Mastering the Art of Sealing in the Post
Goal:
This article is designed to teach players how to seal in the post effectively. Sealing is a critical skill that allows post players to gain positioning, receive passes, and finish strong at the basket. By mastering the fundamentals of sealing, players can make themselves an offensive threat, similar to great post players like Dwight Howard, Shaquille O'Neal, and Tim Duncan.
Setup:
Player Positioning:
The player begins in a post-up position, usually near the block or in the paint.
The defender is positioned between the player and the basket, attempting to deny the ball.
The perimeter players should be spaced out, with one of them poised to pass the ball to the post player.
Equipment:
A basketball and a clear court with enough space for a 1-on-1 drill or team practice setting.
Step-by-Step Execution:
1. Anticipate the Pass
As a post player, it's critical to anticipate the ball coming to you. Watch the ball closely as it swings around the perimeter.
Key Point: As soon as you sense the ball is coming to your side, step in and start sealing your defender. This prevents the defender from getting in front of you and blocking your path to receive the pass.
2. Use the Forearm Wall
Once you start to seal, position your forearm against the defender to create a sturdy barrier.
The forearm wall is not about extending or pushing the defender away, but rather about creating a firm, steady wall that keeps the defender from moving past you.
Important Tip: Avoid extending your arm fully, as this can lead to fouls. Keep the forearm in place and maintain a solid, stationary contact.
3. Pivot to Inhibit Movement
After establishing the forearm wall, pivot with your top foot while keeping the forearm steady. This is known as pivot to inhibit, which prevents the defender from getting around you.
Key Action: As you pivot, rotate with your bottom foot and throw your butt into the defender’s knees to further inhibit their movement.
This step ensures the defender cannot circle around you or get a hand on the ball as you prepare for the pass.
4. Position for Possession
As the ball is inbounded, release from the defender and go get the ball. Don’t just wait for it to come to you.
Once you catch the ball, chin it, hold the ball under your chin with your elbows at a 45-degree angle to protect it from defenders attempting to knock it loose.
Important Tip: Even if the defender tries to collapse on you, holding the ball strong underneath your chin minimizes the risk of a steal.
Coaching Tips:
Anticipate the Ball Early:
Teach your post players to read the play early and get ready to seal before the ball gets to them.
This prevents defenders from reacting quickly and allows for easier entry passes.
Stay Strong with Your Forearm Wall:
Emphasize the importance of maintaining contact without extending. The forearm wall is an effective way to seal without fouling.
Pivoting with Purpose:
The pivot to inhibit is crucial for keeping the defender at bay. Instruct players to throw their hips and lower body into the defender’s knees while pivoting, creating a solid wall.
Chin the Ball After Catching:
Once the ball is in their hands, players should be taught to chin the ball immediately to prevent turnovers. This also gives them a better chance to control the ball if the defense collapses.
Drills for Sealing in the Post:
1. Post Sealing Drill (1-on-1)
Set up a 1-on-1 drill where a defender plays tight defense on the post player.
The post player should practice stepping in and sealing as soon as the ball is passed to them.
After sealing, the post player should pivot to inhibit the defender and receive the ball with proper positioning.
2. Full Court Sealing Drill
Have players run from one side of the court to the other, sealing defenders at various points on the floor. This helps players learn how to seal defenders in different situations and under pressure.
3. Ball Entry and Pivot Drill
Practice a drill where players work on receiving entry passes while executing their forearm wall, pivoting, and using their body to protect the ball.
Full Breakdown
The art of sealing in the post is an essential skill for any player looking to become a dominant force near the basket. Sealing isn’t just about getting position; it’s about using your body and forearm to establish control and prevent defenders from getting around you. A successful seal requires anticipation, technique, and quick decision-making to ensure that you are in the best possible position to receive the ball and make a move.
At the heart of post play, anticipating the pass is key. It’s not enough to simply wait for the ball to come to you; a great post player begins sealing even before the ball is passed. This proactive approach keeps the defender from reacting in time and helps the player establish their space near the basket.
The forearm wall technique provides the necessary barrier to keep defenders at bay. It’s not about pushing or extending the arm, which can lead to fouls, but rather creating a strong, steady barrier with your arm to contain the defender’s movements. This forearm wall should stay firm and solid, allowing the defender to bounce off of it without getting in your way.
The next key technique is pivoting to inhibit the defender’s movement. After using the forearm wall, the player should pivot on their top foot and use their bottom foot to rotate, ensuring that their body stays between the defender and the ball. The key action here is to throw your butt into the defender’s knees, this forces the defender to remain behind you and gives you the space to receive the ball cleanly.
Once the ball is passed to the post player, position for possession is crucial. The player should immediately release from their defender, make a quick cut toward the ball, and chin the ball. By holding the ball securely under their chin, they create a solid shield against the defender, reducing the chances of a steal.
In addition to the technical aspects of sealing, players should also be taught to read the defense. If a defender is playing tightly, the post player should use these techniques to gain the advantage. On the other hand, if the defender is giving too much space, the post player should be able to use their pivot and forearm wall to quickly seal and receive the ball with ease.
Final Thoughts:
Mastering the post seal requires more than just physical strength. It’s about anticipating the pass, using proper body positioning, and making quick decisions in high-pressure situations. With consistent practice and attention to detail, post players can become more effective at sealing their defender, receiving the ball, and finishing at the rim.
