Lay-Ups from Every Angle with the Arc Finishing Drill
Goal
The Arc Finishing Drill is designed to help players simulate game-like scenarios where they need to finish lay-ups from various angles. This drill improves your ability to approach the basket from different positions, using both hands for finishing. It’s also a great conditioning exercise, as it demands full-speed movements that are common during a fast-paced game. By the end of the drill, players will have developed the skill to finish around defenders and from different angles on the court.
Setup
Equipment Needed: 5 cones, 1 basketball
Court Setup:
Place 5 cones around the three-point line. These will represent various spots players will drive toward to complete a lay-up.
The cones should be placed as follows:
1 cone at each corner of the three-point line.
1 cone in the center above the top of the key.
Step-by-Step Execution
Step 1 – Right-Handed Lay-Up
Begin by dribbling with your right hand around the first cone.
After passing the cone, drive straight to the basket and perform a right-handed lay-up.
Step 2 – Continue with Each Cone
As soon as you complete the lay-up around cone #1, move to the next cone in the sequence.
Repeat the process for all five cones, making a right-handed lay-up at each spot.
Step 3 – Left-Handed Lay-Up
Once you have made a lay-up at each cone using your right hand, go through the entire sequence again, but this time use your left hand to finish at the basket.
By the end of the drill, you should have completed 10 lay-ups (5 right-handed and 5 left-handed).
Coaching Tips
Extend the Ball
When approaching the cone, extend the ball as you dribble. This helps to accelerate your pace, mimicking game situations where you need to beat defenders to the basket.
Chin Up / Eyes on the Basket
As you finish the lay-up, make sure your chin is up and your eyes are focused on the basket. This helps improve your finishing ability, especially when driving in traffic or under pressure from defenders.
Drive Your Knee to Your Nose
During the lay-up, focus on driving your knee to your nose. This movement increases your vertical leap and helps you maintain better control of your body when finishing around the rim.
Push Yourself
Complete the drill full speed, just as you would in a game. This will better simulate the real-time pressure and pace of game situations. Additionally, it doubles as a conditioning drill, improving your stamina while working on your finishing skills.
Variations
Different Finishing Moves: To add variety to the drill, incorporate different lay-up techniques such as the Rondo, Euro step, or a runner. This will further develop your finishing ability in a variety of game situations.
Add Defenders: Once you're comfortable with the basic lay-ups, add defenders or use a padded defender (such as a bag) to challenge you during the lay-up, simulating real game pressure.
Timed Drill: Make the drill more competitive by timing how long it takes to finish all 10 lay-ups. The goal is to complete the drill as quickly as possible while maintaining accuracy.
Full Breakdown
The Arc Finishing Drill is an excellent tool for developing the ability to finish around the basket from multiple angles. It mimics the often unpredictable angles a player faces during a fast break or in a half-court offense, teaching players how to control their bodies and finish strong in traffic.
Variety of Finishes: By alternating between right and left-handed lay-ups, this drill ensures that players become proficient in finishing with both hands, an essential skill for players who want to finish efficiently against defenders from both sides of the basket.
Footwork and Control: Proper footwork is critical in lay-ups, especially when attacking the basket from different angles. This drill emphasizes balance, control, and body positioning to ensure players can maintain their speed while finishing with precision.
Simulates Real Game Conditions: The rapid transitions between cones and the emphasis on speed make this drill feel game-like. Players will be forced to maintain focus and high energy, just as they would need to do during a game, while also dealing with the challenge of finishing under pressure.
Incorporates Conditioning: Not only is the Arc Finishing Drill great for developing finishing skills, but it also enhances stamina and endurance. By sprinting from cone to cone and constantly working to finish with both hands, players get a conditioning workout that will benefit them on both offense and defense.
Incorporating this drill into your practice routine will elevate your ability to finish lay-ups from any angle, making you a more versatile and effective scorer on the court.
Conclusion
The Arc Finishing Drill is a versatile and efficient drill for improving your finishing ability. With a focus on both technique and conditioning, this drill helps players develop essential skills for finishing under pressure from multiple angles. Practice this drill regularly to improve your confidence, footwork, and overall finishing ability at the rim.
