in Florida 28 out of a
possible 34 weeks. In addition to coaching, he has scouted for NBA teams and
served as a general manager in the USBL.

Don currently resides in sunny Miami, Florida and likes to golf in his spare time.

You can learn more about Don by visiting his personal website at:
http://www.donkelbickbasketball.com

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GLOSSARY OF TERMS

We have made every attempt to define the terms used in this book to make it
easier for the readers to learn. While it is probably impossible to anticipate all
the questions regarding the terms, I will make an attempt here to define those
terms that are not specifically defined in the text.

Baseline – The line that defines the end of the court, beyond each basket.

Block – The solid box that defines the first rebounding position along the foul
lane.

Foul Line – The line where free throws are attempted from. It is 15’ from the
backboard.

Foul Lane Line – Two lines that are perpendicular to the baseline and connect
to the foul line.

Foul Lane – Area defined by the foul line, baseline and foul lane lines. Also
called the 3-second lane. The area is a rectangle that is 12’ at levels below
professional and 16’ wide at the US professional level. In international play
(FIBA), the lane is a trapezoid that starts at the elbows, 12 feet apart, and angles
to the baseline, 21’9” apart. FIBA is currently transitioning to the NBA sized
lane.

Foul Lanes Spots – Areas along the foul lane that serve as rebound positions
for free throws. The block and two, 2-foot lines perpendicular to the foul lane line
on each side of the lane delineate them.

Elbow – The junction of the foul line and the foul lane line.

Pivot Foot – The foot that remains planted when making a pivot.

Swing Foot – The foot that moves when making a pivot.

Ball-you-man (defense) – This is a term commonly used when teaching

defense. As a general rule, the defensive player should be able to see the ball
and their man at all times. If they can’t see both, they are in the wrong position.

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Coaches will often say, “ball-you-man”, meaning if you draw a line from the ball,
to you, to your man, it should form a shallow triangle.

Weakside – The side of the court that is away from the ball. For example, if the
ball is on the wing, the opposite wing would be the “weakside” of the court.

1 Pass Away (defense) – One pass away refers to when you’re guarding an
offensive player and there are no other offensive players between you and the
ball. When the ball is one pass away, your positioning is very important because
this will determine whether you can help on the dribble drive or rotate if needed.

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SYMBOLS

The symbols used in the book are generally accepted as internationally common
when using basketball diagrams.

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INTRODUCTION
DEVELOPING AN EFFECTIVE POST PLAYER

Basketball is a game of size and length. With the goal being 10 feet above the
playing surface, the closer you can get to the goal the more success you are apt to
have.

When you look at current trends in basketball you see, “Dribble, Drive, Motion,”
“Princeton Offense,” “Flex,” “Run (or Fun) and Gun,” etc. What you don’t see
these days, with a few exceptions, is an emphasis on post play. When looking
over the history of basketball, there has always been an emphasis in the post. My
philosophy has always been: the team that makes the most lay-ups wins. Even in
trying to get perimeter shots the threat of a post player sucks in the defenders,
opening up the perimeter for good looks at the basket.

If post play is so important, why has it fallen by the wayside? I believe

that these are some of the reasons:

• LACK OF SUCCESS IN INTERNATIONAL PLAY

With recent American failures in the Olympics, World

Championships and other prestigious international tournaments,
there seems to be a priority in developing an international style in
the U. S.

• INFLUX OF FOREIGN PLAYERS

In international basketball post players spend a lot of time on the

perimeter due to the trapezoid lane, short 3-point line and interior
defense rules. Starting in the NBA and then trickling down
through college and high school, there has been a great influx of
international players into the American game. There is a trickle
down effect in basketball. Trends that appear in the NBA show up
in college after a couple of years and then down the ladder to high
school and youth ball. While there are many very good foreign
players in the NBA they are still, by and large, role players.
However, at lower levels, foreign players often are some of the
most significant players on their teams. Teams then adapt their

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systems to their best players. The result of this has been fewer
post players being developed at the lower levels of basketball.

I am very interested to see what will transpire over the next 10

years. The Federation for International Basketball (FIBA), the
governing body of all international basketball (including the
Olympics), is now transitioning to NBA style rules. Over the next
few years, they will go to the NBA lane and 3-point line. What will
happen to the post players then? Will they go back inside? Only
time will tell.

• SCARCITY OF BIG BODIES

This has always been why post players have been so valuable. I
can only think of a few effective traditional post players in the
NBA right now; Shaq, Greg Oden, Andrew Bynum and maybe
Chris Kaman (Tim Duncan is the prototypical power forward
playing in the post). Other post players, such as Kendrick Perkins
of the Celtics would be undersized in other eras and would
probably be power forwards. Others like Zydrunas Ilgauskas and
Andrew Bogut are international and play the international style.

The result of those factors are fewer post play role models for players and less
time devoted to post development for coaches. Like most things in life, however,
basketball is cyclical--what goes around comes around. As long as size is an
advantage the post player will make a comeback. In today’s game, having a post
player gives you a huge advantage simply because they’re so rare. If you have a
post player they will be very difficult to prepare for and will present a much more
significant challenge to your opponents due to their lack of experience in playing
against post players.

Post play should be taught at all levels of the game. Much has been said and
written about big players who are very skilled because when they were younger
and smaller they were developed as guards. In turn, they retain those skills as
they go through growth spurts (Kevin Garnett).

