When my daughter first started playing competitive basketball, she had a habit of always going off 2 feet at the rim.

Was this a GOOD habit or a BAD habit? Well, it depends.

Many players struggle with knowing whether to finish off 1 foot or 2 feet. Players first learn how to shoot layups off 1 foot. As you get older, you play for coaches who harp endlessly on finishing off 2.

The advantage of going off 1 foot is speed. You don't have to slow down when you finish off 1 foot.

The advantage of going off 2 feet is strength, balance, and time. In other words, because you are on two feet, you buy yourself time to make a decision.

So, What Should You Do? Use this as your guide:

If you are ahead of your defender and are unimpeded to the rim, go off 1 foot. In this case, it's a race, and you already have the lead. Keep it by finishing off 1 foot.

Finishes for this situation include:

Traditional layup

Inside hand layup

Goofy foot layup

If your defender is on your side or in front of you (or if there's a help defender in front of you), finish off 2 feet. Those situations call for more stabipty and strength. Playing off 2 gives you that.

Finishes for this situation include:

Stride stop

Jump stop

Pro hop

1v1 Drill to Sharpen Your Finishing Instincts

Practice this with drills pke 1v1 Hip Pocket finishing. All you need is a teammate to go against.

Player 1 starts with the ball. They will end up as the defender.

Player 2 is facing player 1.

Player 1 extends the ball in front of them.

Player 2 takes the ball.

Once player 2 takes the ball, it's live.

Player 2 attacks the rim to finish. Player 1 tries to stop them from scoring.

Base your finishing footwork on the defender's position. If you are ahead of the defender, go off 1 foot. If the defender is on your side, go off 2.

Once you're making the correct decision 1v1, then you can add extra defenders and start to read the help.

This simple trick can help you make better finishing decisions at the rim. Try it out and score more!

Looking to Finish Better?

If you want to learn more finishing moves off both 1 foot & 2 feet, check out Next Level Finishing Moves. Coach Jim Huber takes you through multiple finishing options (including those listed above) that give you solutions for whatever you encounter at the rim.

Coach Huber starts with the teaching of the finishes. He then shows you how to practice them against your teammates. By progressing that way, you ensure you are ready to use them come game time.

What do you think? Let us know by leaving your comments, suggestions, and questions...

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