Mikan drill diagram
Mikan drill step by step
- 1
O1 starts on the right side of the rim, a step in front of the backboard. Step with the left foot and lay it in with the right hand off the glass.
- 2
Catch the ball as it comes through the net, keep it above your shoulders, and step across to the left side. Step with the right foot and lay it in with the left hand.
- 3
Catch it high again and step back to the right side for the next right-hand layup. The ball never comes down below the shoulders.
- 4
Keep going side to side. A common goal is 10 makes in a row, or as many makes as you can in 30 or 60 seconds.
How to set up the Mikan drill
All you need is one ball and a basket. The player starts on the right side of the rim, about a step in front of the backboard, holding the ball up near the chin or forehead.
The drill is named after George Mikan, the Hall of Fame center who played for the Minneapolis Lakers. Its exact origin is unclear, but it is usually credited to Mikan and his college coach at DePaul, Ray Meyer, who used close-range shooting and footwork drills to build Mikan's touch with both hands.
How to run the Mikan drill
From the right side, step with the left foot and shoot a right-hand layup off the backboard. Catch the ball as it drops through the net before it hits the floor. Step across to the left side and shoot a left-hand layup off the right foot. Keep alternating.
Work in short sets. Ten makes in a row or a 30-second round is plenty to start. When players can do that cleanly, add a second round or move to the variations below. Two or three rounds at the start of practice or as a warm-up before games is a common way to use it.
Mikan drill coaching points
Keep the ball high
Hold the ball above the shoulders from catch to shot. Bringing it down to the waist costs time and lets defenders swipe at it in a game.
Use the backboard
Aim for the top corner of the square on each side. The angle is short, so a soft touch high on the glass works best.
Right hand, right side. Left hand, left side.
Finishing with the outside hand keeps your body between a defender and the ball. Most players drift toward using their strong hand on both sides, so watch for it.
Footwork
Take off from the foot opposite the shooting hand: left foot for a right-hand layup, right foot for a left-hand layup. Stay close to the rim and take one step across.
Mikan drill variations
Reverse Mikan
Players shoot reverse layups, going under the rim and finishing on the far side, then catching and coming back the other way. The rim helps protect the ball from shot blockers.
Power Mikan
Jump off two feet and finish with two hands on each side. This is good for post players who need to finish through contact.
Mikan with a pad
A coach or teammate bumps the shooter lightly with a pad on each layup so they learn to finish through contact.
Timed Mikan
Count makes in 30 or 60 seconds and try to beat the number each week. It works as a competition between players at the same basket.
Mikan drill for younger players
Younger players can walk through it first. Let them catch the ball after one bounce while they learn the footwork, then take the bounce away once they are making most of their layups. A smaller ball and a lower rim help a lot for 8U players.
Common mikan drill mistakes
- Letting the ball drop to the waist between layups.
- Using the strong hand on both sides of the rim.
- Jumping off the wrong foot, usually the same foot as the shooting hand.
- Drifting too far from the basket, which turns each layup into a longer shot.
- Rushing and throwing the ball hard off the glass when the drill is timed.
Practice it at home
A one-player drill for the same skill, with a video clip, steps and a rep count.
Mikan drill FAQ
What is the Mikan drill?
A basketball finishing drill where a player makes layups under the basket, alternating the right hand on the right side and the left hand on the left side, while catching the ball before it hits the floor.
How many reps of the Mikan drill should you do?
Most coaches start with 10 makes in a row or a 30-second round, two or three times. Focus on clean footwork and a high ball before adding more.
Why is it called the Mikan drill?
It is named after George Mikan, the Hall of Fame center for the Minneapolis Lakers. It is usually credited to Mikan and his college coach at DePaul, Ray Meyer, who used similar drills to develop his touch with both hands.
What is the reverse Mikan drill?
The same drill with reverse layups. The player starts under the rim, goes under to the other side, and finishes on the far side of the rim, using the rim to shield the ball.