Amanda Knapp
Finishing is a critical skill in basketball, and developing this skill can lead to better offensive players. Finishing is not about out-athletic-ing the defense, but rather about reading the situation and making the correct move. A player who knows how to use their body and can be crafty can be a high-level finisher regardless of size. To be a better finisher, it is important to work on your touch, practice different types of finishes, and be able to finish with both hands. Drills such as corner finishing, wing finishing, and the Mikan Drill can help improve finishing skills. Additionally, techniques like jump-stops and pump fakes can make you a deadlier finisher. The more you practice and the more types of finishes you master, the better you will be able to read the game and make the correct finishing moves.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Finishing techniques | Work on jump-stops, pump fakes, and shot fakes |
| Practice | Practice daily, especially on your weak hand |
| Drills | Mikan Drill, corner finishing, wing finishing, chair rip with help defender, 1on1 escape with help defender, ball screen finishing, fast break drills |
| Body positioning | Use your body to create an angle for yourself and limit the defender's ability to get off the ground |
| Game-like drills | Passing decision or a continuing opportunity, such as a Nash dribble or immediate flow into another trigger |
| Muscle memory | Practice a variety of finishes from different angles to build muscle memory |
| Reading the game | Learn to anticipate and read the game to make the correct move |
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What You'll Learn
Learn to use your body
Learning to use your body is a crucial aspect of becoming a better finisher in basketball. Here are some key instructions and techniques to help you develop this skill:
Firstly, understand that finishing is not just about athleticism; it's about reading the situation and making the right move at the right time. This includes being able to finish with either hand. Practice using your non-dominant hand, as defenders will force you to your weak side, and developing skill in this area will increase your finishing percentage. Work on your ball handling skills, ensuring you can extend your arms in various directions to maximise the separation between the ball and the defender.
Next, study the angles. Learn to create angles for yourself by using your body position. This is especially useful when dealing with taller defenders. Creating contact with the defender can help eliminate their ability to get off the ground and block your shot. Use subtle, natural contact to avoid drawing attention from referees.
Additionally, practice different types of finishes. The more types of finishes you master, the better you will be at adapting to different game situations. Work on your jump-stops and pump fakes to add variety to your game. The shot fake, for example, can be very effective when used at the right time. It can force the defender to commit a foul, sending you to the free-throw line.
Finally, repetition is key. Practice your finishes from different angles and distances. Vary your drills to include different factors such as distance from the rim and which leg you use to finish. The more you repeat these drills, the better your muscle memory will become, and the easier it will be to execute these moves in a game.
By following these instructions and focusing on using your body effectively, you will develop your finishing skills and become a more well-rounded basketball player.
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Master different finishes
Mastering different finishes is a key aspect of becoming a better basketball finisher. Here are some techniques and tips to help you master various finishes:
Layups
Layups are fundamental to basketball and can significantly boost your scoring efficiency and confidence. While they may seem simple, mastering the mechanics of a layup requires a combination of footwork precision, body control, and a soft touch. Start by mastering the basic layup technique with both hands to develop a strong foundation. Then, add variations such as reverse layups, euro steps, and spin moves to keep defenders guessing. Practice different types of layups, such as off-the-glass finishes, floaters, and finger rolls, to improve your finishing skills.
Euro Step
The Euro Step is an advanced technique that involves misdirection and lateral movement. By taking extra steps, you can navigate around opponents instead of going through them, helping you avoid charges or blocked shots. This move is useful for players in any position and can be combined with a layup for an effective finish.
Pro Hop
The Pro Hop is a move that creates space for a clear shot near the basket. It adds variety to your finishes and helps you improve your agility for explosive finishes.
Spin Moves
Spin moves can leave defenders in the dust and create scoring opportunities. They add flair to your game and can be used to deceive defenders, allowing you to flip shots over their heads.
Floaters
Floaters are perfect for getting the ball over taller defenders. They can be practiced at different heights, such as off the glass high or off the glass low.
Two-Foot Finish
Jumping off both feet for a two-foot finish allows for a balanced and powerful finish at the rim.
Practice with Your Non-Dominant Hand
Work on developing your off-hand finishes by practicing with your non-dominant hand. This will make you less predictable and improve your overall finishing ability.
While mastering these finishes, it's important to remember that basketball finishing is about reading the situation and making the correct move. Quality repetition and practicing different scenarios will help you improve your decision-making and finishing skills.
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Develop your weak hand
Developing your weak hand is crucial to becoming a high-level finisher in basketball. If you rely too heavily on one hand, defences will force you to your weak side, resulting in lower percentage finishes. Therefore, it's essential to spend time improving your off-hand skills.
