Master the Art of Post-to-Post Passing

Basketball is a game of angles and taking advantage of mismatches. The team who can take advantage of different mismatch scenarios and create high-percentage scoring opportunities is typically the team that comes out on top. The most common of these scenarios is when the offense attacks the defensive with more players than the defensive has, which is called a “fast break”.

After learning a tough lesson early in a season with his team not being able to convert on fast breaks, basketball camp director and college coach Donnie Arey created a drill that teaches players how to convert on the 2-on-1 fast break opportunities. He calls this the Post-to-Post Passing drill.

To practice this drill, you’ll need at least three players. Start with a defender directly underneath the basket with two offensive players flanking at each laneline.

One of the offensive players begins by passing the ball across to their teammate. After each pass, both of the offensive players shuffle down the laneline until they reach the top of the key. The defender will stay in position beneath the basket.

Once the players reach the top of the key, they will drive toward the basket and try to score within two passes. Meanwhile, the defender will come up and try to keep them from scoring. If the defender steals the ball or the shooter misses, the last offensive player to touch the ball will become the next defenseman for the next run-through.

Remember, the defender needs to stay in a tight, athletic stance in order to be ready for anything the offense throws at them.

The Post-to-Post passing drill is a great way to build chemistry offensively and work together to score when the offense has the advantage. Conversely, it can also be helpful for defenders who find themselves outnumbered and must create a turnover, force a bad shot or stall the offense until his or her teammates can hustle back on defense.