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Mikan drill drill for youth basketball

Updated

In short

Mikan drill is a beginner-level basketball drill. The Mikan drill is one of the oldest finishing drills in basketball and it still works. It teaches you to score with both hands around the rim without having to think about it. It builds finishing, both hands and footwork. It needs basketball and hoop, and can be done in a driveway. This page lists 5 numbered steps and 3 common mistakes with their fixes. The demonstration video is AI-generated.

AI demoThis demonstration video is AI-generated: Koach Amari is an AI character, not a real coach. Real verified coaches review every drill before launch.

What does the mikan drill drill build?

  • finishing
  • both hands
  • footwork

Quick facts

Sport
Basketball
Level
beginner
Equipment
basketball and hoop
Space needed
driveway

How do you do the mikan drill drill?

  1. Start under the rim

    Stand directly under the basket facing the backboard.

  2. Right hand first

    Step with your left foot and lay the ball in off the backboard with your right hand.

  3. Catch it clean

    Grab the ball out of the net before it hits the ground.

  4. Switch sides

    Step across with your right foot and lay it in left handed off the other side of the square.

  5. Keep going

    Back and forth without stopping. Ten makes on each side.

What are the most common mikan drill mistakes?

  • Mistake

    Letting the ball hit the ground

    Fix

    Catch it out of the net to keep the rhythm going.

  • Mistake

    Using your strong hand on both sides

    Fix

    The whole point of this drill is your weak hand. Use it.

  • Mistake

    Fading away from the rim

    Fix

    Stay close and go straight up.

Who demonstrates this drill?

Koach Amari, an AI-generated coach character

Koach Amari AI coach

Handles and finishing. Reps until it's automatic.

There are 4 basketball drills like this one

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