This basketball fundamental is going to breakdown being able to finish around the basket with one hand. At first, you might think that this doesn’t make sense because it is a lot stronger to finish with two hands. However, in certain situations, it can be a better option to only use one hand when finishing around the basket. This basketball training video is going to explain when to use the move and how to use it correctly.
The one-hand finish in basketball will allow you to really extend out away from the trailing defense to help get your layup off. With the extra separation, it will be a higher percentage finish than if you used both hands. Watch this video, see the different areas to use the one-handed finish, and lock in on the tips and details for mastering the move.
Basketball Drill Overview
Drill Name: Learning the One Hand Finish in Basketball
Equipment Needed: 1 basketball and a basket.
Similar Basketball Drills and Resources
- Off-Hand Basketball Drill
- Pressure Layups Basketball Finishing Drill
- 2 Minute Combo Move Weak Hand Basketball Finish Drill
Goals of the Drill
- Work on finishing with one hand at the basket.
Coaching Points
- Keep your eyes up and see the floor as you are driving to the basket.
- Really look to extend out as you go to finish to help get separation from the defender.
- Work to master this move before using it in practice or a live game.
Basketball Drill Instructions
- The basketball player will start on the perimeter with the basketball.
- They will begin to dribble the basketball, simulating breaking down a defender off of the dribble.
- They will drive to the basket and then work on one of these finishes:
- Single-arm traditional footwork finish.
- Single-arm same foot same hand.
- Change direction single-arm finish.
- Single-arm extend-out floater finish.
- Some of these basketball finishes are more advanced than others, but all are great moves in the right situation.
Recommended Time, Steps, Scoring, Repetitions
- This basketball finishing drill is going to be all about learning how to master each type of move.
- So you can either work on mastering one at a time or work on all of them together.
- A great strategy might be to familiarize yourself with each type of finish but then spend time mastering one or two at a time.
- This will allow you to have the confidence to start using some of the moves in live games.
Learning the One Hand Finish in Basketball Conclusion
You don’t have to be the biggest or most athletic player to be a high-level finisher in basketball. You do, however, have to be skilled and crafty around the basket. This one-hand finish will give basketball players a crafty way to finish at the basket before the shot blocker can react. The goal is to get the ball up off of the backboard as quickly and as accurately as you can. Once this happens, the shot blocker is nullified because they are no longer allowed to touch the ball, or it will be goaltending.
Regardless of size, it pays to learn to be crafty around the basket when finishing. You won’t always be able to out-athlete the defense, so working on moves like these and the basketball fundamentals of being a great finisher is critical.
When watching this basketball training video, or any basketball drill, you must lock in on the move’s details. The change of pace, extending out, etc., will allow you to get this finish off. When first learning this basketball move, take your time, and walk through it. Go half speed and make sure that you are executing it correctly. After that, start working towards being able to make the move at game speed.
