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Mini Mikan Lay-up Drill
The Mikan Drill is the best layup drill for first time youth basketball players. The true Mikan drill teaches players the proper footwork for taking right and left hand lay-ups. This will be introduced much later in a basketball career. The ability to use correct footwork when taking a lay-up with both hands is well beyond the ability of 1st graders. The Mini Mikan Drill is ideal for the majority of players in grades 1 – 5.
The Mini Mikan drill is easy to learn and complete. A player starts on one block and takes a block shot aiming and hopefully using the “top corner of the backboard.” After taking the 1st shot, the player grabs the rebound and goes directly to the opposite block. (It does not matter if the player makes or misses the 1st shot. The player will only attempt one shot before moving to the other side.) The player squares up to the basket and shoots a 2nd shot. The player continues to take alternating shots from the block for 30 seconds or until a player makes a set number of shots. The number of shots will depend on the age and skill level.
This the first individual lay-up drill that should be taught. Keep teaching and repeating the drill until a player is ready to learn the true Mikan Drill.
The goal is to become a “Mini-Mikan Master” who does not miss this shot. Coaches will be surprised at how much improvement will happen if a player goes home and practices this drill under the supervision of a parent or older sibling.
BE CAREFUL to put too much emphasis on high scores. Remind all the players the goal is to have fun and improve. Remind all the players to focus on being a better player each week and do not compare yourself to other players. This is a tough concept to understand, maybe impossible, but a coach needs to do his / her best to avoid comparing players. It is always great to point out less skilled players who improve.
Good Luck!
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