Mikan Drill Technique: 5 Variations of the Mikan Basketball Drill

The Mikan drill is a core basketball shooting drill. This drill is named for Hall of Fame player George Mikan and emphasizes speed, versatility, and accuracy. Coaches often use the Mikan drill to develop their players’ footwork, rebounding, and shooting skills.

From high school teams to NBA professionals, there are several ways that the Mikan drill benefits basketball players:

1. 1. Finishing: The Mikan drill is a type of finishing drill, meaning it focuses on the moves that go into shooting near the basket, as well as rebounding. Both skills are accentuated with the drill.
2. 2. Footwork: Players who use the Mikan drill may notice improvement in their footwork. Correct stance, jumping form, and layup form are all necessary to successfully complete the drill, making it a great way to instruct players in youth basketball.
3. 3. Cardio: The Mikan drill is a great workout that will keep the players moving their entire bodies for the prescribed time of the drill. It can help young players get a feel for the intensity of the game.
4. 4. Coordination: The Mikan drill helps teach coordination, especially on both sides of the body. The drill symmetrically works right and left hand skills, and left foot and right foot jumping. Both regular and reverse layups are practiced in equal measure, giving a wider variety of potential basketball plays for the team to learn.
5. 5. Ball control: The Mikan drill teaches players to keep the ball up high and emphasizes maintaining soft hands. This gives players greater control and accuracy.

The basic steps for performing the Mikan drill are as follows:

1. 1. Beginning position: The Mikan drill starts with a player to the right or the left side of the basket, facing the baseline, in possession of the ball. For the purposes of instruction, start the player on the right side of the basket.
2. 2. First layup: Have the player make a right-hand layup, jumping off of their left foot.
3. 3. Rebound: If the player successfully executes the layup—this should involve the ball banking off the backboard and not touching the rim—they should catch the ball after it comes through the net.
4. 4. Opposite side: Now, after getting the rebound, the player must shift to the other side of the basket. The player will now make a layup from the opposite side, jumping off their right leg and shooting with their left arm.
5. 5. Repeat: The drill is done for a set amount of repetitions or for a set amount of time. The object should be to get into a rapid rhythm, successfully making layups and rebounds from both sides of the basket.

Once players can successfully perform the basic Mikan drill, players can try several other variations. Each of these comes with certain advantages and develops specific strengths, such as ball handling and using the rim to help defend.

1. 1. Reverse Mikan drill: This variation is like the standard Mikan drill, except that the player must face the opposite direction, toward the free-throw line. The player will execute the same alternating rhythm of left, right, shoot, and rebound.
2. 2. Switch hands and feet: Once the players can complete the standard and reverse side Mikan drills, have them switch their feet and arms. This means they should jump with the outside foot and shoot with the inside arm. Then, have them try it with the outside foot and the outside arm.
3. 3. Two-ball Mikan drill: In this variation, the shooter has two balls. They face the basket, starting on one side, but holding both balls. With one hand, they shoot the ball, and with that same hand, get the rebound. They then shift to the other side, shooting with the opposite hand, and getting the rebound with that same hand.
4. 4. Progression Mikan drill: This variation adds two footed-jumping. First, have the player execute six regular Mikan drills from each side of the basket. Then, have them shift to jumping off two feet, again for six times. Then, have them switch to facing the free-throw line, six on each side. Finally, have them do six more reverse layups with two feet.

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