2-on-0 Post-Read-Shift is a core breakdown that teaches our automatic post relocations on strong-side penetration. When the wing drives, the post must instantly shift to create a clean outlet: baseline drive → lift to the ball-side elbow; middle drive → drop to the short corner. The ball handler drives to collapse the defense (two feet in the paint), then either pulls up or delivers a catchable kick-out to the post. We score with regular twos and threes and do not allow paint finishes; this keeps the emphasis on reads, spacing, and clean passing angles.

Setup & Organization

Use one half court. A coach (or manager) stands at midcourt with a ball. Form two lines at half court: bigs on one side of the jump circle and wings on the opposite side near the sideline. On the coach’s cue, the wing sprints to the deep wing and the big rim-runs to the low post. The coach pitch-aheads to the wing, who catches in triple-threat outside the arc. The big shows a target on the block for a quick seal.

Step-by-Step Progression

The wing sells a post feed with ball and pass fakes, then drives decisively to collapse the defense. On a baseline drive, the post lifts to the ball-side elbow as an immediate outlet. On a middle drive, the post drops to the short corner to open the passing window. The driver must get two feet into the paint, then come to a controlled two-foot stop and either pull up or throw a two-hand, on-time pass to the post’s new spot. The post catches ready to shoot on balance. Reset quickly with the next pair.

Non-negotiables each rep: the driver attacks to two feet in the paint, passes off two feet with two hands, and throws a pass the big can catch in traffic. The post shifts on airtime to present a clear target and immediate shot opportunity (no extra dribbles).

Scoring

Regular scoring (3 = three points, 2 = two points). No shots may be taken in the paint. Aim to score within one pass after the drive. Run for four minutes in two groups; highest cumulative score wins. Any sloppy rep (late shift, poor pass, or violation) does not count toward the total.

Coaching Points

Driver: attack with intent, eyes up, two feet in the paint, then stop on two and deliver a clean two-hand pass. Post: read the drive immediately—lift on baseline drives, drop on middle drives; show hands, square on the catch, shoot on balance. Passes must be catchable—do not throw your big into traffic. Sell the post feed with fakes to move the on-ball defender and create the lane line. Demand early, loud communication and precise footwork on every rep.

Variations

Flip sides to work both elbows/short corners. Require a one-more pass from the post to a coach on the perimeter before the shot (extra spacing rep). Add a guided defender on the wing to pressure the drive timing, or a chaser closing to the post to rehearse catch-and-shoot speed. Put a :05 decision clock on the driver to reinforce pace.