There's no doubt that working on your jumpshot is very important for developing as a player. Being able to knock down open jumpers and stretching the floor is critical for any team at every level. However, often overlooked is the ability to finish at the rim. It may not be as fun to work on as training your three point shot, but it is essential for becoming more effective and versatile during games.
Take Kyrie Irving for example. His incredible ability to finish at the rim with 7 footers contesting him helped allow the Cleveland Cavaliers secure the 2016 NBA Championship. While he clearly has a knack for finishing strong with great touch, there's no doubt he works tirelessly on his finishing ability.
Here are 3 important keys to work on when finishing at the rim. The only way to truly get better is through purposeful training. That's why we designed the Dr. Dish All-Star as the only shooting machine on the market designed to work on finishing basketball drills as well as outside shooting drills.
Focus on Footwork
Having proper footwork is very important in all facets of the game and especially when attacking the basket. The best finishers are able to take off both feet, or either foot, to finish effectively.
The most common way of learning to shoot a layup, for example, is to take off of your left foot on the right side and right foot on the left side. This is the most fundamental way of teaching finishing at the rim. However, great finishers are able to take off either foot and can throw the defense off if they take off the "wrong" foot at the rim. One of my favorite "wrong" foot finishers is Tony Parker. While he is a smaller player for NBA standards, he's able to finish over 7 footers consistently many times because he catches them off-guard with his diverse and adept footwork.
The best way to finish with complete body control, though, is off of two feet. This allows you to have a strong base, absorb contact, and even pump fake if needed. As with your jump shot, balance and body control are essential to finishing around the rim. Work on finishing strong with power when jumping off two feet.
While different circumstances call for different types of finishes, it's important to work on all types of footwork to be ready for game-like situations.
Finish Strong Through Contact
This is an essential one, and can be easily practiced. Both contact and the expectation of contact are enough to alter a shot, but it's very important not to shy away from contact. Rather, in many cases, it's actually better to seek it out. Players have to adjust to keep the shot from being blocked as they go up in the air, and players often have to compensate by putting extra force into the shot, or adjusting the arc to get it up over opponents.
All of this can be simulated in practice with basketball drills. Have your players drive on each other and establish contact close to the rim. Teach your players not only to be ready for contact, but the possibility that another player may dart in to try to swat the ball away or to take away the lane to the hoop. The more prepared your players are, the better.
The expectation of contact can be very intimidating, but with exposure this effect decreases. Players who are comfortable with contact don’t back away from finishing just because a player is there to defend. Slowing momentum or stopping to avoid contact risks a turnover or an offensive foul. Players who finish aggressively and aren’t afraid of contact can overpower their defenders and draw the defensive foul.
It's important that players do not expect or hope for a foul call when absorbing contact. Basketball is a physical sport and different referees will call contact in different ways. Practicing through contact will only help prepare for game situations.
Diversify Finishing Moves
There are many different ways to finish at the rim. And while closer shots may seem easy, you'll see many missed layups at all levels, including the NBA and NCAA. That's why it's essential to have many different types of finishing moves in your bag of tricks to be as effective as possible. Practicing one-foot and two-foot layups are important but how often do you get wide open layups in games? Not very.
Through purposeful basketball drills, focus on finishing in diverse ways. Below is a list of different ways to finish at the rim:
One foot finishes
Two foot finishes
Right hand finishes
Left hand finishes
Jump stop finishes
Reverse finishes
Pump fake (Up and under) finishes
Euro-step finishes
Floaters
Finger rolls
Double clutch finishes
Finishes through contact
Fake pass finishes
Combination of those above
Keep opponents guessing by constantly expanding upon your players’ repertoire of in-close moves. Emphasize the role of unexpected changes in direction, the use of changing pace to throw an opponent’s speed off, or coming in with unexpected force.
Most of all, let your players know that all these moves have their own advantages and can come in handy in certain situations. Let your players grow to feel comfortable using their own discretion to decide how to finish, and stress that versatility is the key to keeping your team from becoming predictable. Establish enough moves and your team will become a talented and forceful presence at the rim, with too many options to predict and too much experience to intimidate.
There are numerous ways in which an offensive drive may result in action close to the rim. Teach your players to be experienced, unafraid, and efficient in finishing strong and capitalizing on high-percentage shots. Creating a scoring threat inside exhausts the other team and keeps them guessing where the next shot will take place. Footwork, experience with physicality and versatility all go a long way in establishing your team as a premier presence at the rim.
Did you know that our Dr. Dish All-Star basketball shooting machines are designed to work on finishing too? Click below and watch more.
Better Basketball | Finish Strong
What does finishing strong mean in the game of basketball? To me, finishing strong applies to 3 distinct aspects of the game:
Finishing around the basket
Finishing the end of a game
Finishing the end of the season (Playoffs)
Finishing, in all three cases, has more to do with mental toughness than anything else.
How many times, especially at the youth and high school level, do you see a player make a remarkable move to get to the hoop and then miss the lay-up? They make a million-dollar move and a one-dollar finish.
