Helena Frye
Finishing in basketball is the ability to score, usually around the hoop, using different angles and through contact. To become a better finisher, players can practice drills such as the Mikan drill, corner finishing, wing finishing, and chair rip with a help defender. It is also important to work on finishing with both hands, improving ball handling, and varying techniques such as jump-stops and pump fakes. Additionally, focusing on body positioning and learning to use the rim to protect the ball from defenders can improve finishing skills. Practicing different types of finishes, such as floaters, finger rolls, and baby hooks, can also enhance a player's ability to score.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Drills | Mikan drill, corner finishing, wing finishing, chair rip with help defender, 1on1 escape with help defender, ball screen finishing, fast break drills (3on2, 2on1, etc) |
| Practice | Practice with both hands, at different angles, speeds, and distances from the rim |
| Ball protection | Use your off-hand to protect the ball without fouling, keeping it extended away from the defender |
| Body positioning | Use your body to create an angle for yourself and limit the defender's ability to get off the ground |
| Finishing techniques | Jump-stops, pump fakes, reverse layups, hook shots, finger rolls |
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What You'll Learn
Practice the Mikan drill
The Mikan drill is an essential training exercise for basketball players aiming to enhance their skills near the basket. It is named after the legendary basketball player, George Mikan, who dominated his opponents during the 1940s and 1950s using the hook shot he perfected through this drill. The Mikan drill is a testament to its effectiveness and has stood the test of time, being used by players at all levels, from high school teams to NBA professionals.
The basic Mikan drill involves making layups with both hands on both sides of the basket. Start by standing on either the right or left side of the basket, facing the baseline, with a basketball in hand. Then, perform a right-hand layup, jumping off your left foot. After making the layup, rebound the ball and switch sides, performing a left-hand layup and rebounding again. Continue this pattern, alternating sides with each successful layup, until you achieve a set number of baskets. This basic drill helps improve coordination, rhythm, and feel around the basket.
Once you have mastered the basic Mikan drill, you can incorporate variations to challenge yourself further. One variation is the Reverse Mikan drill, where you face the opposite direction, towards the free-throw line, while maintaining the same alternating rhythm of left, right, shoot, and rebound. Another variation involves switching your hands and feet, where you jump with the outside foot and shoot with the inside arm. You can also add two-footed jumping to the drill, performing a set number of regular Mikan drills from each side, then shifting to jumping off both feet, and finally doing reverse layups with two feet.
The Mikan drill not only improves your finishing ability near the rim but also enhances your footwork, coordination, cardio, and ball control. It teaches you the correct stance, jumping form, and layup form, all while keeping your entire body active and improving your overall agility. By incorporating the Mikan drill into your daily practice, you can seamlessly enhance your offensive moves and improve your overall performance on the court.
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Improve your 'touch'
Improving your touch is a key aspect of becoming a better finisher in basketball. Here are some ways to do that:
Practice with the Mikan Drill
The Mikan Drill is a great way to improve your finishing skills. Named after the legendary player George Mikan, this drill simply involves making layups with both hands on both sides of the basket. Kyrie Irving, one of the best finishers in the game, is known to use this drill to develop his skills. By varying the drill, you can work on different factors such as distance from the rim, where you aim on the backboard, and which leg you finish off of. This will help you experiment with the amount and direction of spin you put on the ball, which will eventually become second nature.
Work on Your Left and Right Hands
It's important to be able to finish effectively with both your left and right hands. If you're right-hand dominant, work on your left hand until it's just as skilled. Vice versa if you're left-handed. Practice finishing with both hands at different angles and through contact. This will make you less predictable to defenders and improve your overall finishing ability.
Develop a Range of Finishing Moves
Don't rely on just one or two finishing moves. Work on developing a variety of finishes such as off-the-glass high and low, floaters, finger rolls, baby hooks, and more. By having a repertoire of finishes, you'll be able to adapt to different game situations and defenders. Practice these moves at different speeds, from a standstill, and at game speed.
Protect the Ball
Ball protection is crucial when finishing near the hoop. Use your off-hand to shield the ball from defenders without fouling, keeping it extended away from them. This will help you create the personal space you need to make your finish. Practice protecting the ball with both your layup hand and your off-hand so that it becomes natural during games.
Use the Rim to Your Advantage
Learn to use the rim to protect the ball from defenders. If you can get the defender on your hip directly under the basket, the rim will act as a barrier between the defender and the ball. Additionally, if you drive baseline and practice finishing with a reverse, you can utilize the rim to your advantage.
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Learn to use the rim
Learning to use the rim is a great way to improve your finishing in basketball. Here are some tips to help you master this skill:
Firstly, understand the concept of using the rim. The rim essentially acts as a barrier between the defender and the ball, providing protection for your shot. To do this effectively, try to get the defender on your hip directly under the basket, or drive baseline and practice finishing with a reverse. This will force the defender to backpedal while you move forward, keeping them off-balance and making it harder for them to block your shot.
