Basketball · Lay-ups · Shooting

Mikan drill

Continuous lay-ups alternating sides of the basket, catching the ball before it drops.

P
Start / 5
Time
8 min
Players
1–8
Age
U8+
Area
Key
Equipment
2 basketballs

Setup

  1. One player under the basket with a ball; others wait on the baseline.

How it runs

  1. Lay up on the right with the right hand, catch the ball out of the net, lay up on the left with the left hand.
  2. Keep going for 45 seconds; count the makes.
  3. Swap players; everyone gets three sets.

Coaching points

  • Right hand, right knee up; left hand, left knee up.
  • Use the backboard square every time.
  • Catch high, no dribble between shots.

Common mistakes

  • Same hand on both sides.
  • Letting the ball drop before catching it.

Say it: “Hand and knee together.”

Make it harder

  • Reverse lay-ups from each side.
  • A partner's hand up as token pressure.

Make it easier

  • Pause and set the feet between shots.
  • Right hand on both sides to start.

Reviewed by the Sportdify coaching team.