“What moves do you have in your bag?” This is a common question players get asked about finishing.

In one way, it’s a fair question. Players need to have solutions for different situations. Those solutions are often dictated by the positioning of the defender (trailing, on the side, or in front).

On the other hand, the “bag” mentality promotes inefficient practice and mediocre results. Why? Because it encourages players to think they need to have a dozen different “go-to” finishes.

That’s not realistic. But there is a better way!

Follow This Da Vinci Code To Finish Better

Leonardo Da Vinci famously said, “simplicity is the ultimate form of sophistication.” It’s possible he was talking about finishing when he said that!

Rather than trying to master every finishing move, players would be better served mastering a couple foundational finishing techniques. Then, they would add a specialty finish for each of the 3 situations above.

That’s the philosophy of Next Level Finishing Moves With Jim Huber.

Coach Huber teaches 3 “foundational” techniques. They are:

• Ripping to the ear on the gather
• Scoring off 2 feet
• Being able to make a same hand, same foot layup

Once players have mastered those techniques, they can move to the next step.

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A Finish For Every Situation

When players drive, there are 3 common scenarios:

• A defender trailing you

• A defender on your side

• A defender in front of you

For each situation, choose 1 finish to master.

Here’s some examples of possibilities:

• Defender trailing

  • Inside Hand Finish

  • Opposite Side of the Rim Finish

  • Rondo Series

  • Stretch Layup

  • Reverse Finish - (Regular, Half Reverse, or Straight Line Reverse)

  • Runner

• Defender alongside

  • Stretch Layup

  • Veer

  • Jump Hook

  • Push Floater

  • Floater

  • Rondo

  • Double Clutch

  • Spin Move

• Defender in front (help side)

  • Stretch Layup

  • Pro Hop

  • Reverse Use the Rim

  • Inside Hand Finish

  • Opposite Side of the Rim Finish

  • Push Floater

  • Floater

  • Euro Step

  • Double Clutch

  • Runner

Pick 1 from each category and master it. Instead of being mediocre at 10 moves you become great at 3, and are prepared for the 3 most common situations.

Then create drills that allow players to practice each move.

3 Game-Like Drills To Perfect Your Finishing Package

Drill 1: Defender Trailing

Setup:

Place 1 cone above the elbow and 1 at the same side wing.

Players in the line above the elbow should have basketballs.

Instructions:

1 passes to 2. On the pass, the drill is live. 

2 looks to catch and rip the ball to the basket as quickly as possible.

2’s goal is to beat 1 to the rim and finish with speed.

Key Teaching Points:

• Rip - step - dribble: the offense must create length by ripping first, stepping second and then extending a long dribble.

• Get low and take an aggressive first step

• Possible finishes: stretch, veer

Drill 2: Defender Alongside

Setup:

Form 2 lines on the elbow.

The inside line is defense. The outside line is offense.

The inside line has basketballs.

Instructions:

2 take the ball from 1. When 2 grabs the ball, it’s live.

2 looks to rip and attack the rim physically and finish.

1 tries to prevent 2 from scoring.

Key Teaching Points:

• Offense should try to get lower than the defense

• Don’t be afraid to make contact

• Possible finishes - floater, veer, stride stop, jump hook

Drill 3: Defender in Front

Setup:

Form 2 lines where the lane lines meet the baseline.

On the side where players have basketballs, place a cone on the wing.

On the side without basketballs, place a cone just inside the 3 point line towards the corner.

Instructions:

The drill is live when 1 starts dribbling.

1 must dribble around the cone on the wing.

At the same time, 2 is sprinting around the cone in the corner.

1 circles and attacks 2, who simulates a help defender coming across to stop the drive.

Key Teaching Points:

• Attack in direct line once you circle the cone

• Possible finishes: Euro step, runner, push shot, back pivot

For all 3 drills, make sure you get reps on both sides!

Solutions For Every Situation

By using these 3 drills, you will be ready for the situations that occur in games.

No matter where the defense is, you’ll have a solution ready!

To learn more about the types of finishes referenced in the article and video, as well as to see many more finishing drills, check out Next Level Finishing Moves With Jim Huber.

Comments Most Likes First   Oldest First   Newest First Jonathan says: 6/5/2025 at 12:23:03 PM This is fantastic. Simply said and easy to relate to a younger age Like     login   register

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