How to Train Guards to Finish Through Contact with the Barkley Series

If you coach guards, you know how important it is for them to finish in traffic, especially against size and pressure. One of the most underused weapons in a guard’s toolkit? The Barkley—a post-up move that allows guards to turn a stalled drive into a scoring opportunity.

This basketball finishing drill gives your players the tools to make strong, decisive plays out of the low block. And if you want even more drills, I recommend you check out these after you take a look at this one…

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What Is the Barkley Series Basketball Finishing Drill?

Named after Charles Barkley and popularized by players like Jalen Brunson, the Barkley is when a guard drives, gets cut off, and turns the drive into a post-up. Instead of picking up the dribble and panicking, the guard gets low, protects the ball, and plays like a post player.

This drill series teaches three critical skills:

• How to gain an advantage out of the post.
• How to counter defenders who take away your primary move.
• How to keep playing when no clear advantage is created.

Key Teaching Points:

• Initiate Contact, Then Finish: Teach guards to drive, Barkley up the block, and absorb contact. Once they create space, they finish strong to the middle or kick out to shooters.
• Counter When They Cut Off the Middle: If the defense takes away the middle, spin back to the baseline for a reverse or power layup. You want your guards to feel comfortable making counter decisions without needing a play call.
• Escape & Keep Playing: If no scoring or passing angle opens up, escape the post and keep playing. Whether it’s coming off a down screen or relocating for a shot, the best guards stay in motion.

Train Your Guards to Finish with Contact with the Barkley Series Basketball Finishing Drill

Guards don’t need 10 different finishes—they need a plan. The Barkley Series gives them the confidence to stay poised, make plays, and finish with purpose when the drive gets stopped.

FAQ: Barkley Series Basketball Finishing Drill for Tough, Composed Guard Play

These FAQs guide coaches and players in implementing the Barkley Series—a guard-specific finishing drill that builds strength, poise, and decision-making in traffic.

Q: What is the Barkley Series basketball finishing drill?
A: The Barkley Series teaches guards how to turn a stalled drive into a controlled post-up opportunity, often referred to as a “Barkley.” Instead of picking up the ball and retreating, guards maintain momentum, protect the ball, and play from the block—either to finish, pass, or reset.

It’s a powerful tool for guards who face size, pressure, or tight rotations.

Use the Barkley Series to help your guards stay aggressive and poised in tight spaces.

Q: Why is the Barkley move valuable for guards?
A: It teaches guards to:

• Keep playing when a drive is cut off
• Leverage their body for space and control
• Stay calm and strong under pressure

It also helps guards draw contact, read second defenders, and initiate offense from new angles—just like elite scoring guards at the next level.

Train the Barkley to expand your guards’ finishing and decision-making options.

Q: How does this drill improve finishing through contact?
A: The first phase of the Barkley Series teaches guards to:

• Initiate shoulder-to-chest contact
• Seal the defender
• Finish strong over or around help

Using pads or guided defenders helps simulate the physicality of in-game drives and rim protection.

Reinforce shoulder positioning, balance, and body control during every finish.

Q: What happens if the defender takes away the middle?
A: The second progression teaches guards to spin baseline for a reverse or power finish. Players learn to:

• Read defensive footwork
• Counter with control
• Use the rim as a shield

This counter is essential for navigating traps or second-line defense near the block.

Help players master spin-back options to avoid being forced into turnovers or bad shots.

Q: What should a guard do if no scoring or passing angle opens?
A: The third phase of the Barkley Series trains guards to:

• Escape the post without panicking
• Relocate or re-enter the offense
• Stay involved through movement

This teaches that great guards don’t need a perfect advantage—they stay in motion and create one.

Train your guards to stay composed and continue the possession intelligently.

Q: Which players benefit most from the Barkley Series?
A: Ideal for:

• Guards who drive but struggle to finish in traffic
• Players who get cut off and freeze
• Athletes who need better post awareness and poise

It builds mental and physical tools that benefit any guard at any level.

Introduce this drill to every guard who needs a stronger plan under contact.

Q: How often should I run this drill with my team?
A: You can run it:

• Weekly as part of your finishing segment
• In small-group or guard-only sessions
• As a live-read variation during situational breakdowns

It’s especially useful during pre-season, skill sessions, or competitive decision-making blocks.

Schedule the Barkley Series weekly to reinforce strength, poise, and footwork at the rim.

Q: What coaching cues should I use in this drill?
A: Use phrases like:

• “Barkley and balance”
• “Spin with purpose, not panic”
• “Keep playing, keep moving”
• “Initiate before you elevate”

These cues help players stay locked in and physically assertive while reading the defense.

Reinforce control and composure—rushed post-ups lead to turnovers, not points.

Q: How does this drill improve guard decision-making?
A: It forces guards to:

• Make a second decision after the initial drive fails
• Read defensive positioning and pressure
• Choose between finish, pass, or escape

That combination builds basketball IQ and adaptability—critical traits for guards at every level.

Emphasize game-like reads so players don’t rely on pre-set moves or panic pickups.

Q: Where can I find more drills to help guards score through contact
A: Join the PGC Coaching Community, where you’ll find hundreds of drills, teaching frameworks, and video breakdowns designed specifically to help guards:

• Score under pressure
• Make reads at game speed
• Play with poise and physicality

You’ll also access a 7-day free trial to explore drills like the Barkley Series and beyond.

and access more high-IQ guard development tools today.

Build Smarter, Stronger Guards with the Barkley Series

the drive stalls. Use it weekly to develop playmakers who don’t just react—they respond with confidence and craft.

Want more drills like this? Get instant FREE access to every drill, strategy, and tactic we’ve ever published with a 7-day trial of our PGC Coaching Community.

– TJ

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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.”