Mastering the Post-Up: Using Basketball Concepts in Lacrosse Offense
Set up the drill
Place an attacker inside the 8-meter arc with her back to the cage.
Start with a pass from the top of the 12-meter to the inside attacker.
Begin as a 1v1 situation, later progress to 5v5 by adding perimeter players.
Offensive focus
Catch the ball with your body between the defender and the cage.
Keep your arms strong and extended to shield the ball.
Use your butt and shoulders to establish space and seal the defender.
Mix in jab steps, shoulder fakes, and body fakes to create openings.
Defensive reaction
Once the ball enters the 8, all defenders are live.
The on-ball defender must force pressure while off-ball defenders crash in to support.
Shot clock challenge
Set a 20-second timer after the entry pass.
The offense must create and take a shot within that window.
Progression
Begin with isolated 1v1 post-up reps.
Add perimeter players to evolve into 5v5 decision-making situations.
Posting up in lacrosse is one of the most effective ways for attackers to generate high-quality scoring opportunities. While the sport has unique rules and field dynamics, incorporating basketball-inspired concepts allows players to create separation, shield defenders, and make quick decisions under pressure. This drill trains players to maximize their physical presence and refine their decision-making within the constraints of the shot clock.
The first major advantage of posting up is ball protection. By positioning the attacker with her back to the cage, she uses her body as a shield. This makes it more difficult for defenders to check the ball and provides the attacker with greater control over the pace of play. Asking for the ball out in front of her frame further reduces the defender’s ability to disrupt the catch.
Second, the post-up teaches attackers how to initiate and control contact. Instead of being reactive, players learn to establish ground by using their hips, shoulders, and lower body. By leaning their back or butt into the defender’s midsection, attackers dictate the terms of engagement. This proactive approach prevents defenders from pushing them wide and forces defensive adjustments.
A third key benefit is the variety of scoring options. Once attackers establish their position, they can employ jab steps, shoulder fakes, or quick pivots to open shooting lanes. These moves, borrowed directly from basketball, create hesitation in defenders and allow attackers to choose between spinning, rolling, or stepping away for a shot. The drill emphasizes versatility, so attackers can adapt to different defensive looks.
The inclusion of a 20-second clock simulates game-like pressure. With modern lacrosse adopting shot clocks, attackers must learn to create and finish quickly. This forces players to think decisively, improving both their offensive tempo and situational awareness. Off-ball teammates also benefit, as they must react and reposition to maintain spacing and offer secondary options if the primary attacker is stopped.
From a defensive perspective, this drill enhances help-side awareness. When the ball enters the 8, defenders must recognize the need to crash and provide support. This improves overall team defense and ensures players are practicing realistic scenarios where rotations and slides are essential.
In short, posting up builds a foundation of physical dominance, smart decision-making, and composure under pressure. By incorporating this concept into regular training, coaches equip attackers with the tools to thrive in tight spaces and score efficiently. Whether in isolation or team play, the post-up drill strengthens offensive creativity and teaches defenders how to adapt, making it an invaluable part of player development.
