In basketball, like in all sports, there are specific skills one must possess to perform at the optimal level and achieve success in the game. Guards should be able to perform numerous tasks on the court with and without the ball. Posts, on the other hand, have a completely different set of skills that they need to master in order to be successful at the professional level. This article will give you an idea of the skill sets that players wanting to take their game to the next level should strive to perfect.
 
GUARDS

Below are the skills that guards should possess to become successful at the professional level.

· All guards should be able to handle the ball against pressure as well as absorb contact while still surveying the court.
· Guards should also master the art of changing speeds and directions simultaneously.
· Pick and Roll is a big part of the pro game so guards should focus and work towards learning how to read the screens and picks.
· Guards should utilize all aspects of the triple threat position, working on the 1 and 2 dribble separation moves to open themselves up for the shot.
· A good back court player should possess the ability to pass the ball to their teammates where they are comfortable catching it, setting them up in the most optimal situation possible.
· As a guard you should be able to shoot the deep ball with and without the dribble and have the know how to set screens yourself.
· Guards need to understand the drive and kick game and once they have penetrated they should be able to pass off with either hand.

Remember that guards have to be first and foremost in fantastic physical and mental condition to be able to execute these skills on the hardwood.
 
POST PLAYERS

Below are the skills that post players should posses to become successful at the professional level. If a post player can focus on perfecting these skills and work hard towards them everyday, he or she will be a step closer to a more successful basketball career.

· Post players should enjoy contact and setting screens for others. Part of your job as a post player is to get involved with the offense and help the guards create plays.
· Another very important skill that a big man should possess is the ability to catch the ball in traffic and finish with contact. Posts should attempt to catch the ball as close to the rim as possible as often as they can.
· The key in the post is to get to the front of the rim, however, if that is taken away a post player must be able to immediately counter with another move from their arsenal.
· Post players should be able to face up and take it to their opponent.  This includes mastering the art of posting up in all of its forms.
· Post players must be willing to fight for position on both sides of the court. All rebounds, offensive and defensive, are important and should be a top priority for a big man.
· Bigs have to be comfortable in the pick n’ pop and pick n’ roll game, don’t just ask for the ball in the post, demand it.
· Posts have to be able to jump in a crowd and know when to kick the ball out of a double team. Use your teammates if it’s not there.
· Big men should always be in top physical shape. Many big guys think that they can get away with less then great shape because of their size.
· Post players should be able to throw a good outlet pass to get the offense started. They should also possess the ability to run the floor and hit the trailer jumper.

ALL PLAYERS

All players should contest every shot and understand the 2 man game by eye contact. When making cuts you must use finesse cuts along with power cuts to keep the defense off-balance. A good player will get to the foul line at least once every 7 minutes.  Don’t be afraid to be physical, a referee can’t call every foul. Finally, when you go to the gym to work on your game, don’t “workout,” work until you pass out. If you can follow these guidelines and strengthen your game in the areas specified, your game will rise to a new level. If you can work on the specified skills for your position and tune some of your basic skills to compliment your arsenal, then the sky will be the limit.