Changing Position: Over the Top
-When denying the ball in the post, a defender may need to switch from denying on the high side to the low or vice versa.
-Listed below are several techniques on how to change position during the course of a single play.
Over the Top
-When going over the top the post defender moves from one side of the post player to the other but putting themselves between the passer and the post.
-The defender essentially fronts the post for only a second while switching sides.
-Keep contact with the post player.
Go Behind
-Going behind the post is exactly how it sounds.
-Instead of fronting for a brief second the defender plays behind for a brief moment.
-Keep contact with the post player.
X-Step
- Instead of fighting through the offensive player's body—which allows them to seal you out of position, the post defender must briefly step off and drop their pressure.
-Step directly across and in front of the offensive player's body. You are essentially crossing your feet/legs in an "X" motion relative to the opponent to jump into the new passing lane.
- As you cross over, you must immediately switch your lead arm. If your right hand was previously up to block the top pass, your left hand must snap up to deny the baseline/corner pass. Keep a hand in the passing lane at all times.
-Once you have secured the new position, immediately re-establish physical contact using an arm bar or your forearm to keep the post player from pushing you further under the rim.
