Last time, we talked about the “42” Basketball Finishing Drill. It’s a great way to practice game-like finishes at game speed!

Once you are consistently making those shots while going all out, it’s time to build on the drill.

Here is a great way (with 3 progressions) to do so:

“42” 1v1 Basketball Finishing Drill

Setup

Place 7 evenly spaced cones around the 3 point line.

Start under the basket with a ball. Have your partner (the defender) start right behind you.

Instructions

You can dribble around any cone.

Whatever cone you dribble around, the defender runs around the opposite cone. (If you went around the cone at the top of the key, they would as well, but in the opposite direction).

From there, you can use any of these 3 rules to make the drill more or less difficult for the offense:

• Defense can’t jump (offensive advantage) - this is a great starting point. Everything is live except the defense is not allowed to jump.

  This gives the offensive player an advantage at the rim. You have to adjust for the presence of the defender. However, you don’t have to worry about getting your shot blocked.

• Live 1v1 (no advantage) - you attack around the cone and try to score. No restriction on the defense. The only offensive rule is you have to shoot at the basket. Jump shots are not allowed.

  

• Defense uses closer cones - place a second set of cones a couple feet inside the 3 points line. The defender still goes to the cone opposite of the offensive player. However, the defender gets to go around the inside cone.

  This makes it likely that the defender will get to the basket before the offensive player. This simulates a game situation when the help defender comes over to cut off your drive.

  You can work on finishing moves like the Euro step, pro hop, or floater. These are effective when trying to finish over or around a help defender.

Master the Art of Finishing: Practice Alone or with a Partner

The “42” drill is great because it is effective both by yourself and with a partner. Ideally, you will practice it both ways!

As you get better at the drill, your “bag” will expand. Over time, you’ll have the solution at the rim, no matter the situation!

To become an elite finisher in every situation, check out Jim Huber Next Level Finishing.

Comments Most Likes First   Oldest First   Newest First Nick says: 5/7/2025 at 10:47:59 AM When you say "your partner dribbles around the opposite cone," you're referring to the defender, correct? Do you mean to say that your partner *runs* around the opposite cone, or do you mean for the defender to have a ball too? Like     login   register

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