Helena Frye
Layups are considered the easiest shot in basketball, and they are a fundamental move for any player to master. There are several types of layups, including the reverse layup, which allows the offensive player to attack the hoop and finish on the opposite side of the rim, and the power layup, which involves a two-foot jump before shooting. Players should practice different types of layups as part of their training routine, and coaches should encourage their players to embrace contact and attack the defender, rather than shying away and making the shot more difficult.
Characteristics and Values of a Lap Shot in Basketball
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Body movement | Should be towards the basket, without bending forward |
| Distance from the basket | Close enough to jump straight up and shoot |
| Shooting technique | Shoot with the left arm while lifting the left leg |
| Shooting arm | Should be extended and then the wrist is flicked to guide the ball into the hoop |
| Aim | Aim for the backboard instead of trying to tip the ball over the rim |
| Ball protection | Use the non-shooting hand to protect the ball from defenders |
| Practice | Do layups as part of every basketball practice |
| Variations | Power layup, reverse layup |
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What You'll Learn
Aim for the backboard
When performing a layup shot in basketball, it is better to aim for the backboard instead of trying to just tip the ball over the rim. The backboard allows more room for error, but if you hit the inside or outside rim at the wrong angle, the ball could bounce out. For a left-handed layup, the ball should tap the backboard slightly to the left of the centre of the square. When you hit that spot, you'll sink the shot every time, as the backboard absorbs the ball's impact and helps guide it through the net.
To master the layup, you should practice until your muscles remember the movement. It will become second nature after you practice it enough. You should get to the point where your body instinctively knows what to do, and you don't have to think about which foot to put forward and which one to jump off. Do layups as part of every basketball practice. As you practice, you'll start to get a sense of how fast to approach the basket and from what distance to begin your layup footwork and launch into a jump.
When performing a layup, your body should be moving toward the basket, but avoid bending forward. You want to be positioned close enough to the basket that you can jump straight up to take your shot. As you jump, bring the ball out of the dribble and position it close to your chest to prepare for the shot. Shoot with your left arm as you lift your left leg. Imagine a string attached to your left arm and your left leg, and move them simultaneously as you shoot. Your left knee should be bent and pointed toward the basket while your left arm moves up to shoot the ball.
The traditional overhand layup is similar to a regular jump shot when it comes to the shooting technique. Bring the ball up above your head, extend your arm, then flick your wrist to guide the basketball into the hoop. Offensive players can use their non-shooting hand to protect the ball and increase the likelihood of getting fouled. A reverse layup allows the offensive player to attack the hoop and finish on the opposite side of the rim. A power layup involves a 2-foot jump stop before raising up to shoot, providing a stronger base if you're anticipating contact.
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Jump straight up
Jumping straight up is an essential part of performing a layup, one of the fundamental basketball moves. To jump straight up, you should be positioned close enough to the basket so that you can jump and shoot without needing to bend your body forward. As you jump, bring the ball out of the dribble and position it close to your chest, ready to shoot.
For a left-handed layup, the ball should make contact with the backboard slightly to the left of the centre. Hitting this spot will guarantee you make the shot, as the backboard absorbs the impact of the ball and helps guide it through the net. The backboard also provides more room for error, so it is better to aim for this than to try and tip the ball over the rim.
If you are coaching young players, you may find that they push the ball up from their chest rather than bringing it above their head before shooting. This is usually due to a lack of strength, and while it is not a big problem when they are young, they should be encouraged to grow out of this habit as they get older and stronger.
To help players master the technique of jumping straight up, you can set up a "give and go" drill. In this drill, the player with the ball passes to the middle of the floor, sprints towards the hoop, and then receives the ball back for a no-dribble layup.
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Shoot with your left arm
Shooting with your left arm is a key part of the layup technique. This is a fundamental basketball move that will become second nature with enough practice. To shoot with your left arm, you must jump straight up, bringing the ball out of the dribble and positioning it close to your chest. As you jump, imagine a string attached to your left arm and left leg, and move them simultaneously as you shoot. Your left knee should be bent and pointed toward the basket, with your left arm moving up to shoot the ball.
