From Layups to Floaters: Finishing Moves for Every Skill Level
Scoring at the rim is a must in today’s game — but not everyone does it the same way. Your finishing style should evolve with your skill level, strength, and confidence.
Whether you're new to the game or playing competitively, there are reliable, repeatable finishing moves that you can use right now — and advanced ones you can work toward.
Here’s a breakdown of finishing moves from foundational to elite, and how to train each one the right way.
Level 1: Foundational Finishes
1. Basic Layup (Strong Hand)
This is the first finishing move every player should master. Clean footwork, soft touch off the glass, and consistent mechanics are the keys.
Focus:
Use the correct foot (inside foot up, outside hand finish)
Aim for the top corner of the square
Keep your eyes on the rim, not the ball
2. Off-Hand Layup
Most players ignore this — and defenders know it. If you can finish with both hands, you immediately become harder to guard.
Drill: Mikan drill, one-hand finishes from both sides of the rim.
Level 2: Intermediate Finishes
3. Reverse Layup
A great move for avoiding shot blockers. Use the rim as protection by finishing on the opposite side of your drive.
Keys to Execute:
Extend fully under the basket
Use either hand depending on the side
Keep your body between the ball and defender
4. Euro Step
Popularized in the pros, this move allows you to step around defenders with long, controlled strides.
Why It Works:
Throws off timing
Creates angles without charging
Can be done slow or explosive
Drill Tip: Practice with cones placed at different angles to simulate defenders.
Level 3: Advanced Finishes
5. Floater
Perfect for beating shot blockers in the lane without going all the way to the rim. Great for guards and undersized finishers.
Execution:
High arc
Soft touch
Off one foot or two
Drill: Set a target area (painted circle or cone) in the paint and practice floaters from multiple angles.
6. Inside-Hand Finish
This finish is about deception. Drive right, finish with your left — under the defender’s contest.
Best For:
Absorbing contact
Avoiding blocks
Quick finishes off awkward angles
Drill: Partner toss and go — catch, drive, and finish inside-hand from both sides.
Level 4: Pro-Level Adjustments
7. Up-and-Under
A footwork-based finish used to fake out defenders who bite on your initial shot. Requires patience and control.
Steps:
Shot fake
Pivot under
Quick finish with touch
8. Two-Foot Power Finish
Used in traffic when contact is coming. Jump off two feet for control and strength, not speed.
Use When:
Driving into the paint
Absorbing contact
Needing balance mid-air
How to Choose the Right Move
Beginners: Master footwork, angles, and soft touch. Focus on layups and off-hand development.
Intermediate Players: Work on counters like reverse layups and Euro steps.
Advanced Players: Add floaters, up-and-unders, and off-timing finishes into your game.
Pro Tip: It’s not about having 10 moves. It’s about having 2 or 3 you can hit consistently, under pressure.
Practice Plan: Finishing Circuit
10 Strong-hand Layups (each side)
10 Off-hand Layups (each side)
5 Reverse Layups
10 Floaters from elbow lane lines
5 Euro Steps
5 Inside-hand Finishes
5 Up-and-Unders
10 Power Finishes in traffic
Do this 3x/week. Track your makes. Build your go-to moves.
Final Word: Finishing is Confidence
There’s no perfect finish — there’s only the right one for the moment. Train them all, then lean on the ones that feel second nature when the lane opens up.
Because when it’s game time, you don’t want to think — you want to finish.
