Master the Mikan Drill: Develop Elite Touch Around the Rim
The Mikan Drill is arguably the most fundamental finishing drill in basketball history, essential for players ranging from youth leagues to the NBA. This continuous layup routine focuses on developing a soft touch, impeccable footwork rhythm, and ambidexterity directly under the basket. By mastering this drill, you build the coordination necessary to finish through traffic and become a reliable scorer in the paint.
How to Perform This Drill
- Position: Start standing directly under the basket, facing the baseline, with the basketball held at chin level.
- Execute Right: Step with your left foot, drive your right knee upward, and finish a layup off the backboard with your right hand.
- Rebound: Catch the ball out of the net with both hands, keeping the ball high above your shoulders—do not bring it down to your waist.
- Transition: Immediately step with your right foot, drive your left knee upward, and finish a layup off the backboard with your left hand.
- Repeat: Continue this alternating pattern in a fluid, rhythmic motion without stopping.
- Goal: Aim for 10 to 20 made layups in a row before stopping or switching to a variation (like the Reverse Mikan).
Why This Drill Works
The Mikan Drill isolates the specific mechanics of finishing near the rim, forcing you to develop equal proficiency with both your strong and weak hands. It reinforces the concept of "keeping the ball high," which is critical for preventing strips by smaller guards in real game situations. Furthermore, the rhythmic nature of the drill conditions your body to coordinate footwork with hand-eye coordination, ensuring that your layups are soft and accurate even when you are fatigued.
Pro Tips
- Keep It High: Imagine there is water up to your chest; keep the ball dry. Dropping the ball below your waist wastes time and exposes it to defenders.
- Use the Glass: Focus on kissing the ball off the top corners of the square. A soft touch off the glass increases your shooting percentage significantly compared to aiming for the rim directly.
- Drive the Knee: On every layup, drive your shooting-side knee up toward your chest. This generates vertical lift and protects your body from contact.
- Find Your Rhythm: This isn't a race to rush through; it's about a consistent "step, hop, shoot" cadence. Smooth is fast.
