Post Entry Team Shooting Drill: Improve Inside Game & Perimeter Spacing
Setup:
Align your players in a 4-out, 1-in formation to begin the drill.
Player 1 (PG) starts with the ball at the top.
Player 2 is on the wing.
Player 3 is set up slightly above the low block as the post target.
Player 4 and Player 5 fill corner and top shooting positions, respectively.
Execution Steps:
Phase 1: Transition Initiation
Player 1 passes ahead to Player 2 on the wing.
Simultaneously, Player 3 runs and establishes position slightly above the block, preparing to receive a post entry.
Phase 2: Post Entry and Laker Cut
Player 2 executes a post entry to Player 3.
Immediately after the pass, Player 2 performs a Laker cut — cutting through the paint to the basket.
Player 3 reads the defense and either delivers the pass to the cutter (Player 2) for a layup or holds if the cut is not open.
Phase 3: Secondary Spacing and Shooting
Player 1 drifts to the corner, acting as a safety valve and shooter.
Player 4 (or Player 5) rotates into position and delivers a pass to Player 1.
Player 1 shoots a 3-pointer off the drift.
Coaching Points:
Post player positioning: Player 3 must seal properly and be slightly above the block to avoid being crowded.
Timing on Laker cut: Ensure Player 2 cuts decisively immediately after the entry to create separation from the defender.
Reading the defender: If the defense cheats under or switches, have a backdoor or over-the-top option.
Pass quality: All passes — especially to the post and shooter — should be on time and on target.
Spacing awareness: Emphasize the importance of spreading the floor to maintain clear driving and passing lanes.
Variations:
Live Defense Add-On: Introduce a defender on the post or wing to increase realism and teach decision-making.
Shooting Goals: Have players aim for a shooting streak (e.g., make 5 in a row before rotating).
Reversal Option: If the Laker cut is defended, simulate a swing pass from corner to top for another open shot.
Laker Cut Finish Drill: Emphasize finishing off the Laker cut before moving into the perimeter shot.
Skill Development Takeaways:
Game-Speed Decision Making: Teaches players how to respond when the defense reacts quickly to post entries.
Off-Ball Movement: The Laker cut reinforces player activity after passing — "pass and move" mentality.
Shooting Under Pressure: The drift pass simulates a real-time recovery option when first options are covered.
Offensive IQ: Understanding reads, options, and spacing encourages smart basketball instead of scripted play.
Why It Matters:
In modern basketball, even post-centric offenses demand fluid perimeter actions. This drill does exactly that — it blends old-school post work with modern floor spacing and shooting precision. It also ensures that every player — not just the post or the shooter — is engaged in timing, positioning, and decision-making.
Bonus Coaching Insight:
This drill doesn't just develop skills — it builds chemistry. When multiple players rely on synchronized movements (post entry, cutter action, drift shooting), it encourages communication and feel for one another's timing.
Final Tips:
Rotate players through all roles so guards, wings, and posts learn different angles.
Track makes and misses during the shooting component to increase focus.
Reinforce shot preparation with proper hand placement and footwork on the catch.
