Absorbing contact and finishing plays in basketball requires a combination of physical strength, body control, and mental toughness. Here are some tips to help you improve your ability to absorb contact and finish plays effectively:
- Anticipate contact: Develop a mindset of expecting and embracing contact when attacking the basket. Anticipate where the contact will come from, whether it’s from a defender’s body or an outstretched arm.
- Build strength and body control: Strengthen your core, lower body, and upper body to withstand contact. Engage in weight training exercises, such as squats, lunges, and planks, to develop stability and balance. Improve your body control by practicing balance drills, such as single-leg exercises and agility work.
- Protect the ball: When driving to the basket, use your body to shield the ball from defenders. Keep the ball secure by using your non-dominant arm as a barrier between the ball and the defender. This reduces the chances of getting stripped or losing control during contact.
- Absorb the contact: As contact is made, absorb it by lowering your center of gravity and maintaining a strong base. Bend your knees and use your legs to absorb the impact, while keeping your core tight. This helps you maintain balance and stability.
- Finish with focus: Stay focused on the basket and your shooting form, even during contact. Maintain good shooting mechanics and follow through with your shot, even if you’re bumped or knocked off balance. Visualize the ball going through the net and maintain your shooting rhythm.
- Develop a variety of finishing moves: Practice different finishing moves that allow you to adjust to contact and still complete the play. Examples include the Eurostep, floater, scoop shot, and using the backboard effectively. Having a diverse range of finishing moves helps you adapt to different defensive situations and finish plays with success.
- Practice in game-like situations: Incorporate game-like drills and scrimmages into your practice sessions. This allows you to experience contact in a realistic setting, helping you develop the ability to finish plays under pressure.
- Mental toughness: Develop mental toughness and the ability to stay focused, composed, and determined when faced with contact. Embrace physicality as part of the game and maintain a competitive mindset.
Remember, absorbing contact and finishing plays effectively requires practice, repetition, and experience. Keep working on your physical strength, body control, and mental toughness to become more adept at finishing through contact and converting plays around the basket.
