3 High IQ Ways To Score Against Bigger Defenders
1. The Stretch Finish
The stretch finish is one of Kyrie’s go-to moves whenever the defense is trailing by a step. Once he creates an advantage, he extends the ball away from the defender to keep them on his back and create clean space at the rim.
You’ll see Kyrie use it when:
- The on-ball defender or the big is one step behind.
- The weak-side rotation arrives late.
- He needs to shield the ball from a shot blocker.
The key mechanics: left foot for balance, right foot for power, shoulders rotated toward the sideline, and HUB (hand under ball) to generate maximum space.
2. The Twist (Rotate) Finish
If the stretch finish is for when the defender is behind you, the twist finish is the solution for when the defender is neck and neck.
Kyrie uses it by rotating his shoulders, hips, and feet toward the sideline mid-drive, instantly creating an angle the defender can’t contest.
Why it works:
- It allows you to maneuver around the defender even without an initial advantage.
- It helps avoid early help or charges in the lane.
- It’s especially effective against drop coverage, where timing and angles matter most.
3. The Duck-Under Finish
The duck-under is when you finish with the opposite hand on the opposite side, left hand on the right side or right hand on the left side.
Why it’s elite:
- It disrupts the timing of shot blockers.
- It creates quicker finishing angles after contact.
- It increases your chances of drawing and-ones.
You’ll see Kyrie use it especially when the defense “ices” the screen, or when contact forces him off his normal finishing line. The inside-hand finish lets him sneak the ball onto the glass before the contest arrives.
Become a Smarter, More Reliable Finisher
Coaches trust players who finish efficiently in traffic. By adding the stretch, twist, and duck-under finishes to your game, you’ll stand out in practice, build trust, and earn more minutes, especially in big moments.
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