Mikan Drill
Finishing
Legend
- player
- ball
- movement path
How it works
Develop basic layup finishing with both hands by alternating left and right-hand layups under the basket.
What you need
- basketball
- hoop
Your focus
The Mikan Drill is the gold standard for developing close-range finishing ability. Alternating hands repeatedly builds ambidextrous finishing that allows players to score from either side of the basket. Players who can finish equally well with both hands are twice as hard to defend.
Player stands directly under the basket. Right-hand layup off the right side of the board.
Catch or rebound immediately, step to the left side and finish with the left hand.
Continue alternating sides, never letting the ball touch the ground.
Count consecutive makes. Goal: 10 consecutive makes within 30 seconds.
Goal
You've got it when you make 10 alternating layups in a row, both hands, both sides, same technique. No misses means no rushing.
Helpful cues
- Keep the ball above your shoulders between layups
- Use the backboard every time, aim for the top corner of the box
- Soft hands on the catch, don't fight the ball
Adjust the challenge
Make it easier
Strip it back
Allow the ball to bounce once between sides.
UpLVL it
Add the next challenge
Add a jump after each catch, jump stop then layup to work footwork.No account needed
Build a practice plan
Add drills, keep the plan in this browser, then share a link with your staff or parents.This library helps you find the right drill. Inside UpLVL the right drill finds the player.
This library helps you find the right drill. Inside UpLVL the right drill finds the player.After every practice, UpLVL automatically surfaces the drills each player needs to work on most. See it for yourself.