Want to take your finishing game to the next level? Whether you're getting cut off by a defender or attacking an open lane, having a diverse finishing package is key. 

In the video below, coaches Jim Huber and Tim Schuring introduce five dynamic, game-speed drills designed to improve your ability to finish efficiently and creatively around the rim.

These drills come from Next Level Finishing Moves With Jim Huber & Becoming A 3 Dimensional Scorer With Tim Schuring.

Many finishing drills require a partner, and contested finishing should be a staple of your workouts. That said, there will be times when you are working out on your own. On those occasions, you still need to make finishing work a priority. These drills allow you to do so effectively & efficiently!

These drills aren’t just about making layups—they integrate footwork, body control, change of pace. Incorporate them into your individual workouts today and watch your ability to score in the paint improve.

Finishing Drill #1 - Triple Threat Finishes: Develop Your A, B, and C Options

Start on the wing in triple threat. Choose your top three finishing moves:

• A: Go-to move

• B: Counter move

• C: Emergency or third option

• From the triple threat, players rip through, take one explosive dribble (called a smash dribble), and attack the basket. 

• After finishing, they rebound, speed dribble to the three-point line, execute a quick stop, and pivot—training multiple skills in one sequence.

• Complete your A finish on both sides. Then go to your B finish. Then your C finish. Continue to get reps in this fashion.

Emphasizes footwork, controlled dribbling, and building an in-game finishing repertoire.

Finishing Drill # 2 - Jams: Full-Speed Change of Direction Drill

The Jams drill focuses on attacking with speed, stopping efficiently, and exploding in the opposite direction.

• Setup cones at the top of the key and on both wings.

• Players start under the rim, dribble out to a cone, plant a foot, and immediately attack back toward the hoop.

• Repeat, going around the top cone and then the cone on the other wing.

• Finish with power layups—or mix in euros, reverses, or inside-hand finishes.

• Make sure to go around the cones both ways and work on different finishes with different footworks, utilizing both hands.

Key teaching point: Maintain a low center of gravity and plant the inside foot to explode out—this teaches both efficiency and explosiveness.

Finishing Drill #3 - Transition Finishes: Mimic Real Game Flow

This drill simulates catching and finishing in transition.

• Start by the volleyball line with a ball.

• Pass the ball out in front of you and sprint to chase it down.

• After gathering the ball, finish at full speed, using whatever finish you want to work on.

• Rebound your own shot and dribble out on the opposite side, executing 2 dribble moves as you make your way to the volleyball line.

Great for replicating real game actions like fast breaks and full-court pressure situations.

Pro tip: Use a different finish each time to build adaptability at the rim. Make sure you get your eyes to the rim as soon as you catch the ball!

Finishing Drill #4 - Chair Drill: Back-to-the-Basket Mastery

This classic drill builds post finishing skills. 

• Place a ball on a chair. 

• Begin in post position, jump stop to secure the ball ("chin it"), and execute a drop step or hop move to finish strong. 

• Run reps on both sides of the basket.

Progressions include:

• Basic drop step

• Turn-and-score forward pivot

• Advanced: Up & under move

This drill reinforces strong base, balance, and control near the hoop.

Finishing Drill #5 - Cone Finishing: Combine Handles with Finishing

This drill incorporates ball handling & finishing and works on your gather after you make a change of direction move.

• Set up 2 cones as imaginary defenders. 

• Dribble through each cone using change-of-direction moves (crossovers, behind-the-back, etc.), and explode to the basket after the final cone. Focus on creativity—use your A, B, and C finishes to beat the help defense.

• After scoring, dribble out on the other side, executing change of direction moves at each cone before repeating on that side.

Emphasizes ball handling, visual awareness, explosive acceleration, and finishing touch under pressure.

From Practice to Game-Winner: The Power of Finishing Work

These drills are not just about getting buckets—they’re about developing game-replicable habits. Players work on explosiveness, efficiency, ball control, and finishing variety all in one workout.

Make these drills a staple of your sessions and you’ll come back a more skilled and dangerous player - one who knows how to score in the paint!

If you found these drills helpful, be sure to check out:

• Becoming A 3 Dimensional Scorer With Tim Schuring

• Next Level Finishing Moves With Jim Huber

Comments Most Likes First   Oldest First   Newest First

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