Post Pass Progression Drill: Build Elite Decision-Making in Your Post Players

If you’ve ever coached a post player who can score but freezes under pressure when the defense collapses, this post pass progression drill is for you.

The truth is, scoring from the post is only half the battle. Great post players see the floor, make quick reads, and deliver on-target passes that create high-percentage shots for teammates.

That’s what we build with the Post Pass Progression Drill—a simple but powerful series that trains the four most common passing situations your post players will face in games.

Also… you can never have too many passing drills in your arsenal. Here are a few more you might enjoy after diving into this blog:

1. Serbian Passing Drill: Teach Your Players to Pass at Full Speed
2. Wrap Passing Drill: Build Footwork, First-Step Quickness & Precision Passing
3. Train the “One Extra” Pass: A Simple Drill to Build Unselfish Teams

Post Pass Progression Drill Overview

The progression covers four essential reads:

1. High-Low Pass

• Big-to-big action. Emphasizes timing, touch, and vision.
• Great for punishing fronting defenses.

2. Kick-Out to a Shooter

• Post receives the ball, peeks at the rim, and kicks to a relocating perimeter player.
• Builds awareness and passing under pressure.

3. Hitting the Cutter

• Cutter flashes through the paint—post player reads it and delivers on time.
• Emphasizes patience, timing, and vision through traffic.

4. Double Team Kick-Out

• Defense sends help. Post player keeps composure, peeks at the rim, and finds the open teammate.
• Great for developing poise and reading pressure.

Coaching Points of Emphasis

• Peek at the Rim First: Every rep starts with the post player looking to score first. This keeps the defense honest and improves shot-read timing.
• Deliver Clean Passes Under Pressure: Whether it’s to a cutter or out of a double team, the pass must be sharp, on time, and delivered with confidence.
• Game-Realistic Reps: Add guided defenders, time constraints, or even go live to elevate decision-making under game-like conditions.

Why It Matters

Most coaches talk about “playing inside out”—but few train their bigs to actually make those reads consistently.

When your post player can…

• Read the defense and hit cutters
• Kick out to shooters with timing
• Handle double teams with composure
• Create shots for teammates under pressure

…you’ve got a high-IQ big who can keep your offense flowing—even when the defense is loaded up.

See the Post Pass Progression Drill in Action

Great post players aren’t just scorers—they’re problem-solvers. The Post Pass Progression drill helps your players become just that.

FAQ: Post Pass Progression Drill to Develop High-IQ, Playmaking Bigs

This FAQ answers key questions about teaching post passing skills, running the Post Pass Progression Drill effectively, and building decision-making in the paint under pressure.

Q: What is the Post Pass Progression Drill?

A: The Post Pass Progression Drill is a structured, game-scenario series that teaches post players how to:

• Deliver high-lows to other bigs
• Kick out to shooters under pressure
• Hit cutters on the move
• Handle double teams with poise

It focuses on reading defenses and delivering passes with confidence and accuracy.

Use this drill to build passing instincts and composure in your post players.

Q: Why is passing important for post players?

A: Post players often attract double teams or draw help defenders. If they can’t read and react, your offense stalls. Elite post players:

• Maintain floor spacing
• Reward cutters
• Create open shots for teammates

Passing unlocks their full impact as both scorers and facilitators.

Coach your bigs to pass with the same focus you coach them to score.

Q: What are the four types of passes in the progression?

A:

• High-Low Pass – Timed lob or bounce to another big
• Kick-Out to Shooter – Spot an open teammate relocating on the perimeter
• Pass to Cutter – Flashing wing or guard moving through the lane
• Double Team Kick-Out – Maintain poise and find the open player

Each read mimics a real defensive scenario your post players will face.

Practice each read separately before combining them into full-progressions.

Q: What are the key coaching cues for this drill?

A: Emphasize:

• Peek at the rim first to keep scoring threats alive
• Deliver passes on time and on target
• Stay strong with the ball under pressure
• Read the defense, don’t rush the action

These cues reinforce composure and smart decision-making.

Break down each rep with feedback focused on timing, vision, and poise.

Q: How can I make this drill more game-like?

A: Add layers such as:

• • Guided defenders to simulate help or double teams
  • Time constraints to increase urgency
  • Live segments for dynamic reads and in-the-moment decisions

These adjustments help players learn to pass under realistic game stress.

Advance the drill weekly by increasing defensive pressure and decision speed.

Q: How does this drill support an inside-out offensive strategy?

A: The Post Pass Progression teaches post players to initiate offense from the block or high post. When they can:

• • • Recognize cutters
    • Draw help and kick out
    • Hit opposite bigs on lobs

They keep the defense rotating, creating quality looks for the entire team.

Use this drill to turn your bigs into true offensive anchors.

Q: Can this drill be used with perimeter players too?

A: Yes. It’s a great tool to:

• • • Train guards and wings as cutters or shooters
    • Develop timing and footwork when receiving passes
    • Reinforce spacing and relocation principles

This makes the drill valuable across multiple positions.

Rotate players through both post and perimeter roles for complete team understanding.

Q: What if my post players aren’t confident passers yet?

A: Start with simplified, static reps where the post reads and passes without pressure. Then:

• • • Progress to light defense
    • Focus on one pass type per day
    • Celebrate small wins and clean execution

Confidence builds through clear reps and steady growth.

Keep the structure consistent and increase pressure only as their skills progress.

Q: How do I track improvement in post passing?

A: Use metrics like:

• • • Pass accuracy (on-target completions)
    • Turnovers in live segments
    • Reaction time to doubles or cutters
    • Video breakdown of reads and decisions

Over time, you’ll see sharper passes, better timing, and fewer forced plays.

Film occasional reps and review with your players to build self-awareness.

Q: Where can I find more drills that teach passing and decision-making for bigs?

A: The PGC Coaching Community includes video libraries, coaching progressions, and advanced breakdowns for every position, including elite post development. With a 7-day free trial, you’ll access hundreds of drills that combine IQ, footwork, and pressure passing. It’s a trusted space for smart, intentional coaching growth.

Start your free trial of the PGC Coaching Community to unlock more drills like the Post Pass Progression today.

Teach Your Bigs to Read, React, and Lead from the Post

The Post Pass Progression Drill trains more than just skills—it develops leadership, awareness, and control under pressure. Make it a regular part of your training to elevate your bigs from scorers to decision-makers.

– TJ

Check out all of our offensive drills and strategy resources here.

About the Author

TJ Rosene

Coach TJ Rosene, head coach of the Emmanuel University men’s basketball team and Director of Coach Development for PGC Coaching, has spent his career shaping young athletes both on and off the court. With over 400 career wins and 12 seasons of 20+ wins, Rosene’s coaching experience is extensive and impressive. His teams have competed in six national championship games, winning three NCCAA National Championships. Under his leadership, the Lions made their NCAA Division II debut in 2018-19 and quickly captured two season titles and one tournament title, along with an appearance in the NCAA Division II Sweet 16 in 2021.

Rosene’s success expands far beyond the scoreboard. He’s been named National Coach of the Year three times and Conference Carolinas Coach of the Year twice. But for Coach Rosene, the most meaningful part of his work is the lasting impact he has on his players’ lives. As he puts it, “Coaching is a rare opportunity to shape and mold the lives of young people. It’s a privilege that I never take for granted.”