Kristian Ferrell
Layups are one of the most fundamental offensive basketball moves and can be performed by beginners and professionals alike. They are considered the easiest shot in basketball because they are taken so close to the basket that you are likely to score every time. The layup is a two-point shot that begins by leaping from underneath the basket and laying the ball off the backboard into the hoop. The most important part of a layup to master is the footwork, and it is important to practice the technique with both your right and left hands.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Footwork | Master footwork on both the left and right sides of the basket |
| Dribbling | Practice with a single dribble, then add more dribbling |
| Angle | Approach the basket at a 45-degree angle |
| Speed | Start slowly, then increase speed once footwork is mastered |
| Distance | Position yourself about 10 feet from the basket |
| Hands | Keep the ball close to your body with strong hands |
| Shooting | Shoot with your non-dominant hand, stretching out your arm and snapping your wrist |
| Jumping | Jump straight up, pulling the non-jumping knee up |
| Protection | Protect the ball with your non-shooting hand to avoid defenders stealing or blocking |
| Backboard | Aim for the upper right corner of the square on the backboard |
| Practice | Practice with both hands and at different speeds and angles |
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What You'll Learn
Footwork and positioning
Footwork and body positioning are crucial to executing a successful lay-up shot in basketball. As you approach the basket, you want to be at a slight angle, either to the left or right, depending on your shooting hand. This angle gives you easy access to the basket without being directly under it.
The lay-up is a fundamental basketball move that requires mastering the correct step sequence and jump. The footwork begins with a dribble close to the basket, and as you get within a few feet, you take a step toward the basket with your left foot if you're right-handed or vice versa. This step is crucial for positioning yourself optimally for the shot.
The next step is to jump off your right foot (if you're right-handed) or left foot (if you're left-handed). As you jump, focus on going upward rather than forward, and bring the ball close to your chest to prepare for the shot. The jump should be strong and upward, helping you accelerate toward the basket.
When in the air, stretch out your shooting arm (right for right-handed and left for left-handed people) with the ball in hand. At the highest point of your jump, straighten your arm and elbow to shoot the ball toward the backboard. Your goal is the upper right corner of the square on the backboard for a right-handed shot and the upper left corner for a left-handed one.
Practicing the footwork and body positioning for a lay-up is essential. You can start by practicing the two-contact rule: right-left-jump-backboard shot. Then, add a dribble and repeat the sequence. With enough practice, your muscles will remember the movement, and the footwork and positioning will become second nature.
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Protecting the ball
Firstly, maintain a firm grip on the basketball and keep it close to your body. This basic yet vital technique makes it more challenging for defenders to strip or steal the ball from you. Smart defenders will attempt to swipe the ball as you initiate your shooting motion, so having strong hands and a secure hold on the ball is essential.
Secondly, use your non-shooting hand actively to protect the ball. If you're executing a right-handed lay-up, your left hand should be positioned to the side of the ball, acting as a shield against defenders trying to block your shot. This is especially crucial when facing tall defenders who might attempt to block your shot during the upward shooting motion or as the ball leaves your hand.
Additionally, be mindful of your approach angle and speed. Defenders may try to anticipate your shot by positioning themselves between you and the basket. Vary your approach angles and speeds during practice to improve your ability to protect the ball and adapt to different defensive strategies.
Finally, practice different types of lay-ups to improve your overall ball protection skills. For instance, a reverse lay-up allows you to attack the hoop and finish on the opposite side of the rim, which can help evade defenders. The power lay-up involves a two-foot jump stop, providing you with a stronger base if you expect contact from defenders.
Remember, while technique is essential, practicing against live defenders will enhance your ability to protect the ball and finish your lay-up shots effectively.
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Variations: the reverse, power, and up and under layup
The reverse layup is a shot made famous by NBA stars like Michael Jordan and Stephen Curry. To perform this move, start your layup outside the key on either side of the free-throw lane and drive across the court. You will shoot the ball underhand into the basket from the opposite side of the free-throw lane. You might juke to the outside and then cut hard to the inside to throw off the defender. As you jump, keep your head inclined slightly so you can keep the basket in view. Delay your pickup of the ball slightly so you grip it high in the arc of its bounce, at about chest level, before you make the shot. You can also add spin to your shot to help it grip the backboard.
The power layup is a move that is useful when there is going to be contact or when a player is moving fast and needs to gain control before shooting. To practice this move, players can form two lines, one on each wing, and then dribble into the basket. The player should then execute a two-footed quick stop, go up strong with both hands, and shoot the layup off the glass.
The up-and-under or double-clutch layup requires coordination and core strength. To practice this move, jump and hold the ball down low by your hips, and then wait as long as possible before extending to one side and flicking the ball up at the rim. You can also practice holding the ball high early, which will cause the defender to commit by putting their hands up, and then move the ball out of the way and lay it up on the way down.
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Practising with both hands
To begin, position yourself about 10 feet from the basket, halfway to the 3-point line, and run towards the basket at a 45-degree angle. As you get close to the basket, start your layup footwork by taking a step with your left foot if you are using your right hand, and vice versa. Give the ball one last hard dribble just to the outside of the foot you stepped in with.
Now, jump off your opposite foot. For example, if you stepped in with your left foot, jump off your right foot. As you jump, bring the ball out of the dribble and position it close to your chest to prepare for the shot. Imagine a string attached to your shooting arm and the leg you jumped off, keeping your body moving towards the basket without bending forward.
Shoot the ball with your shooting arm as you lift the opposite leg. Your goal is the upper right corner of the square on the backboard. You can practice this technique with your weaker hand, but it may take a few training sessions before you can use it in a game.
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Practising at different speeds and angles
Practising lay-ups at different speeds and angles is crucial to mastering this fundamental basketball move. Lay-ups are a type of shot that can be practised alone or with a team, and they are considered the easiest shot in basketball because they are taken so close to the basket.
When practising, start by approaching the hoop while dribbling. Position yourself about 10 feet from the basket, halfway to the 3-point line, and run towards the basket at a 45-degree angle. As you get closer to the basket, start your lay-up footwork: take a step towards the basket with your left foot and give the ball one last hard dribble to the outside of your left foot. Then, jump off your right foot, bringing the ball up from your waist to your right side. As you jump, bring the ball to your chest to prepare for the shot. Shoot with your left arm as you lift your left leg. Aim for the backboard, not just over the rim, as this allows for more room for error.
Once you have mastered the basic technique, you can start to vary your approach by changing your speed and angle. Try approaching the basket slowly at first, and then gradually increase your speed. This will help you get a feel for how fast to move towards the basket and when to start your lay-up footwork. You can also practise approaching the basket from different angles, such as from the left or right side, to improve your ability to score against opponents.
In addition to varying your speed and angle, you can also add competition or obstacles to challenge your shot. For example, you can practise against live defenders who will try to block or alter your shot. This will help you learn how to protect the ball and increase your chances of getting fouled. You can also set up a "give and go" drill, where you pass the ball to the middle of the floor, sprint towards the hoop, and then receive the ball back for a no-dribble lay-up.
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