How to shoot a finger roll

What is a finger roll

A finger roll is an upgrade version of a lay up - it is executed underhand with a strong forward spin without using the backboard.

What does it take to make a good finger roll

Because you are high in the air with your arms fully extended during a finger roll, You must become accustomed to snapping your wrist and fingers hard without any arm movement. This movement is very awkward for many players to begin with because we almost always coordinate arms and wrists movements. Body balance is also very important to a good finger roll because, like the leaner, you are also initiating contact with the defender. Maintaining your balance while executing the finger roll correctly is critical to scoring on a finger roll. Often, the defender may also collide into your shooting arm, Thus you must also have strong arms that can withstand the pressure posed by your defender and maintain a good shooting posture in the air. Furthermore, to set up a situation which allows you to do the finger roll, you need to have a good drive towards the basketball hoop. That opens up the space for you to perform the finger roll

When do I use a finger roll

The very first requirement for finger rolls to be used is that you must have gained considerable speed towards the basketball hoop. Once you have satisfied this first condition and dribbled into the paint, you will have to quickly evaluate the situation. If you see an open lane right in front of you towards the hoop. Do not hesitate take it towards the hoop for a simple lay up or a dunk. If your lane is somewhat blocked by defenders or penetrated by players and your defender gives you at least one step of space to leap forward, you should consider a finger roll.

A finger roll requires you to put your arms over your opponent when you are in a higher position than your defender is. Thus,use it if you have stronger and longer arms than your defender while you are not fast enough to blow by him