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To be Truly Effective, Excel and Both the Low and High Post

If you really want to be a big-time offensive post player, you have to be a force in the paint.  But the truly great "post" or inside players are those that are great in the paint, can play in the mid-lane areas, have a good step-out game (along the baseline), and can play at the high post as well.

Just like most parts of the game, playing the 5 position (center) or 4 spot (forward) requires lots of skills, and a multi-dimensional game.  It's not enough to just be a good player on the blocks.  If you really want to be a big-time inside player, you really have to excel as an offensive force from several spots on the floor.

And one of the absolute keys to being an offensive force is that you can play from either side of the floor.  Most players have one side of the floor that's a favorite side, or one side of the floor that they feel most comfortable on, but great players can score no matter what side of the floor they're on.

So what are the areas on the floor that inside players need to work on and be effective from?

The Blocks
This is the foundation of inside play. Most of the time, inside players (specifically the 5 spot) will post up on the blocks. You'll have to really work on your footwork on the blocks, learning drop steps, up and under moves, turnaround jumpers, and the like. Remember, work on making moves both to your left and right sides, and from both the right and lefts sides of the court.

The Middle of the Lane
If you spend a lot of time down low, there'll be lots of opportunities to score inside the paint, and in the middle of the lane. So in addition to working on post moves from the blocks, work on shooting from the middle part of the lane. You may catch passes in this spot, and you may grab an offensive board and have the opportunity to shoot lots of put-back shots from the mid-lane area.

Step-Outs on the Baselines
Centers and forwards often make moves or catch passes a few feet out from the blocks, along the baselines. Work on being able to shoot little jump shots, or drive to the basket from these step-out areas along the baselines.

Elbow
Work on being an offensive threat at the free throw line and elbows.  Many offenses require inside players to spend a good chunk of time at the high post. You'll have to work on being able to shoot a jumper, or drive the lane from these spots.  As a "post" player, you'll need to know the low post game, but you'll also have to know how to operate at the high post.

As you can see, being a good inside player isn't just about operating on the blocks.  To be a very effective 4 or 5-spot player, you'll need to work on being a pretty dynamic offensive threat.  Work on the areas addressed above and you'll be well on your way to being a big-time offensive threat as an inside player.

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