A great way to start is by practising layups with both hands on both sides of the basket using the Mikan Drill, named after the legendary player George Mikan. This simple drill will help you develop comfort and confidence with your weak hand. As you progress, vary the drill by adjusting factors such as distance from the rim, backboard aim, and which leg you finish off of. These variations will force you to experiment with the amount and direction of spin you put on the ball, requiring repetition to master each unique spin needed for different spots and angles.
In addition to drills, focus on improving your overall touch around the basket. The more quality touches you can get from different angles, the better. This will build your confidence in finishing tough layups during games. Work on extending your arms in different directions—high, left, right, and toward your knees—to maximize the separation between the ball and the defender.
By putting in the time and effort to develop your weak hand, you'll become a more well-rounded player, improving your finishing abilities and making you a more versatile scorer.
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Improve your shot fake
To improve your shot fake in basketball, you must first be a good shooter. The effectiveness of the shot fake is directly correlated to the threat of the player making shots. Therefore, to improve your shot fake, you must improve your ability to make shots.
The shot fake is a deceptive move that can be used to make defenders jump early, creating space for an easier real shot or a drive to the basket. It is important to vary your fakes and not fake every time. Mix up your shot fakes with real shots and drives to keep defenders guessing.
To perform a shot fake, you must begin the shooting motion but stop before releasing the ball. It is important to sell the move and make it look like your actual shot or finish. Use your body, head, ball, and eyes to convince the defender. After the shot fake, only bring the ball back down to your chest. Bringing it down to your waist can expose you to defenders who can strip the ball.
To improve your shot fake, you can practice the David Thorpe Shot Fake Finish Basketball Rebounding Drill. This drill helps develop your reaction speed to an offensive rebound. Track down the ball and go for it at its highest point. Keep your chin up and don't bring the ball down to your waist. Visualize the defender jumping and vary your finishes around the basket using different hands and techniques.
Additionally, you can work on your dribbling and finishing form with the 3 Bounce Crossover Basketball Dribbling Drill. This drill helps you fine-tune the details of a good crossover dribble and improve your technique when attacking a defender. Stay low and athletic as you execute your moves and work on different types of finishes at the basket.
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Practice finishing drills
Finishing is a critical skill in basketball, and one that can be improved through practice and repetition. While there are some common techniques that can be taught, finishing is also an individual skill that requires players to develop their own style and techniques that work for them.
There are a variety of drills that can be used to improve finishing skills. These include corner finishing, wing finishing, chair rip with help defender, 1-on-1 escape with help defender, and ball screen finishing. Fast-break drills are also useful, such as 3-on-2 or 2-on-1 situations.
One of the most well-known drills is the Mikan Drill, named after the legendary player George Mikan. This drill is useful for developing the ability to finish with either hand and from different angles. It involves making layups with both hands on both sides of the basket, and then varying the drill by changing factors such as distance from the rim, where to aim on the backboard, and which leg to jump off. This will force players to experiment with the amount and direction of spin on the ball, which will improve their ability to finish from different angles.
Another important aspect of finishing is learning to use techniques such as jump-stops and pump fakes to create space and time when close to the hoop. Shot fakes can be particularly effective in eliminating a shot-blocker's ability to contest your finish, but they must be subtle and controlled.
It is also important for players to be able to finish with both hands. If a player is only dominant with one hand, the defense will force them to their weak hand, resulting in lower-percentage finishes. Drills that focus on weak-hand development can help improve a player's ability to finish with either hand.
Finally, finishing is about reading the situation and making the correct move. Players should learn to anticipate where the defender will be in relation to the ball and adjust their finish accordingly. This will help maximize the separation between the ball and the defender.
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Frequently asked questions
Finishing is a critical skill in basketball, and there are many ways to improve in this area. Firstly, work on your touch and muscle memory by practicing finishes from different angles and with both hands. Learn to use your body and read angles to create space and craft high-percentage shots. Develop an arsenal of finishes, such as the floater, Pro Hop, and Euro Step, and know when to use each one.
The Mikan Drill is a great way to improve finishing. Named after George Mikan, it involves practicing layups with both hands on both sides of the basket. You can vary this drill by adjusting your distance from the rim, your aim on the backboard, and which leg you finish with. Other drills include corner finishing, wing finishing, and chair rip with a help defender.
Finishing with both hands is crucial. If you are only dominant with one hand, defenders will force you to your weak side, reducing your finishing percentage. By practicing with your weak hand, you can become more versatile and unpredictable.
Learn to read the game and anticipate the defender's position. Use techniques like jump-stops and pump fakes to create space and draw fouls. Be patient and vary your attacks to keep the defense guessing. Watch and learn from great finishers like Chris Paul, who uses his body to create angles and finish effectively.
