In order to not hit the post, Meats would have to start pulling back as soon as David's feet leave the ground, giving him enough time to move. Which is perfectly fine, as testing and observing David's fighting style and true speed was part of his tactic at that time. Otherwise, there would be no holding back from the very start.

And mind you, with that motion his chest will move backwards a good 2 feet. Maybe less, but not by a great deal, 2 inches at its best.