And let’s look at the other side of the coin. When players are young, you don’t
know what the finished product will be. The tallest player on your 12-year-old
team might wind up as the smallest player on their high school team. The

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reverse is also possible. However, the teaching and learning process should not
discriminate for size.

The footwork, positioning and mentality of post play is beneficial for all
players, of any age and any position. In all my years of working with
players, whether they are youth, high school, college or professional players, we
always start in the post. As we progress I try to relate the post fundamentals to
their particular position. I have had great success using this method.

What follows is what I feel are the important aspects of developing post players.
Some of the thoughts and techniques are traditional, and some are not. I do not
pretend to be the ultimate authority, but I do want to share the things that have
been successful for me and the players I have worked with.

This is not meant to be a checklist or a step by step program where you can
churn out post players as if they were M&M’s. It is meant only to be a basis for
which you can interpret, refine, experiment and develop your own insights and
programs.

MENTAL ASPECTS

I believe that everything starts with the mental aspect of the game and nowhere
is that more apparent than with post players. Post players run endline to
endline, face intense physical contact on every play while often going possession
after possession without touching the ball. They have to set screens on every play
and must be involved in every rebound on every play. If they take one play, one
possession or one rebound off, they become the focal point of criticism. If they
play every play, they are often not noticed. Mentally, the post player must be
strong enough to bear the weight on both sides.

The first thing a post player must understand is he/she holds a special place in
the game. Doing well what post players do has more of an impact on the game
than any other position on the court. Post players need to know their value. They
tend to minimize and not value their skills, and always try to do the things that
guards do. They want to be “nice” with their dribble; they want range with their
jump shots and they want to be creative with the ball.

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Post players should be encouraged to experiment and find the limit of their
skills. Exploring what will work for them and what won’t work will go a long way
in allowing them to develop an effective game. But the exploration should be
tempered with role definition. And most importantly, they should be taught to
value what they have. No player likes to be told their limitations. But when your
6-10 post player asks you why they can’t shoot from the 3-point line you have to
explain how you are trying to point them toward their strengths, not away from
their weaknesses.

The post player must have the mentality that they “own” their position. They
must understand that they can’t get every rebound, they won’t block every shot
and they won’t make every play but they have to come down on the next play and
work at it again on the next play, and the next, and the next.

A post player is a warrior. Every possession is going to be a war, whether they

get the ball or not. There is going to be physical play every time down the court.
If your player cannot accept that, they can’t play in the post. If you have a player
with that understanding, run them through the post at times, whether they are a
post player or not.

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THE BASICS

POSITIONING
It is the coach’s job to recognize what their player’s strengths are and apply them
correctly. Just because your post player is 6-10 doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t
shoot threes. Coaches often make the mistake that because they have a post
player, it means the player has to go down to the block and be locked into the low
post. Just as there are several guard and wing positions, there are several post
positions.

LOW POST

Traditionally, this is where most people think the post player

belongs. This is where power players traditionally set themselves.
When playing in the low post, I have always taught that the
player’s bottom foot (the foot closest to the baseline) should never
go below the top of the block (mark on the lane). By positioning
with the bottom foot, the post player has room to go baseline yet
has a good angle to the basket. They are close enough to the rim
yet far enough away so they have room to maneuver.

If they set lower than the top of the block it will be easier to
overplay them defensively because they will lose their baseline
option. Setting below the block will create a situation where the
post player will be behind the backboard if they turn to the
baseline.

I teach the low post

position as above the
block, straddling the
second lane marker. The
baseline foot is in the
lane spot above the block
and the top foot is in the
next spot up the lane.

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MID-POST

The post player that is in the mid-post usually straddles the third
and fourth lane spot. This allows the post player to execute a
variety of skills. He/she has enough space to put the ball on the
floor and go to the basket, he/she is far enough from the basket to
make a traditional low post defender uncomfortable and take jump
shots, and is still close enough to play their power game.

At the same time, they are far enough from the basket to create
enough room for teammates to make basket cuts, dribble drives
and baseline cuts. There is enough room for the post player to be
an effective passer.

The Mid-Post
position is between
the low post position
and the elbow.

HIGH POST
The high post is traditionally on the foul line. It can also move to
the elbows. With the advent of the 3-point shot and the influence of
the international game, the high post now plays to the top of the
key on the 3-point line.

Traditionally, high post players have been passers and screeners.

In today’s game, it is a great advantage to have a post player that
can shoot from the high post. It will open the lane for penetration
and put players in better position to offensive rebound. Post
players with good 1 dribble games also benefit from the expanded
high post.

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I teach the High-

Post position as the
elbow, on the side of
the lane and the foul
line in the middle of
the lane.
The high-post can
extend beyond the
top of the foul circle
and can be a couple
of feet to either side
of the lane, as long
as he/she is above
the foul line.

SHORT CORNER
The short corner is the most neglected position in the game. The
short corner is located about mid-way between the foul lane and
the 3-point line, along the baseline, actually behind the backboard.
If you have a post player with a little bit of a 1 dribble game, this
can be a very effective spot for them.

Placing a player in the short corner forces the defender to make

many uncomfortable choices as to how to play the offensive post
player. If the defender plays their man in the short corner, it
leaves a big hole in the lane that can be used for penetration and
leaves them in poor position for rebounding. If the defender plays
above the post player in a more traditional defensive position, it is
easy for the offensive post player to get behind the defense or in a
position to get the ball in a spot where they will be very difficult to
defend.

The short corner

is a non-traditional
position.

The post sets along

the baseline, behind
the backboard about
four feet off the lane.

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