One of the most common frustrations for new coaches is watching players miss easy layups. It doesn’t matter how well you run your offense if your team can’t finish at the rim, you’re leaving points on the floor. That’s why every coach needs a reliable layup finishing drill that builds toughness, teaches players to attack with confidence, and eliminates the bad habits of “soft” finishes.
Why Skip the Traditional Layup Line
Layup lines are a staple at many practices, but they don’t prepare players for real game conditions. There’s no pressure, no defender, and no consequence for missing. In my gym, we haven’t done a layup line in over a decade (outside of pregame warm-ups). Instead, we use competitive finishing drills every day.
The goal is simple: train players to go up strong, even if they know a shot might get blocked.
The DeMatha Finishing Drill
This drill, often called the “DeMatha Finishing Drill,” has been around for years and is still one of the best. Here’s how to run it:
- Setup: Two offensive players line up at designated spots—blocks, wings, elbows, or even near half court. A coach stands out front with the ball.
- Start: Coach passes to either player. The moment the pass is caught, the player attacks the rim without hesitation.
- Defense: A defender is allowed to contest or block the shot, but no fouls are allowed.
- Rule for Offense: Players must go straight up strong. No fancy jelly finishes, no hesitation, no fading away to avoid contact. A blocked shot is acceptable. A soft or hesitant finish is not.
This creates a game-like situation where players must focus on finishing through contact, not avoiding it.
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Coaching Points
- Immediate action: The ball is caught, and the player attacks. No wasted motion.
- Strong mentality: Emphasize “points per possession” over style. Winning teams don’t need circus layups; they need high-percentage finishes.
- Manage lines: If you only have one basket, split groups or rotate to avoid long lines. Use multiple coaches if available to keep reps quick.
- Mix it up: Throw imperfect passes sometimes so players learn to adjust on the fly.
Why It Works
Every season, coaches complain about missed layups in early games. That’s because most players haven’t been forced to finish through contact in practice. This layup finishing drill solves that problem from day one.
Run it consistently, and your players will attack the rim with confidence all season long.
Key Takeaway: Replace layup lines with competitive finishing drills. If you commit to teaching your players to finish strong, you’ll win close games simply by converting the shots everyone else misses.
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