The shooting technique for a layup is slightly different from a regular shot. Instead of steadying the ball with your right hand, you want to shoot using only your left hand. For a left-handed layup, the ball should tap the backboard slightly to the left of the center. Hitting this spot will guarantee you sink the shot every time, as the backboard absorbs the ball's impact, helping it drop through the net. The backboard also allows more room for error, so it is better to aim for this than to try and tip the ball over the rim.
It is important to note that you should use your non-shooting hand to protect the ball and increase the likelihood of getting fouled. This is especially important to prevent tall defenders from blocking the shot during the upward shooting motion. A reverse layup can be useful here, allowing the offensive player to attack the hoop and finish on the opposite side of the rim.
To master the left-handed layup, it is recommended to practice as part of every basketball practice. You will eventually get to the point where your body remembers what to do instinctively.
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Protect the ball
Protecting the ball is an essential skill to master when performing a layup shot in basketball. Smart defenders will attempt to strip the ball from you before you initiate your shooting motion, so you must be prepared to protect it. This is especially important when you are on the move, having received a pass from a teammate, as defenders will try to block your shot or alter your trajectory. To prevent this, use your non-shooting hand to shield the ball, increasing the likelihood of drawing a foul. If you are successful in drawing a foul, you will be awarded a three-point play or free throws, and your opponent will move closer to foul trouble.
When performing a layup, it is crucial to embrace contact and attack the defender. Do not be afraid of getting blocked or giving the defender an easier chance to block your shot. Instead, focus on using your non-shooting hand to protect the ball and initiate contact. This will not only increase your chances of drawing a foul but also give you more control over your shot.
Additionally, consider performing a reverse layup, which allows you to attack the hoop and finish on the opposite side of the rim. This technique provides some protection from shot-blockers, as the rim acts as a barrier between you and the defender. If you anticipate contact from the defender, a power layup involving a two-foot jump stop before shooting can provide you with a stronger base.
Remember, while practicing your layup technique is important, it is equally crucial to practice against live defenders. This will help you refine your skills in protecting the ball and finishing your shots against active opposition.
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Master more than one type of lap shot
Layups are considered the easiest shot in basketball, and they are a fundamental move that every player should master. There are several types of layups, and players should practice different variations to improve their finishing skills.
The traditional overhand layup is similar to a regular jump shot, where the player brings the ball above their head, extends their arm, and then flicks their wrist to guide the ball into the hoop. Players should aim for the backboard, slightly to the left or right of the centre, depending on their dominant hand. This gives more room for error, and the backboard absorbs the ball's impact, increasing the chances of a successful shot.
The reverse layup is an advanced technique where the offensive player attacks the hoop and finishes on the opposite side of the rim. This move can help avoid shot-blockers. The power layup involves a two-foot jump stop, providing a stronger base, which is beneficial if you're expecting contact from defenders.
To improve your layup skills, it's essential to practice against live defenders. This will help you learn how to protect the ball and increase your chances of getting fouled. Additionally, work on receiving the ball while on the move and finishing with a layup without dribbling. This can be achieved through a "give and go" drill, where a player passes, sprints towards the hoop, and then receives the ball back for a no-dribble layup.
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Frequently asked questions
A layup is a fundamental basketball move where a player shoots the ball into the hoop from very close to the basket.
To do a layup, start by moving towards the basket with the ball. Position yourself close enough to the basket so that you can jump straight up to take your shot. As you jump, bring the ball up from your dribble to your chest and shoot with your left arm as you lift your left leg.
It is better to aim for the backboard instead of trying to tip the ball over the rim as the backboard allows more room for error. If you are right-handed, shoot with your left hand only and vice versa.
Practice layups as part of every basketball practice until your muscles remember the movement. You can also do 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 layup.
A reverse layup allows the offensive player to attack the hoop and finish on the opposite side of the rim. This move is useful for avoiding shot-blockers.
