Every season, we see talented players in the Austin area dominate at the middle school level simply by being faster or taller than the competition. But as you transition into high-level high school ball—competing in Texas’ toughest UIL districts—the rim gets “smaller.” The shot blockers get longer, the help defence rotates faster, and suddenly, that straightforward layup isn’t there anymore.
At Texas Pro Academy, we teach our athletes that you can’t always finish at the rim. To play at a high level, you have to master the High Paint Finish.
Most players think of “the paint” as a place to either shoot a floater or get all the way to the glass. The “High Paint” is that sweet spot in between. It’s where elite scorers live when they realize a primary defender is on their hip and a 6’8” rim protector is waiting to swat a standard layup.
Instead of taking the ball to the shot blocker, you use your body to create a “wall” and release the ball at a high angle before the help defense can reach its peak.
If you want to stop getting your shot pinned against the glass, you need to master these three Points of Emphasis (POEs):
Your intent determines the defender’s reaction. If you drive tentatively, the defender will stay on their feet and stay disciplined. At TPA, we train our players to drive with the absolute intent to get to the rim. When the defense believes you are going for the glass, they commit their body and timing to that path. It is only after you’ve forced that commitment that you utilize the high paint finish.
In the Austin high school circuit, the most physical player usually wins the paint. You cannot be afraid of the bump; you must be the one to start it.
This is the technical “secret sauce” our coaches emphasize daily.
We don’t just teach “drills”; we teach solutions. Whether you’re a guard looking to finish over 6’10” length or a wing trying to score through a physical double-team, the High Paint Finish is the skill that separates “good” players from “stoppers.”
The game is getting faster and more athletic every year in Austin. If you’re ready to stop settling for contested layups and start scoring with efficiency, it’s time to get in the lab.
Are you a Central Texas athlete ready to take your finishing to the next level? Check out our Academy Programs or sign up for a Private Training Session at our Austin HQ to get eyes on your game from our pro-level coaching staff.
