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.
Many high school players succeed on athletic ability alone—but it doesn’t last. Learn why dedication and skill development determine long-term basketball success.
Why Simple Dominates Basketball I like watching NBA clips of individual players. Yes — they are athletic. But that is not what catches my attention. It is how simple they keep the game. One or two dribble moves. Change of speed. Change of direction. Control of pace. They are intelligent with the ball. Fans enjoy highlights and Top-10 plays. But at the highest level, it is simple basketball that dominates games. The Truth Most Players Miss Great players are not doing ten moves. They are doing one move well. Then they read the defense and react. Watch clips of Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard: Change of speed Strong footwork One decisive dribble move Finishing with both hands Nothing complicated. Just efficient basketball. What Players Should Do Instead of Just Watching Watching highlights should not be entertainment only. It should be learning. Pick one thing you notice. Then go work on it. Not ten skills. Not a new move every day. One skill. Repeated with purpose. That is how improvement actually happens. Why This Matters Simple skills win possessions. Simple decisions win games. Players who master the basics move: From bench → starter From starter → best shooter From shooter → leading scorer From high school player → college opportunity The game rewards players who execute simple things at a high level. How EYG Helps At EYG Basketball, we work with players who are ready to work. Players who want real development — not hype. We help athletes build: Ball control Footwork Shooting consistency Game decision-making Confidence through repetition If you are ready to improve, we are ready to help. 👉 View current EYG opportunities: https://app.upperhand.io/customers/165-eyg-basketball/events https://app.upperhand.io/customers/165-eyg-basketball/events
Why making shots changes everything for young players—and how a simple training plan helps them build confidence, earn minutes, and enjoy the game more.