Mikan Drill
🎒 Gear Needed: 1 x basketball, 1 ring
⏱ Suggested Time: 5 - 10 minutes
👥 Participants: Solo (1 player)
📍 Space: Backyard | Half-Court
📊 Difficulty: Beginner
📝 Instructions
- Initial Stance: Stand directly under the ring facing the baseline. Hold the basketball securely with both hands at chin or forehead height.
- Right-Hand Finish: Step toward the right side of the ring with your left foot, jump off your left foot, and execute a soft right-handed hook or overhand layup off the top-right corner of the backboard square.
- High Rebound Catch: As the ball falls through the net, catch it immediately above your shoulders. Do not allow the ball to drop down to your waist or hips.
- Left-Hand Finish: Immediately step toward the left side of the ring with your right foot, explode upward off your right foot, and finish a soft left-handed layup off the top-left corner of the backboard square.
- Continuous Rhythm: Continue alternating right and left finishes in a smooth, continuous rhythm for 60 seconds. Count your total completed baskets in 1 minute, aiming for at least 12 makes.
💡 Coaching Cues
- Ball Above Shoulders: Keep the basketball “chinned” or above eye level throughout the entire drill. This protects against defenders slapping down and speeds up your release.
- Opposite Knee Drive: Drive your right knee upward to the ceiling on right-hand finishes, and drive your left knee upward on left-hand finishes.
- Touch Off the Glass: Aim precisely for the upper corner of the white backboard square so the ball drops through the ring softly.
🔄 Variations & Progressions
- Make It Easier: Allow the ball to take one bounce after dropping through the net so you can reset your footing and balance before the next layup.
- Make It Harder: Reverse Mikan Drill — turn your back to the court facing outward, shooting reverse layups over your head from alternate sides of the ring without letting your heels touch the court.