Secondly, practice the Mikan Drill, a technique used by players like Kyrie Irving to improve their finishing. This drill involves making layups with both hands on both sides of the basket. Start by standing right in front of the rim and making layups with both hands, then turn around and do the same backwards. Once you're comfortable, increase the difficulty by varying factors such as distance from the rim, where you aim on the backboard, and which leg you finish off of. This will help you master the amount and direction of spin needed for each spot and angle, allowing you to make precise calculations during games.
Additionally, work on your body positioning and technique. Ensure that you're using your body to create contact with the defender, rather than extending your arms or dipping your shoulder. Subtle contact is best, as it looks more natural and avoids fouls. Practice techniques like jump-stops and pump fakes to improve your ability to create space and slow down momentum when finishing.
Remember, finishing is a skill that can always be improved upon. Focus on getting quality touches around the basket and finishing from different angles. The more you practice, the better your finishing skills will become.
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Develop a 'go-to move'
Developing a go-to move is essential to becoming a better finisher in basketball. Here are some tips to help you develop your signature move:
Firstly, it's important to be versatile and adaptable. Practice finishing in a variety of ways, such as off-the-glass high or low, floaters, finger rolls, baby hooks, and more. This will keep your opponents guessing and make you less predictable. Work on your weak side until it becomes your strength. If you're naturally right-handed, practice with your left hand until it becomes second nature. This will make you a more well-rounded player and harder to defend.
Next, learn to use the rim to your advantage. By positioning yourself so that the defender is on your hip directly under the basket, you can use the rim to protect the ball from the defender. This technique gives you an advantage and increases your chances of making a successful finish. Additionally, practice finishing with a reverse move or a hook shot, which can be especially effective in pick-up games.
Another crucial aspect of developing your go-to move is mastering the Mikan Drill. Named after the legendary player George Mikan, this drill involves making layups with both hands on both sides of the basket. Kyrie Irving, a renowned finisher, attributes his success to his mastery of this drill. Vary the drill by experimenting with factors such as distance from the rim, backboard placement, and finishing legs. This will help you understand the amount and direction of spin required on the ball in different scenarios.
Lastly, focus on your body positioning and technique. Ensure your eyes are fixed on the finish, rather than being distracted by defenders. Learn to use techniques like jump-stops and pump fakes to create space and slow down your momentum, allowing you to finish with precision. Additionally, work on creating contact with your body to limit the defender's ability to block your shot, similar to the technique used by Chris Paul. Remember, it's not just about height or athleticism; it's about using your body effectively to create angles and protect the ball.
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Work on your left hand
To become a better finisher in basketball, you must work on your left hand. This is because, as a player, you don't want to be predictable to your opponents. If you are right-hand dominant, defenders will quickly pick up on this and block your moves. Therefore, it is important to practice with your left hand until it is about as good as your right.
One way to do this is by doing the Mikan Drill. This drill is named after the legendary player George Mikan and is a great way to develop your skills with both hands. Simply practice making layups with both hands on both sides of the basket. You can also vary the drill by changing factors such as your distance from the rim, where you aim on the backboard, and which leg you finish off of. This will force you to experiment with the amount and direction of spin you put on the ball, which will take repetition to master.
Another way to improve your left hand is by practicing finger rolls. These are the most common and reliable type of layup. Learn to finger roll with both arms and make it a part of your muscle memory. You can also try finishing with a reverse or an over-the-shoulder turn-around jumper when approaching from the left side of the rim.
In addition to these drills, it is important to work on your ball handling skills with your left hand. This includes learning how to protect the ball and create space. By improving your left-hand skills, you will become a more versatile and unpredictable player, making it easier to finish shots during games.
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Frequently asked questions
Here are some tips to improve your finishing skills:
- Practice finishing with both hands to improve your versatility.
- Use techniques like jump-stops and pump fakes to create more opportunities for yourself.
- Work on your ball handling and protection to reduce the risk of turnovers.
- Develop a variety of finishes, such as off-the-glass shots and floaters, to keep defenders guessing.
- Study and learn from great finishers like Kyrie Irving, James Harden, and Chris Paul.
There are several effective drills to enhance your finishing abilities:
- The Mikan Drill: A fundamental drill where you practice making layups with both hands on both sides of the basket. Vary this drill by adjusting your distance, aiming at different spots on the backboard, and using different legs for finishing.
- Finger Rolls: A common type of layup that you should master. Practice finger rolls with both arms to improve your finishing consistency.
- Fast-break drills: Practice finishing in game-like scenarios with drills such as 3-on-2 or 2-on-1 situations to improve your decision-making and finishing under pressure.
Mental focus is crucial for finishing effectively. Here are some tips to improve your mental game:
- Pay attention to your eye movement and focus on the shot, not the defender.
- Use the rim to your advantage by positioning the defender on your hip or driving baseline to create separation.
- Think "jump up, not out" when approaching the rim to help control your momentum and finish with better accuracy.
