Chapter 139 - Post; Force & Skill (1/2)

When it came to playing in the post, Douglas and Roger knew what they were doing.

Both of them had a different approach to play the same position, but they got the job done, and till they were doing that, no one had any complaints.

Shun's experience with both of them was drastically different.

It was a competition of Force and Skill, two concepts clashed together, having equal yet different potential, and Shun was going to exploit both of them.

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In a practice session, Shun had his back to Antony in the post. Antony, Leonal, and Ming were the only ones that Shun could have a decent power post-matchup with, but Ming and Leonal rarely got into a post position.

Antony, too only posted when he was on defense, his attacks were fast-paced in nature, so posting was out of character for him.

Shun recalled what Douglas taught him.

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Douglas was behind Shun, practicing posting. He instructed Shun.

Douglas: ”Now, put your back into pushing me. Bend your knees properly, assume a stable form.

I know I talk about absolute strength, but I also know the importance of proper form and its benefits.

Yes, just like that. You're doing good, but...”

Douglas sighed and backed away from Shun. Shun turned towards him and asked.

Shun: ”What happened?”

Douglas stared at Shun and responded.

Douglas: ”Shun, you're form is correct, and if you tried, you could pull more force from that, but the problem is your intent.”

Shun: ”What do you mean by intent?”

Douglas crossed his arms and explained.

Douglas: ”The you right now is wired to respond with speed and quickness. So, you always look for escaping your defender at a moment's notice.

You are not giving it all in a contact showdown because you don't want to participate in the said showdown.

You could be more aggressive in a post-up, but because you are always thinking of making space between your mark, you are not leaning into the match-up.

I know you said to teach you, but if you don't commit to my style of playing, then there is no real benefit in me teaching you.”

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Shun thought back to his talk with Douglas and understood that Shun's style of play has always been to make space, leave the defender behind, free to move style, but Douglas didn't play it like that.

Shun took a deep breath and got ready.

Shun: 'Don't run away from the contest.'

Shun got into the proper stance and pushed back without holding back and putting in all the strength in his push, straining himself.

Antony, who was defending Shun felt a might push from Shun, and was forced to back up a step.

Antony: ”Uff! What?”

Shun gritted his teeth and pushed back once again. Antony braced himself, but he still ended up backing up.

Shun and Antony reached below the basket in the Dee and Shun, immediately did a drop step to the basket.

Antony was stunned as all his senses screamed at him that if he let Shun pass, he would end up scoring.

And, he saw the shadow of Douglas behind Shun. He s.u.c.k.e.d in a deep breath and instinctively fouled Shun.

Albert whistled to call a foul.

Antony stared at Shun, and he clearly saw Douglas's shadow behind Shun.

Antony: 'This is freaky.'

Douglas, on the other hand, shouted and laughed loudly.

Douglas: ”Hahaha. Excellent, that is how you play in the post. Make them fear you so much that they foul you.”

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