Are you new to hockey and wondering what it means when a player says they’re “post up”? Or perhaps you’re a seasoned player looking to perfect your strategy on the ice. In either case, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll define what post up means in hockey and how you can use it to your advantage.
At its core, post up is a strategy used by players to establish a strong, stationary position in front of the opposing team’s goal. It’s a crucial move in the game, as it creates scoring opportunities and makes it difficult for the opposing team to defend against. In this article, we’ll explore the nuances of the post up strategy and how it can give you an edge on the ice.
Whether you’re a forward or a defenseman, understanding the post up position and technique is essential to improving your game. In the following sections, we’ll cover everything you need to know about post up, including common mistakes to avoid and practice drills to help you perfect your technique. So, if you’re ready to take your hockey skills to the next level, keep reading to learn more about the power of post up.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Post Up Position in Hockey
If you’re a hockey player, you’ve probably heard the term “post up” before. But what does it really mean? Essentially, when a player “posts up,” they position themselves in front of the opposing team’s net, with their back facing the goal. This allows them to use their body to shield the puck and create space for themselves, making it easier to take shots on goal.
The post up position is most commonly used by forwards, but it can also be utilized by defensemen in certain situations. It requires a lot of strength, balance, and skill to maintain this position and fend off defenders.
So why is the post up position so effective? For one, it allows the player to create a screen for their teammates, obstructing the goaltender’s view of the puck. Additionally, it can help draw defenders away from other areas of the ice, opening up opportunities for other players to make a play.
If you’re looking to incorporate the post up strategy into your game, it’s important to practice your balance and puck control. You’ll also need to be able to read the play and anticipate where the puck will be coming from, so that you can position yourself accordingly. With some practice and dedication, the post up position can be a valuable tool in your offensive arsenal.
What is the Post Up Position in Hockey and How is it Used?
The post up position in hockey is a strategic move used by forwards to gain an advantage over the defense. This position is when a forward positions themselves in front of the net with their back to the defender. The player in this position uses their body to shield the puck from the defender and create space to take a shot or pass to a teammate.
- Creating Space: By positioning themselves in front of the net, the forward is able to create space for themselves and their teammates to move and make plays.
- Shielding the Puck: The player in the post up position uses their body to protect the puck from the defender, making it more difficult for them to steal the puck.
- Scoring Opportunities: Being in the post up position puts the forward in a prime location to take a shot on net, or make a quick pass to a teammate for a scoring opportunity.
- Power Play: The post up position is especially useful on the power play, where the team with the man advantage can use the extra space and time to create scoring chances.
- Defensive Strategy: The post up position can also be used defensively, with a player positioning themselves in front of their own net to block shots and clear the puck.
Using the post up position requires skill, strength, and good positioning. Players must be able to protect the puck with their body while maintaining balance and awareness of their surroundings. It’s a technique that can be used in a variety of game situations and is an effective way to create scoring opportunities.
How to Use the Post Up Strategy to Score More Goals
If you want to score more goals in hockey, understanding the post up position is crucial. Here are three ways to use the post up strategy to your advantage:
Find the open space: When using the post up technique, it’s important to find open space in front of the net where you can receive the puck. Look for areas where you can position yourself between the defenders and the goal.
Control the puck: Once you receive the puck in the post up position, it’s important to be able to control it. Use your body to protect the puck from defenders while looking for an opportunity to take a shot or pass to a teammate.
Be patient: Don’t rush your shot when in the post up position. Take your time and wait for the perfect opportunity to take a shot. If no opportunity presents itself, look for a teammate who may be in a better position to score.
Using the Post Up to Create Scoring Opportunities
Now that you understand the basics of the post-up position, it’s time to learn how to use it to create scoring opportunities. Here are some tips to help you score more goals:
- Keep your stick on the ice: When you’re in the post-up position, make sure your stick is on the ice so you can quickly redirect a pass into the net.
- Use your body: Use your body to shield the puck from defenders while you wait for a teammate to make a pass to you.
- Be aware of your surroundings: Look around and be aware of where your teammates and opponents are positioned so you can quickly make a move to get to the net.
