Low Post Seal and Score with a Wing Passer

A 1-on-1 near the rim with a passer on the wing: the post player seals the defender with the body, shows a target hand, and finishes with a drop step or a short shot. It works on back-to-the-basket play, legal contact, and finishing strong.

How to play

1. Groups of three at each basket, one on each side of the lane: passer on the wing, post and defender on the low block. Demonstrate the seal: wide base, hip into the defender, free hand as a target (2 min).
2. Phase 1, passive defender behind: the post seals, catches with two hands, checks over the shoulder, and finishes with a drop step and bank shot (3 min).
3. Phase 2: the defender plays behind or fronts the post; if fronted, the passer throws a lob or swings the ball to the corner (4 min).
4. Phase 3, live with a 3-second lane rule and 2 dribbles: a post basket is 2 points; a kick-out that the passer scores is 1 point (4 min).
5. Rotate every 3 possessions: passer to post, post to defense, defender to passer. Review which contact is legal (2 min).

Rules

• You may use your body to hold position, but never push with your hands or use your elbows.
• The post may not stay in the lane longer than 3 seconds without the ball.
• Safety: the two groups at each basket take turns instead of playing at the same time, so nobody collides in the lane.

Variations

Adaptations

• Students who use wheelchairs: play the passer and work on choosing the right post-entry pass.
• Students with autism or who avoid contact: play post against a defender who doesn't touch and only blocks the path.
• Pair students of similar size and strength so the seal is safe and fair.

Learning goals

• Seal the defender legally with the body to receive the ball.
• Finish with the back to the basket using a drop step or short shot.
• Follow contact rules in post play.

Equipment for a class of 25

• basketball: 9
• pinnies: 9
• basketball hoops: 5

Teacher tip

The most common mistake is catching too far from the rim; point out the low block next to the lane marks so they have a clear reference. To keep play respectful, stop the game the moment hand pushing shows up.

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