Game finishes happen with defenders bumping you. This drill adds light contact. The finisher stays strong and focuses on the rim, not the defender.
What you need: Basketball. Three kids per rep (shooter, passer, light defender). Half-court.
Setup: Passer near the top of the key. Shooter at the wing. Defender in the lane on the shooter.
How to run it:
- Passer passes to the shooter at the wing.
- Shooter drives toward the basket. Defender applies light contact (bumping, not fouling).
- Shooter finishes the layup through contact. Eyes on the rim, not the defender.
- Do 5 reps. Rest. Rotate roles.
What to watch: Do they keep their eyes on the rim or do they look at the defender? Eyes on the rim always. That’s where the finish happens.
If they’re struggling: Have the defender apply no contact, just presence. Let the shooter build confidence first.
If they’ve got it: Increase contact intensity. Defender plays at 75% effort, still legal but more realistic.