Master the Mikan Drill Power Step: Elite Interior Finishing
The Mikan Drill Power Step is more than just a warm-up routine; it is a fundamental finishing drill designed to build elite footwork, balance, and scoring consistency around the rim. Unlike the classic Mikan drill which emphasizes rhythm off one foot, this variation focuses on the "power" aspect—gathering yourself to finish strong through contact. This drill is essential for forwards and guards alike who want to improve their field goal percentage in the paint and develop the ambidexterity required to score from either side of the basket.
How to Perform This Drill
- Setup: Position yourself directly under the basket, facing the baseline. Start with the ball held high at chest level.
- Step: Step across your body with your left foot (if starting on the right side) to create a wide, stable base. This is your "power step" that allows you to seal off defenders.
- Gather: Bring your right foot square so you are balanced on two feet, keeping the ball protected and high.
- Execute: Explode upward off both feet, extending your right arm to finish the layup high off the backboard glass.
- Rebound: Catch the ball out of the net with both hands before it drops below your shoulders. Do not let the ball hit the floor.
- Switch: Immediately pivot and perform the same cross-step footwork towards the left side, finishing with your left hand.
- Repeat: Continue this alternating motion in a fluid rhythm until you have successfully made 10 shots.
Why This Drill Works
In a real game, finishing around the rim is rarely uncontested. The Mikan Drill Power Step simulates the mechanics of scoring in traffic by forcing you to establish a wide base and explode vertically, rather than drifting horizontally. By mastering this footwork, you train your body to absorb contact while maintaining the balance necessary for a soft touch. Furthermore, the continuous nature of the drill builds basketball-specific conditioning and reinforces the mental habit of keeping the ball high to avoid strips by smaller defenders.
Pro Tips
- Chin the ball: On every rebound and gather, keep the ball tucked firmly under your chin or above your shoulders. Bringing the ball down to your waist is a bad habit that leads to turnovers in the paint.
- Pick your spot: Don't just throw the ball at the hoop. Focus your eyes on the top corner of the square on the backboard. Precision beats power when it comes to layup efficiency.
- Explode up, not out: Your jump should be vertical. If you are jumping forward or backward, you lose the angle to use the glass effectively and risk an offensive foul.
- Stay wide: Keep your elbows out and your feet wider than shoulder-width during the power step. You want to be "big" in the lane so defenders bounce off you.
