4-Finish Mikan Series: Build Game-Ready Finishes Around the Rim

If you’re like most coaches, you want your players to be confident and efficient finishers around the basket, regardless of size or position. One of the best ways to build that confidence? The Mikan Series.

In this basketball finishing drill named after George Mikan, we walk through four essential variations of the Mikan that develop different types of finishes your players can rely on in games. Whether it’s powering through contact, finishing creatively, or building goal comfort, this is one of the best ways to rep out purposeful finishes every day.

… And once you’ve checked out this basketball finishing drill, here are some more drills you may want to check out:

1. How to Train Guards to Finish Through Contact with the Barkley Series
2. Competitive Basketball Drills to Build Game-Ready Teams
3. Comfort in Chaos: Train Game-Ready Finishing Under Pressure
4. Train the “One Extra” Pass: A Simple Drill to Build Unselfish Teams

The Four Mikan Basketball Finishing Drill Finishes

1. One-Foot Mikan

• Classic version of the Mikan.
• Focus on keeping the ball high and finishing quickly off one foot.
• Helps develop rhythm and touch early in practice.

2. Reverse Mikan

• Develops touch on reverse layups.
• Helps players get comfortable finishing on both sides of the rim.
• Emphasizes balance, footwork, and creativity.

3. Two-Foot Mikan

• Teaches players to be strong and power through contact.
• Essential for finishing through physicality in the paint.
• Great for guards and bigs alike.

4. Kyrie Finish

• Inspired by Kyrie Irving’s ability to finish outside his body.
• Players go up with square shoulders, extending the finish to avoid shot blockers.
• Builds creativity, body control, and foul-drawing ability.

Watch the Four Mikan Basketball Finishing Drills for Coaches

Every player, no matter the position, should have multiple finishes they’re confident in. The Mikan Series builds that—plus toughness, touch, and trust around the rim.

FAQ: 4-Finish Mikan Series for Confident, Game-Ready Finishing at the Rim

These FAQs support coaches and players in implementing the 4-Finish Mikan Series—a versatile finishing drill that builds confidence, creativity, and strength around the basket.

Q: What is the 4-Finish Mikan Series?
A: The 4-Finish Mikan Series is a progression of finishing variations around the rim, designed to help players:

• Improve touch and footwork
• Build finishing confidence with both hands
• Learn to score through contact and defensive pressure

It’s a daily-use drill that sharpens rim finishing for all positions.

Use this series in warm-ups or finishing blocks to elevate your team’s scoring around the basket.

Q: What are the four finishes included in the drill?
A:

• One-Foot Mikan – Classic finish for rhythm and quick touch
• Reverse Mikan – Teaches balance and both-side finishing
• Two-Foot Mikan – Builds strength and stability under contact
• Kyrie Finish – Adds creativity and off-balance scoring options

Each finish targets a different aspect of rim scoring.

Progress through each finish to give players a versatile finishing toolkit.

Q: How does the One-Foot Mikan help players?
A: The One-Foot Mikan:

• Trains rhythm, balance, and speed
• Develops finishing touch
• Prepares players for fast-break and transition layups

It’s a great way to start practice with feel and flow.

Run 30–60 seconds of One-Foot Mikans per hand as part of your daily routine.

Q: What’s the purpose of the Reverse Mikan?
A: The Reverse Mikan teaches:

• Finishing on the far side of the rim
• Using the rim as protection
• Body control and pivot footwork

It builds comfort finishing with either hand and attacking from different angles.
Teach players to finish reverses with their eyes on the backboard early in the rep.

Q: When should I use the Two-Foot Mikan?
A: Use the Two-Foot Mikan to:

• Simulate finishing in traffic
• Teach how to absorb contact
• Reinforce strong base and upright extension

It’s especially valuable for bigs and guards who drive into physical help defense.

Incorporate contact pads to reinforce strong, balanced finishes.

Q: What is the Kyrie Finish and why is it useful?
A: Inspired by Kyrie Irving, this finish emphasizes:

• Finishing outside the body frame
• Using creative angles to avoid blocks
• Maintaining shoulder alignment and body control

It’s perfect for guards who encounter shot blockers and need craft over strength.

Use this variation to teach finesse finishes that draw fouls and create space.

Q: Can the Mikan Series be used with all age groups?
A: Yes. It’s easily adaptable:

• Youth players develop layup coordination and footwork
• Middle and high schoolers build touch and power
• College athletes sharpen creativity and timing

You can scale tempo, distance, and complexity for any skill level.

Make the Mikan Series a core part of finishing development at every stage.

Q: How long should each variation be practiced?
A: Run each variation for 30–45 seconds per side (right/left), or track makes (e.g., 8–10 per hand). Keeping the drill short and intense allows for:

• Focused effort
• High-quality reps
• Maximum efficiency in limited practice time

Cycle through all four finishes in 5–7 minutes for a complete rim-finishing segment.

Q: What are the main coaching cues for this drill?
A: Use cues like:

• “Ball high, finish quick” (One-Foot)
• “Use the rim for protection” (Reverse)
• “Two feet strong, finish through” (Two-Foot)
• “Square shoulders, extend outside” (Kyrie)

These reinforce both technique and intent.

Establish consistent language for each finish to create repeatable habits.

Q: Where can I find more finishing drills like the Mikan Series?
A: For more finishing progressions, video demos, and game-transfer drills, check out the PGC Coaching Community. With a 7-day free trial, you’ll access coaching tools to improve touch, toughness, and creativity at the rim.

It’s an essential resource for skill-focused player development.

Start your free trial of the PGC Coaching Community to access more finishing drills like the 4-Finish Mikan Series today.

Q: Where can I find more drills that train composure and finishing?
A: Explore more tools like this in the PGC Coaching Community—including:

• Game-speed finishing progressions
• Drills for decision-making under pressure
• Footwork, poise, and contact-read scenarios

Coaches get full access with a free 7-day trial. Join the PGC Coaching Community and access more finishing drills designed to build game-day toughness and confidence.

Build Confidence and Versatility at the Rim with the 4-Finish Mikan Series

This series gives players tools for any finishing situation—through contact, around help, or off balance. Make it part of your daily training to develop instinctive, consistent scorers inside the paint

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About the Author

TJ Rosene

Coach TJ Rosene, head coach of the Emmanuel University men’s basketball team and Director of Coach Development for PGC Coaching, has spent his career shaping young athletes both on and off the court. With over 400 career wins and 12 seasons of 20+ wins, Rosene’s coaching experience is extensive and impressive. His teams have competed in six national championship games, winning three NCCAA National Championships. Under his leadership, the Lions made their NCAA Division II debut in 2018-19 and quickly captured two season titles and one tournament title, along with an appearance in the NCAA Division II Sweet 16 in 2021.

Rosene’s success expands far beyond the scoreboard. He’s been named National Coach of the Year three times and Conference Carolinas Coach of the Year twice. But for Coach Rosene, the most meaningful part of his work is the lasting impact he has on his players’ lives. As he puts it, “Coaching is a rare opportunity to shape and mold the lives of young people. It’s a privilege that I never take for granted.”