- Be patient: Don’t rush your shot. Take the time to get into the right position and wait for the perfect opportunity to score.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to use the post-up position to create scoring opportunities and increase your chances of scoring more goals.
Implementing the Post Up in Power Play Situations
Power play situations are one of the best opportunities to implement the post up strategy. By positioning a player in front of the opposing team’s net, you can create scoring chances and make it difficult for the goalie to see the puck. This is especially effective when the opposition has a penalty, giving your team the advantage.
It’s important to have a player with good hand-eye coordination in the post up position during power plays. This allows them to redirect the puck into the net or create rebounds for teammates to score. Communication between the player in the post up position and the rest of the team is also crucial, as they need to be aware of the puck’s movement and anticipate passes.
Another effective way to use the post up during power plays is to have a player rotate into the position during play. This can catch the opposing team off guard and create scoring opportunities that they may not have anticipated.
Common Mistakes When Implementing the Post Up Technique
Overreliance on the Post Up: One common mistake is relying too heavily on the post up and not utilizing other offensive strategies. While the post up can be effective, it should not be the only method of attacking.
Poor Timing: Timing is crucial in executing the post up. A common mistake is attempting the post up at the wrong time, such as when there is a defender already in position to disrupt the play.
Lack of Communication: Effective communication is essential for executing the post up. Players need to communicate with each other to ensure they are in the correct position and that the play is executed correctly.
Overusing the Post Up Position and Limiting Offensive Options
Post up position is an essential tactic in basketball where a player positions themselves in the low post to receive a pass and score. However, overusing this technique can be predictable, and opponents can prepare to defend it.
Limiting offensive options can put unnecessary pressure on the player in the post up position. It is vital to have alternative strategies to ensure that the team doesn’t become one-dimensional. Utilizing different plays, such as pick and rolls and cutting to the basket, can create more opportunities for scoring.
Another issue with relying on the post up position is that it can lead to a stagnant offense. Defenses can quickly adjust to stop the post up position, and without additional offensive strategies, it becomes increasingly challenging to score. Therefore, players must understand when to use the post up position and when to utilize other tactics.
Teams and coaches must also be aware of how the overuse of the post up position can affect the team’s performance in the long run. The lack of diversity in offensive options can hurt a team’s ability to adjust to different opponents and situations. Thus, coaches must teach and emphasize the importance of having a balanced offense.
Basketball is a game of strategies and adapting to different scenarios. While the post up position can be a useful tactic, overreliance on it can limit a team’s offensive capabilities. By utilizing different plays, such as pick and rolls and cutting to the basket, teams can keep their opponents guessing and create more scoring opportunities.
In conclusion, while the post up position is a necessary tactic in basketball, overusing it can lead to limited offensive options and a predictable offense. Teams must strive to maintain a balance between post up plays and other offensive strategies, such as pick and rolls and cutting to the basket. A diverse offense keeps opponents guessing and gives the team more opportunities to score.
Post Up vs. Screen: What’s the Difference?
Post up and screen are two offensive moves used in basketball to gain an advantage over the defender. While both techniques are effective in their own way, they differ in execution and purpose. The post up is a move where the offensive player positions himself in the low block area near the basket, usually with his back to the defender. This move is used to create a scoring opportunity for the offensive player or to draw a foul from the defender.
A screen, on the other hand, is a move where an offensive player sets a pick on a defender to free up a teammate for an open shot or a drive to the basket. The screener doesn’t necessarily have to be near the basket and can be set anywhere on the court. This move is used to create space for the ball handler or to force a switch on defense.
While the post up and screen are two different offensive techniques, they can be used in combination with each other to create a more effective offense. A post up can be used to draw a double team from the defense, leaving another offensive player open for a screen and roll play. Alternatively, a screen can be used to free up a player for a pass to the post, leading to a post-up opportunity.
