Mikan Drill
The classic close-range finishing drill: alternate right- and left-hand layups under the rim without letting the ball touch the floor.
Video: Mikan Drill (Beginner Shooting w/ Hoop) — embedded from its creator. If it doesn't play here, open it on YouTube.
Setup
Start just outside the right block, facing the baseline side of the rim, holding the ball high.
How it works
- 1Step with your left foot and finish a right-hand layup off the backboard.
- 2Catch the ball out of the net before it hits the floor, keeping it above your shoulders.
- 3Step across with your right foot to the left side and finish a left-hand layup.
- 4Keep alternating for 30–60 seconds or until you make 20 in a row.
Coaching points
- ✔Keep the ball high (chin or above) the whole time — never bring it down.
- ✔Use the backboard and the top corner of the square.
- ✔Stay on balance; small steps beat big jumps.
Variations
- Reverse Mikan: face away from the baseline and finish reverse layups.
- Power Mikan: two-foot jump stop and power finish on each side.
