Top of the Key Positioning
-If the ball is between the elbows at the top of the key, the post defender plays on the high side and never allow a pass from the top of the key to the post.
Top Side Denial
-This is the most common denial position.
-If a team wants the wing player to force the offense into a packed middle than you should play the high side to be there to help when the drive is forced in your direction.
Baseline Denial
-If a team asks the wing defenders to force the ball from the wing toward the baseline than the post defender should play on the baseline side so that he cannot be sealed.
Playing Behind the Post Player
- Keep a small gap instead of pressing completely chest-to-chest so the offensive player cannot use your own weight to spin off you.
-Place a forearm or open hand on the offensive player to feel their movements and orientation without committing a foul.
-Bend your knees and keep a low center of gravity to absorb physical bumps and maintain your balance.
- Move your feet continuously to mirror the player and keep your hands active to contest the shot or disrupt the pass if they pivot or kick the ball out.
Fronting
-Stand squarely in front of the offensive player, facing the passer, so your chest is against their back or side.
-Keep one high arm waving in the passing lane to deflect lobs, and one low arm making contact with the opponent's side.
-Rely on a weak-side helper to drop behind the post player to create a "sandwich" and prevent easy lob-and-score plays.
Facing Up
-This is rarely used.
-Facing Up is the same as fronting but instead facing the passer the defender is chest to chest with the post player.
Defending the Lob
-When you front the post, the offense will try to throw a high lob over you. Your team must rotate a weak-side defender into the lane to create a "sandwich" or act as a safety valve at the rim.
-If the lob is released, turn immediately, locate the ball, and get both hands up high with a full chest to contest the catch or immediate shot.
-Once they secure the catch, drop into a low, wide stance with your chest into their body, moving your feet continuously to absorb contact without fouling.