They usually miss around the cup for one of these 5 reasons:
They shoot the ball casually
They shoot with the wrong hand
They don’t use the backboard (when they should)
They rush the shot or contort their body to avoid having it blocked
They take their eye off the target (the rim!)
Regardless, they don’t finish the play. Not finishing is on the top of every coach’s pet peeve list. The best players in the game, at every level, finish plays! That is one of the things that make them great. One of the biggest momentum builders is a strong finish around the bucket, especially when it results in an old-fashioned 3-point play.
At DeMatha we stress finishing all of the time. Our motto is simple; every lay-up is important and you have to take pride in finishing plays. We teach our players to expect and embrace contact around the rim; not avoid it. Missing shots is a part of basketball; but if you don’t finish around the basket because of one of the five reasons mentioned above – you are coming out of the game.
We have several finishing drills we use in practice, but this is our favorite:
What about finishing the game? Regardless of score or outcome, do you play the 4th quarter with the same intensity, energy and enthusiasm as you do in the beginning? Are you strong with the ball and do you make crisp passes? Do you shoot free throws with focus? Do you play solid defense on every possession?
What about finishing the season? Are you playing your best basketball and giving your best effort now? Regardless of your record, are you playing/coaching with the same fire that you did in December… especially in practice? Do you come in early to get in extra shots? Do you try to get from practice or just get through practice?
To help you finish the season strong, and to get you in the right frame of mind, you need to take a few minutes every night before you go to bed and reflect. Reflect on your pre-season workouts. Reflect on how hard you worked and how excited you were for the season to start. Reflect on the goals you set before the season started (even if you didn’t achieve them).
I will end with this. I hate losing. I am an extremely competitive person. But I acknowledge losing is a part of life and certainly a part of basketball. While nobody wants to lose, 99% of teams will end their season with a loss (with the only exception, in theory, being the champion).
Hopefully all of your hard work will pay off and you will win a championship.
If not, if your season does end on a loss, make sure you leave every ounce of heart, soul and love on the court. Make sure you go down giving it everything you have.
Make sure you finish strong.
Basketball: how to become fast and versatile
Basketball is perhaps the second most popular game after football. This sport employs thousands of people. Why did they choose basketball? The answer is very simple: this sport is very spectacular and incredibly dynamic. Having visited or watched the match, no one will say that this is a boring sport.
It's also easier to start playing basketball: all you need is a ball and a hoop. No nets across the entire field, no outlandish goal, as for rugby, no ice underfoot.
What is good about basketball?
Firstly, this is a team game. And, like any sport where there are partners, it develops a sense of collectivism. A person understands that victory is forged by the whole team, and not by one person alone. Teammates appear. If we talk about basketball from school, then friends appear. The child learns to communicate with peers. The longer they play together, the stronger their friendship becomes.
Secondly, playing for the result is an excellent emotional release. A lot of running, rivalry, the desire to win - these elements allow you to completely forget about stress and problems. All eyes on the site.
Thirdly, in basketball you can get rid of complexes. This is especially true for tall girls who are noticeably taller than their peers. In a team where all players are taller than average, the girls no longer feel like a black sheep, but gain self-confidence and begin to be proud of their height.
Fourth, basketball teaches you to think creatively and make quick decisions. Attacking and defensive combinations require an immediate decision. To have time to give a productive pass, you need a fraction of a second, otherwise the opponent can intercept the ball.
Over time, the guys begin to see the entire site and predict people's behavior. Thus, strategic thinking develops.
Will I become strong?
If you look at male basketball players, they are tall athletes with developed shoulders, arms and legs. This immediately catches the eye. Of course, the center players are much larger than the point guards. But even the shortest player on the team is usually above average height.
First of all, the guys involved in this sport develop endurance and strengthen all muscle groups. Basketball training is jumping, running, swinging arms, tilting and squatting, which allow you to develop all muscle groups and strengthen the heart and blood vessels.
If you start playing basketball as a child, it will add extra centimeters. Recent studies have shown that yes, indeed, he can help the baby grow up, but is not able to grow a giant out of him.
The increase in height is due to the straightening of the spine, which is stretched during jumps. Also, a slight increase in growth contributes to the strengthening of the muscles of the back and legs.
But to say that basketball can significantly affect the growth of an athlete is wrong, there is no scientific justification for this.
However, the guys perfectly pump the muscles of the back and legs, as well as ligaments and tendons.
When to start?
If we are talking about playing for ourselves, then there is no age limit. Just come to the site whenever you want. And do not be afraid that there are only NBA stars, and you get into the ring the third time. This is not true. Besides, everyone was once a beginner. You can't just become a master in sports. In the Krasnodar Territory, basketball hoops hang in almost every yard, streetball championships are regularly held in the cities (this is basketball for one hoop, and not 5, but 3 people in a team).
Speaking of children, basketball is considered one of the earliest sports, as children can be enrolled in their first lessons from the age of 3. But the most important advantage of basketball is its accessibility. Professional basketball training for children begins at the age of 5-6 years. Workouts are categorized from easy to hard. For example, at the age of 14 they already put a lot of emphasis on tactical training, and by 16-18 they should be a ready-made basketball player. By the way, the Krasnodar Territory has its own professional club, which is quite successful in the league. Therefore, if a child succeeds, then basketball will become for him not only a hobby, but a whole life.
