What is the Face Up variation of Post Up?

Instead of playing with their back to the basket, the post player catches, turns to face the defense, and attacks like a perimeter player — using a jab step, shot fake, or one dribble to create a mid-range look. Deadly against defenders who sag off.

What is the Kick Out variation of Post Up?

The post player catches, draws the double team, then quickly finds the open teammate on the perimeter. The threat of the double team is what creates the open three. Requires a post player with excellent vision and passing instincts.

Post Up Explained — EuroLeague Basketball

Post Up

A player establishes position with their back to the basket, receives the ball, and attacks the defender one-on-one from close range — forcing the defense to choose between giving up an easy basket or collapsing and leaving shooters open.

Offensive Intermediate

Step 1

Dribble

Pass

Cut / Roll / Pop

Screen

Defensive option

Shot

What to watch for

Watch where X5 plays on the body of the post player before the catch. Chest-to-back means the post player will drop step to the open side. Hip-to-hip means face up and attack. And watch the weak side — if a second defender rotates to help, there's an open shooter somewhere on the perimeter.

Stats that answer the question

Real example

In 2024-25, Nikola Mirotic at Olympiacos demonstrated what elite post play looks like in EuroLeague. Operating from the left block, Mirotic combined a reliable drop step with an unstoppable face-up mid-range game — forcing defenses into impossible choices and routinely drawing fouls when they tried to double team.

Related actions

Pick and Roll Isolation Post Defense

Stats to learn