U12 Basketball Curriculum

Power Stop & Underhand Finish

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tagsdrill, layups, by-yourself, backyard, half-court, intermediate

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Power Stop & Underhand Finish

🎒 Gear Needed: 1 x basketball, 1 ring, 2 cones (optional)
⏱ Suggested Time: 5 - 10 minutes
👥 Participants: Solo (1 player)
📍 Space: Backyard | Half-Court
📊 Difficulty: Intermediate

📝 Instructions

  1. Why the Power Stop Works: When attacking a congested key, taking off from a single foot can leave a junior player off-balance or prone to collisions. A two-foot “power stop” (jump stop) gives you a wide, unshakeable base to absorb contact and explode straight up.
  2. The Approach: Start on the right wing, 4 metres from the ring. Drive aggressively into the key with two hard pound dribbles.
  3. The Two-Foot Jump Stop: At the second key hash mark (about 2 metres from the ring), gather the basketball and land simultaneously on both feet with a synchronized “thud” (heel-to-toe, feet slightly wider than shoulder-width, knees bent deeply).
  4. Chin the Ball: Keep both elbows flared out slightly with the ball secured tight underneath your chin. This creates a protective cage that prevents defenders from stripping the ball.
  5. The Underhand Scoop Release: Explode upward off both feet with equal power. Extend your right arm toward the ring with your palm facing upward, gently rolling the ball off your fingertips (an underhand “finger roll”) onto the top corner of the backboard square.
  6. Circuit Work: Complete 10 power stop finishes driving right, followed by 10 power stop finishes driving left using your left-hand underhand scoop.

💡 Coaching Cues

  • Simultaneous Two-Foot Landing: Both runners must hit the floor at the exact same millisecond to avoid being whistled for a travel.
  • Chin the Ball: Never drop the ball down to your waist after the jump stop where waiting defenders can swipe it away.
  • Fingers to the Ceiling: Keep your palm pointing up and release the ball with a soft finger roll, kissing the backboard with feather touch.

🔄 Variations & Progressions

  • Make It Easier: Start 2 metres from the ring with a single dribble, landing on both feet and finishing without defensive speed pressure.
  • Make It Harder: “The Up-and-Under” — after executing the power jump stop, pump fake upward to get the defender in the air, pivot under their outstretched arm, and finish on the opposite side.

📺 Video Demonstration