Teas Peeves: Post Play

#10 posting 3.10.2008
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Tonight Coach Teas steps away from the camera to state his pet peeve for the year, right before the state tournament---

POST PLAY

This year and last we have seen more physical post play on defense. Smaller girls many times have done a great job neutralizing bigger ones by really being physical. They use their hips, shoulders, forearms and leg power to really bother their opponent. Doing that while their teammates pressure the ball has really limited scoring in the paint. There still is a place for that strong kid who works hard even if she lacks ball skills.

What has bothered us though is watching a team with a strong post up center not getting the ball inside when post defense was weak. I remember one game well where a center scored 8 - 10 points from the low block in the first half getting blanked the second because the wing player would not look inside at all. The post player in this case was a little out of shape and got tired moving from block to block as the ball went from point to wing on one side and back to the other. She eventually left this close game late in the second half after not getting the ball from the wings at all. I wanted to scream “GET THE BALL INSIDE !” The coach should have recognized his offensive advantage and instructed the wings to at least peek in side but it just did not happen.

While it may be difficult to score in the paint with physical play so common, not recognizing when you do have a distinct advantage is a huge mistake. Guards and wings need to look inside and learn how to feed the post. Its painful to watch teams not taking advantage of situations because certain players do not pass the ball to teammates who are open for whatever reason. Coaches must see this and not allow it to happen.

Thanks coach Teas.

Next up: Tomorrow morning