Comparing the Post Up and Screen Techniques in Hockey
Post up and screen are also two techniques used in hockey to create offensive opportunities. The post-up move in hockey is known as net-front presence, where an offensive player positions himself in front of the opponent’s net to disrupt the goalie’s view and create scoring chances. On the other hand, a screen in hockey is a move where an offensive player positions himself in front of the opposing goalie to block his view of the puck.
While both techniques share some similarities with their basketball counterparts, there are some differences in execution and effectiveness. Net-front presence requires the offensive player to stay in front of the net, making it easier for the opposing team to defend against. In contrast, a screen in hockey can be set anywhere on the ice, making it harder for the defense to anticipate and defend against.
Another difference between the two techniques is that net-front presence is more effective in situations where the puck is in close proximity to the net. Screens, on the other hand, are more effective when the puck is further away from the net, allowing the offensive team to set up a play.
While both techniques have their advantages and disadvantages, they can be used in combination with each other to create a more effective offense. A net-front presence can be used to disrupt the opposing goalie’s view, leaving another offensive player open for a screen and shot on goal. Alternatively, a screen can be used to create space for a player to position himself for a net-front presence.
Practice Drills to Perfect Your Post Up Game
To become a master of the post up technique, you need to practice it regularly. Here are five practice drills that will help you improve your game:
One-on-One Post Up: This drill involves practicing the post-up technique against a single defender. The focus is on improving your footwork, positioning, and post moves.
Two-on-Two Post Up: This drill involves practicing the post-up technique against two defenders. The focus is on improving your ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and find open teammates.
Shooting off the Post: This drill involves practicing your shooting ability after receiving a pass from a post-up position. The focus is on improving your accuracy and speed when shooting.
Post Up and Pass: This drill involves practicing the post-up technique followed by a quick pass to an open teammate. The focus is on improving your decision-making skills, passing accuracy, and court vision.
Post Up and Rebound: This drill involves practicing the post-up technique followed by a rebound attempt after a missed shot. The focus is on improving your offensive rebounding skills and finishing ability near the basket.
By practicing these drills regularly, you can improve your post up technique and become a dominant force in the paint.
Drills to Improve Footwork and Balance in the Post Up Position
Proper footwork and balance are key to dominating the post up position. Here are three drills to help you improve your footwork and balance:
- Cone Drills: Set up cones in a square shape around the net, and practice moving from cone to cone while maintaining your balance and keeping your feet moving.
- Single-Leg Balancing: Stand on one leg and hold the post up position for 30 seconds to a minute. Switch to the other leg and repeat.
- Partner Push: Have a partner stand behind you and push against your shoulders while you maintain your post up position. This will help you build strength and balance.
By incorporating these drills into your training, you can develop the footwork and balance necessary to become a dominant post player.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the Post Up technique used in hockey?
The Post Up technique in hockey involves a player standing in front of the opponent’s goal crease with their back facing the goal, using their body to shield the puck from the opposing player while looking for a scoring opportunity. This technique can be used to create space and time for teammates, and to generate scoring chances.
What are some advantages of using the Post Up technique in hockey?
The Post Up technique in hockey can create scoring opportunities by allowing players to get closer to the net, which increases their chances of scoring. It can also help players draw penalties from the opposing team, as they may resort to physical contact to try and regain possession of the puck.
When should a player use the Post Up technique in hockey?
A player should use the Post Up technique in hockey when they have possession of the puck and are looking for a scoring opportunity. It can also be useful when a player is trying to kill time on the clock, as it allows them to hold onto the puck while minimizing the risk of a turnover.
What are some common mistakes players make when using the Post Up technique in hockey?
Common mistakes players make when using the Post Up technique in hockey include over-relying on the technique and limiting offensive options, failing to protect the puck from opposing players, and losing balance and positioning in front of the net. It is important for players to maintain good situational awareness and be prepared to adjust their tactics as needed.
How can players improve their Post Up technique in hockey?
Players can improve their Post Up technique in hockey by practicing specific drills that focus on footwork, balance, and puck protection. They can also benefit from watching game footage and studying the techniques of skilled Post Up players. Additionally, players should focus on building strength and endurance to maintain their position in front of the net for longer periods of time.