Finishing: shoulder to shoulder spear throw or bump off

This drill teaches players to finish at the basket while reading different types of defensive recovery. The offensive player attacks around a cone and must react to the defender’s decision to either cut them off in the lane or chase from behind. The defender uses a second basketball to simulate contact or a shot block attempt. Setup Two players per group: one offensive player and one defender. Both players begin holding a basketball. Place one cone on the wing at the three-point line. Players stand shoulder to shoulder behind the cone. The inside player (closer to the middle of the court) is the offensive player. The outside player (closer to the sideline) is the defender. Teams can run the drill simultaneously on both wings. How the Drill Works Both players begin next to the cone with a basketball. The offensive player starts the rep whenever they choose. The offensive player attacks the basket by driving around the cone. The defender reacts and chooses one of two defensive paths. Defensive Option 1: Cut-Off in the Lane The defender goes underneath the cone and meets the offensive player in the lane. The defender can use their basketball to bump or push the offensive player off balance (without throwing the ball). The offensive player must finish through physical contact, often using: two-foot finishes power gathers pivots or shot fakes. Defensive Option 2: Chase From Behind The defender goes around the cone in the same direction as the offensive player and trails the drive. As the offensive player attempts to finish, the defender can use their basketball to strike or disrupt the offensive player's ball during the shot attempt. The offensive player must use deception and timing, such as: hesitation finishes ball fakes changes of speed. The offensive player attempts to score at the basket while reacting to the defender’s chosen path. Players switch roles after each repetition. Key Training Focus Reading defensive recovery angles Finishing through physical contact Finishing against chase-down contests Two-foot finishing and balance Deception and pace changes near the rim Body control during drives Game Translation This drill simulates situations where a player beats their primary defender but must still deal with either a recovering defender cutting them off or a trailing defender attempting a chase-down block. Offensive players must recognize the defender’s angle and adjust their finishing technique accordingly. Coaching Emphasis Encourage players to read the defender’s path immediately after the drive begins. Emphasize strong gathers and balance when finishing through contact. Players should use fakes and pace changes when defenders trail from behind. Maintain control of the ball during the finish. Offensive players should stay aggressive and finish with confidence. Recommended Usage This drill works well for: finishing skill development guard and wing finishing finishing against shot blockers teaching players to adjust finishes under defensive pressure It is effective for all positions, especially guards attacking bigger defenders and wings finishing in traffic. Equipment Basketballs (two per group) Cone