If I asked you to guess what level of play the shot chart above came from, you probably would guess youth basketball.

While you'd be wrong (it's actually the shot chart from Giannis' 64 point game last season), your thought process would be correct.

Youth basketball games largely come down to making layups. If you make them at a decent rate, you tend to win most of your games. If you can't make layups, it's a struggle.

Thus, working on finishing is a must!

While you can and should practice layup technique, games are different. The presence of defenders adds difficulty.

To help prepare your players for that dynamic, you must practice finishing against defense.

DeMatha Finishing is a great drill from The Youth Coaching System With Jim Huber.

DeMatha Finishing Drill

Setup

1. Divide players into 2 lines, 1 on each elbow.
2. The coach starts with a ball at the free throw line.

Instructions

1. When the coach passes the ball, 1 & 2 start running towards the rim.
2. Whoever the coach passes to is on offense. The other player is on defense.
3. Play is live on the catch.

Key Coaching Points

1. Players should catch the ball first before attempting to finish - be quick but don't hurry.
2. As soon as the ball is secured the offense should get their eyes to the rim.
3. Players should read the position of the defender to guide their finish:
   • Behind them - 1 foot finish
   • On their side - 2 foot finish
4. Make sure players go on both sides.
5. The defense should attempt to contest the shot without fouling.

Progressions & Variations For DeMatha Finishing

• You can throw the pass out farther and remove the need for a dribbler or shorter so that players must dribble to get to the rim.
• You can toss the ball in between the 2 players. They compete to get the ball and whoever gets it is on offense.
• To work on rebounding, play until someone scores. If the first shot is missed, the defender can go right up with a shot if they secure the rebound.
• Move the lines to the corners to work on finishing from that angle. This is an angle that is not practiced enough.
• Move the line to the blocks to practice scoring immediately off a dump-off pass. Do not allow players to dribble in this progression.
• You can require different types of finishes: 2 feet, weak hand, etc.

How Fun Drills Foster Confidence in Young Athletes

Players gain confidence when they encounter situations they've seen before. Players have fun when they learn through playing games. Players have fun & build confidence when they feel themselves getting better.

DeMatha finishing accomplishes all of the above! Additionally, it's a great drill when you have a large group or are running practice by yourself. You can get a lot of reps in a short period of time.

This is only one example of the type of drills & teaching Coach Jim Huber covers in the Youth Coaching System.

The best part is that it truly is a system. An investment in this system is an investment in your players' and team's development. Even better, because Coach Huber has done the work for you, you will save a tremendous amount of time!

Follow the program and you will be on your way to a fun and successful season!

What do you think? Let us know by leaving your comments, suggestions, and questions...

Comments Most Likes First   Oldest First   Newest First

Leave a Comment Name : Email (not published) : Nine plus seventeen is equal to?  (Prevents Spam) Answer :  Load New Question Comments : Leave this Blank :