Marcus Smart Defensive Tips
The Celtics Star Guard has revealed how to get better at marking.
The Celtics star guard told how to get better at guarding an opponent.
DISCOVERED THE NUANCES OF THE DEFENSIVE GAME OF ONE OF THE BEST NBA DEFENDERS
It's worth starting with the fact that the game in defense is highly dependent on the mental state and charge of the opponent. You have to really want to take the ball from your opponent. Often, the best defenders on the team don't get much of the ball offensively, so you really should enjoy playing defensively and enjoy every touch of the ball defensively.
It's also important to say that to play defense at a high level you have to be very strong. Your body should be ready to move around the court for a long time in a defensive stance. To do this, you must strengthen all muscle groups: legs, back, core and arms.
It is all these principles and rules that are constantly broadcast by Boston player Marcus Smart, who is rightly considered one of the most outstanding defensive players. We study his master class on protection.
It's worth starting with the fact that defensive play is highly dependent on the opponent's mental state and charge. You have to really want to take the ball from your opponent. Often, the best defenders on the team don't get much of the ball offensively, so you really should enjoy playing defensively and enjoy every touch of the ball defensively.
It's also important to say that to play defense at a high level you have to be very strong. Your body should be ready to move around the court for a long time in a defensive stance. To do this, you must strengthen all muscle groups: legs, back, core and arms.
It is all these principles and rules that are constantly broadcast by Boston player Marcus Smart, who is rightly considered one of the most outstanding defensive players. We study his master class on protection.
Make an opponent dribble with a weak hand
Timing: 00:03
Marcus explains in this video the basic principle of defense that is the basis of his game. This rule is taught in the first classes on working in defense absolutely everywhere.
Study your opponent to be ready for his movements
Timing: 2:28
This is a very basic but very important tip that the best players in the league use all the time. If you have the opportunity to prepare before an important game, then do not ignore this opportunity.
Timing: 3:20
Smart shows an important move that will help improve your defense. Be sure to pay attention.
Pinky drag
Timing: 05:10
Markus remembered his least favorite exercise from his school workouts. This is a regular shuttle run (penalty, middle, far penalty, full court), but they must be performed with a hand pressed to the floor (can be changed).
Feel not only your pace, but also your opponent's pace
Timing: 08:19
Control your opponent's dribbling pace and lunge for an interception as the ball returns from the floor to your opponent's hand.
Lightness is one of the important details
Timing: 10:52
In order to react faster to your opponent's movements when pressing, you should move with support on your toes. Movement should be light, like a boxer in the ring.
Play to your strengths
Timing: 12:55
Always play to your strengths. For example, if the opponent is faster than you, then it is worth imposing a viscous contact game on him and then it will be more difficult for him to beat you.
These are just a few tips from Markus that you can find in the video. If you want a more detailed understanding of the game of defense, then we advise you to watch the full video.
Do you want to take your first steps in basketball or improve your basic skills? We have a Basic Basketball Skills workout for you. See the schedule and sign up:
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Coach: Yury Bespalov
- Professional player of the INANOMO 3x3 team; - Champion of Russia 3x3 2019, 2021; - Winner and medalist of the MOFB championship; - MLBL Summer League MVP 2017; - Multiple participant of Moscow Open; - Champion of Moscow 3x3 2017; - MVP GrunisCup 2017.
Work on finishing strong with power when jumping off two feet.
The more prepared your players are, the better.
Practicing one-foot and two-foot layups are important but how often do you get wide open layups in games? Not very.
Let your players grow to feel comfortable using their own discretion to decide how to finish, and stress that versatility is the key to keeping your team from becoming predictable. Establish enough moves and your team will become a talented and forceful presence at the rim, with too many options to predict and too much experience to intimidate.
We teach our players to expect and embrace contact around the rim; not avoid it. Missing shots is a part of basketball; but if you don’t finish around the basket because of one of the five reasons mentioned above – you are coming out of the game.
Reflect on your pre-season workouts. Reflect on how hard you worked and how excited you were for the season to start. Reflect on the goals you set before the season started (even if you didn’t achieve them).
Having visited or watched the match, no one will say that this is a boring sport. 
This is especially true for tall girls who are noticeably taller than their peers. In a team where all players are taller than average, the girls no longer feel like a black sheep, but gain self-confidence and begin to be proud of their height. 
Basketball training is jumping, running, swinging arms, tilting and squatting, which allow you to develop all muscle groups and strengthen the heart and blood vessels. 
And do not be afraid that there are only NBA stars, and you get into the ring the third time. This is not true. Besides, everyone was once a beginner. You can't just become a master in sports. In the Krasnodar Territory, basketball hoops hang in almost every yard, streetball championships are regularly held in the cities (this is basketball for one hoop, and not 5, but 3 people in a team). 
We study his master class on protection. 
This rule is taught in the first classes on working in defense absolutely everywhere. 
