Galen Harkness • June 9, 2025
Jumping Up vs. Jumping Out: Two Finishes Every Undersized Player Needs
At EYG Basketball, we train players to play smarter and finish stronger.
At EYG Basketball, we train players to play smarter and finish stronger.
If you’re under 6'4", you can’t rely on size alone at the rim—you need solutions. Two of the most important: jumping up and jumping out.
Why This Matters
The game gives you different looks at the rim. Great players know how to read the help defense and choose the right finish. These two options help you avoid blocked shots, keep defenders guessing, and finish through or around contact.
What’s the Difference?
Jumping Up
Happens closer to the rim
Follows a bump, shot fake, or pump fake
Uses power, balance, and verticality
Creates space by initiating contact with the inside shoulder
Effective when you’ve already earned position
Jumping Out
Happens earlier, before the shot blocker fully rotates
Uses speed and quickness off one foot
Avoids contact by getting the ball on the glass fast
Useful when you don’t have time or space to absorb contact
In the video examples, you’ll see both finishes. Watch how the offensive player creates space, reads the defenders, and chooses the finish that fits the moment.
How to Train These Finishes
Jumping Up
- Work on shot fakes, shoulder bumps, and strong two-foot finishes
- Focus on balance and lift
- Practice against contact or padded defenders
Jumping Out
- Practice one-foot takeoffs
- Use floaters, scoop layups, and high glass finishes
- Rep it with a rotating help defender to train timing
What to Watch For
- How the offensive player creates space
- Where the help defense is
- The timing and angle of the finish
- Whether it’s a contact finish or an avoidance finish
Final Thought from EYG
We don’t teach generic moves. We teach game decisions. Knowing when to jump up or jump out is the difference between getting blocked and getting buckets. If you want to finish like a high-level guard, this skill set is non-negotiable.
At 19 years old, Dominique Malonga was the youngest player drafted in the WNBA when the Seattle Storm picked her No. 2 overall. With her size, skill, and potential, she was called a “unicorn.” But her rookie season didn’t start with highlight reels. It started on the bench. For most of the first half of the season, she barely played. Frustrating? Absolutely. But instead of being negative, Malonga stayed ready. She studied veterans like Nneka Ogwumike, clapped for her teammates, and asked constant questions. She turned frustration into fuel. By midseason, the patience and hard work paid off. Malonga became the youngest player in league history to reach 300 points and record back-to-back double-doubles. Suddenly, Seattle’s playoff hopes rested on the same rookie who was once just watching from the bench. So, what can players learn from Malonga? Patience and persistence matter. Success isn’t instant—stay consistent. Learn from the best. Watch, listen, and apply what veterans do. Confidence comes from work. She built belief through preparation. Energy is everything. Even before she played big minutes, her attitude lifted her team. Work > hype. Being called a star means nothing if you don’t put in the reps. Malonga’s story is a reminder: greatness is built day by day. Talent opens the door, but work, mindset, and resilience keep you in the room. At EYG Basketball, we help players do exactly that. Whether it’s skill development, game IQ, or building the habits that matter, our programs prepare you for your moment—on and off the court. š Ready to grow? Explore EYG Programs Original ESPN article link
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