How to Finish Strong at the Rim – A Masterclass in NBA-Level Layups & Contact Finishing
In today’s NBA, rim finishing separates good scorers from elite ones. With shot-blockers like Victor Wembanyama and Rudy Gobert patrolling the paint, players must master angles, touch, body control, and physicality to score efficiently inside.
This deep dive covers:
- The Biomechanics of Elite Finishing
- Signature Moves of Top NBA Paint Scorers
- How to Use Physics Against Shot-Blockers
- Drills to Improve Your Rim Conversion Rate
1. The Science of High-Percentage Finishing
A. The 45-Degree Rule (Optimal Layup Angles)
- Research shows attacking at a 45° angle to the backboard maximizes scoring efficiency (better use of glass, less contestability).
- Example: Kyrie Irving’s “high glass” finishes use precise angles to evade shot-blockers.
B. The “Gather Step” & NBA Gather Rules
- The NBA’s zero-step rule allows players to gather the ball mid-stride, enabling longer strides for explosive finishes.
- Pro Tip: Giannis Antetokounmmo uses gather steps to cover 10+ feet in two steps.
C. Touch vs. Power – When to Use Each
- Float/Soft Touch: For avoiding shot-blockers (Trae Young, Ja Morant).
- Power Finishes: For absorbing contact (Zion Williamson, LeBron James).
2. Signature NBA Finishing Techniques
A. The “Scoop Finish” (Undercutting Rim Protectors)
- A low, extended release point that bypasses outstretched arms.
- Mastered by: Derrick Rose in his MVP prime.
B. The “Euro Step” (Redirecting Momentum)
- A lateral sidestep to evade primary shot-blockers.
- Pro Tip: Luka Dončić uses a hesitation Euro to freeze defenders mid-jump.
C. The “Reverse Layup” (Using the Rim as a Shield)
- A must-have move against weak-side help defenders.
- Example: Jimmy Butler’s playoff reverses vs. drop coverage.
D. The “Hang & Adjust” (Mid-Air Body Control)
- Anthony Edwards and Ja Morant excel at delaying their release to let shot-blockers fly by.
3. Beating Shot-Blockers – Physics-Based Strategies
A. The “Upfake & Under” (Drawing Verticality Fouls)
- Jump straight into defenders, then finish after they commit.
- Example: Joel Embiid’s foul-drawing craft.
B. The “Shoulder Dip” (Creating Separation)
- Lowering the shoulder (without charging) creates space for a clean release.
- Mastered by: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
C. The “High Off-Glass” (Unblockable Geometry)
- Banking the ball at the top corner of the square makes it unreachable for most bigs.
- Pro Tip: Used by Stephen Curry on drives vs. length.
4. Drills to Improve Your Finishing
A. “Contortionist Finishes” (Off-Foot Reps)
- Practice wrong-foot layups (right hand/left foot) to improve adaptability.
B. “Padwork Contact Finishing”
- Have a coach hit you with pads mid-layup to simulate NBA-level contact.
C. “The Wembanyama Challenge”
- Use a tennis racket or broomstick to mimic elite shot-blocking during reps.