Basketball Workout: Mikan Drill
This entry was posted on 8/25/2008 7:20 AM and is filed under Girls Youth Basketball, Girls Basketball, Boys Youth Basketball, Boys Basketball.
One of the commonly used basketball skill development drills is called the Mikan Drill. The Mikan Drill is commonly credited to George Mikan. George Mikan was considered the first great professional post player and played for the Minneapolis (moved to Los Angeles) Lakers.
The drill is designed to help basketball post players develop rhythm, timing for rebounding, and scoring in the paint. It is also used for outside players to better their layup skills and increase stamina, for longer games.
The Mikan Drill is usually a timed drill that lasts 30 seconds.
For 30 seconds you will be under the basket doing layups, while not letting the ball touch the floor. You make a lay up and quickly and under control make a layup from the other side. Make sure you are doing a lay up on the right with your right hand on the left side is with your left hand. The object is to make as many layups that you can within 30 seconds.
The reverse Mikan Drill:
You are doing the exact same drill, but now your are working on reverse lay-ups. Start facing away from the basket (facing out onto court). Same logic as the regular Mikan Drill you do quick reverse lay-ups with the same footwork though your doing reverse lay-ups.
What to emphasize on Mikan Drills:
Get into a rhythm and focus on the routine (the more you practice the more comfortable you will be)
KEEP THE BALL HIGH AT ALL TIMES ABOVE YOUR SHOULDERS
Keep control of the ball - do not let the ball hit the ground at all
REBOUND THE BALL WITH TWO HANDS!!!!
The Mikan drill is commonly used in the game of basketball. At many of the collegiate camps held this summer, this is one of the drills they used for teaching and evaluation of the prospective players. It is a drill that can (and should!) be done at home on your own.
"The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires."
--William A. Ward
