Community | 1 vs 1 Offence (Posting up)

Layups are the highest percentage shots in basketball - when they're open. Against athletic defenders and help-side shot blockers, traditional layups become difficult. Modern scorers need a variety of finishes to convert in traffic.

The Euro Step

The signature modern finishing move:

The mechanics: First step in one direction, second step in the opposite direction, creating separation from the defender.

Timing: The move happens after gathering the ball, using both steps legally.

Deception: Sell the first direction before changing. Eyes and shoulders mislead defenders.

Variations: Wide euro step, tight euro step, euro to floater, euro to reverse.

The Floater

Scoring over shot blockers:

Purpose: Releases before the shot blocker can contest, using touch over athleticism.

One-foot floater: Off the inside foot, creating space from the defender.

Two-foot floater: Jumping off two feet for more control and balance.

Arc and touch: Higher arc avoids blocks but requires soft touch.

Reverse Layups

Using the rim as protection:

Baseline reverse: Going under the basket and finishing on the opposite side.

Rim protection: The rim shields the ball from shot blockers.

Body positioning: Keep the body between the defender and the ball.

Both hands: Reverse finishes require ambidexterity.

Contact Finishes

Scoring through physicality:

Absorb contact: Brace for contact without letting it disrupt the shot.

And-one mentality: Seek contact when you have advantage.

Strong hands: Grip the ball firmly through contact.

Protected finishes: Use off-arm legally to create space.

Change of Pace Finishes

Gather step slow-down: Slow down on the gather to freeze defenders.

Hesitation: Pump fake or shot fake to get defenders off their feet.

Up-and-under: Shot fake, let defender fly by, finish underneath.

Developing Finishing Skills

Both hands: Practice finishing with either hand from both sides.

Various angles: Straight on, from the wing, baseline, all require different approaches.

With contact: Practice with pads or defenders to simulate game conditions.

Game speed: Finishing moves must be practiced at full speed.

Key Coaching Points

  • Multiple finishing tools handle different defensive situations
  • The euro step creates separation through change of direction
  • Floaters score over shot blockers using touch over athleticism
  • Both-hand finishing is non-negotiable for effective scorers
  • Practice at game speed with contact for transfer to games

Drills for Finishing Development

VIEW ALL FINISHING DRILLS

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Blake Williams Coach, Australia

DESCRIPTION

In this drill we are going to be running some 1vs1 specifically relating to posting up in the paint. This drill is specific to more of the larger player e.g. Power Forwards, Centres. However this can be used by any player. This drill we are going to be running different defence scenarios and making the player decide on what move or skill they choose to use to ensure the success of the shot. The three ones that I want to particularly focus on is driving the baseline, stepping back, or muscling under the rim. The player is going to start in between the green cones. The coach will then proceed to roll the ball to the opponent and play defence. As the coach we are going to be applying different intensities of defence and making the player find a way to score using the three methods above. This will be repeated on both sides of the court to ensure that the player is comfrotable on both sides of the court. Regression: Removing the defence and the ball and focusing on the footwork and techniques so the player becomes comfortable with the movements. For example with the step back focusing on creating space then the technique of stepping back and having the placement of the feet right to ensure a smoother shot. Progression: Applying a shot clock timer to the exercise to focus on in game pressure to ensure the person can apply the movemnts in an in game situation.

COACHING POINTS

In this drill where going to work on: Finsihing at the rim Posting Footwork Strength Shooting Some key points I want to focus on will be dependant on the sklill they decide to use. Driving the baseline: Muscling the defender around the post and trying to get that inside shoulder in front of the defender to clear room to drive to the hoop and pushing the defender further away from the hoop into a bad postion where they are more likely to foul. Stepping back: Muscling the defender to create space before stepping back. focusing on whether they have created enough space between them and the defender, making sure the footwork is there to make sure there not off balance when taking the shot, making sure they do not rush the shot. Muscling to the rim: if they are finding the defender easy to move around in the post muscllng them all the way until they are right under the ring ensuring that the player doesnt over commit to the shoulder and making sure they dont travel too far so that they end up under the ring making the shot near impossible.

This practice has no coaching points

PROGRESSION

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