Ayrton Oneill
Layups are considered one of the most fundamental basketball moves and can be performed by beginners and professionals alike. It is a two-point shot taken in close range of the basket, making it one of the easiest shots in the game. While it may sound simple, it's more difficult than most people realize. There are several different types of layups, and players must learn to score in a variety of situations to experience individual and team success. This article will provide an introduction to the different types of layups and techniques and exercises to improve your layup game.
Jelly Basketball Layup Characteristics and Values Table
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | More difficult than it looks |
| Motion | Float, flick, use different angles |
| Legs | Kick them open |
| Hands | Left or right |
| Practice | Years worth |
| Variations | Double scoop, repositioning the ball mid-air, finishing with spin |
| Height | The higher you can jump, the easier it is |
| Mikan Drill | Increase the height of the ball bounces off the glass by 4-6 inches each time |
| Board Zones | 3 on the left, 3 on the right, 2 in the middle |
| Style | Fake out the defender, but mostly done for style |
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What You'll Learn
The Mikan drill
The drill is performed as follows: start under the basket and make a layup with your right hand. Then, catch the ball under the net with your left hand and make another layup. Catch the ball out of the net with your right hand and lay it in with the same hand. Continue this process, alternating hands. As you improve, you should learn how to quickly grab the ball and shoot while taking the permitted two steps.
Shaquille O'Neal, who admired Mikan, learned the drill from his coach Dale Brown when he played college basketball at LSU. The Mikan drill is recommended as the first step to learning the jelly layup. Once you have mastered the drill, you can add a twist by increasing the height of the ball's bounce off the glass by 4-6 inches each time.
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Variations: left hand, right hand, reverses
The jelly layup is a showboating shot that adds flair to a regular layup. It is a popular move in streetball and is becoming more common in organised basketball, especially with younger players. The jelly layup is a complicated move that requires coordination, timing, and finesse. It involves getting in the air, floating, kicking your legs open, and flicking the ball with some "English", using different angles off the glass.
The jelly layup can be performed with either the left or right hand, and can also be reversed. When performing a reverse layup, a player moves to the basket from one side, using the basket to shield and finish the layup on the other side. The player doesn't shoot straight into the basket from their drive side, but instead takes the ball under the hoop to the other side, often using the backboard to make the shot. This variation is useful when expecting blockers or defenders behind you, as moving to the other side of the basket lets you use the rim as protection.
To practice the jelly layup with variations, start with the Mikan drill. Every time you make the shot, increase the height of the ball bounces off the glass by 4-6 inches. As you improve, divide the board into 8 zones - 3 on the left (lower, middle, and top), 3 on the right, and 2 in the middle. Get 5 makes from each spot as part of your warm-up. Next, take a step and lay it in the target zone. As you get comfortable, add standing Euros, hop steps, slow steps, and pump layups. Focus on one element at a time, and when you get smooth with it, add another.
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Using different angles off the glass
The jelly layup is a showy, creative, and versatile version of the regular layup. It is a finger roll with style, involving a twisting, spinning motion that makes the shot harder to block.
To practice using different angles off the glass, you can divide the board into zones and practice making shots from each spot. For example, you can divide the board into 3 zones on the left (lower, middle, and top), 3 zones on the right, and 2 zones in the middle. Then, focus on one zone at a time and practice making shots from different angles within that zone. As you get comfortable with one zone, move on to the next one.
In addition to practicing different angles, you can also work on other elements of the jelly layup, such as switching hands, double-clutching, or going through your legs backward. The key is to add your own personal touch and creativity to the shot. Remember, the jelly layup is all about harnessing the full expression of creativity, which is what makes basketball so exciting.
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Finishing with a spin
To perform a jelly layup with a spin, you can start by practising the Mikan drill. As you get better, you can increase the height of the ball bounces off the glass by 4-6 inches each time. This will help you get comfortable with adjusting the angle of the ball. You can also try dividing the board into 8 zones and practising getting 5 makes from each spot as part of your warm-up.
Another way to add spin to your jelly layup is to jump off one foot and rotate your body fully in the air, as in a 360 layup. This move is flashy and complex, and it is rarely used in regular games due to the risk of missing. However, it can be an effective way to confuse defenders and make your finishing point harder to predict.
When performing a jelly layup with a spin, it is important to focus on coordination, timing, and finesse. The exaggerated motion of the jelly layup can throw off your timing and increase the risk of missing the shot if not executed properly. Practising the move slowly at first and then increasing your speed as you get more comfortable can help improve your coordination and timing.
Overall, finishing with a spin is a great way to add style and deception to your jelly layup. It requires practice and coordination, but it can be an effective way to improve your basketball skills and entertain the crowd.
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Faking out a defender
The Jab Step: This is a fundamental move where you stomp in a direction with your non-pivot foot while holding the ball. The goal is to get the defender off-balance, creating an opportunity for you to drive to the basket or take a shot. It's a deceptive move that can be very effective when done right.
The Quickstep: This involves stepping forward and then quickly stepping back, followed by either moving towards the basket or taking a shot. The fast change in direction can confuse defenders and make you less predictable.
The Jump-Stop Layup: Instead of going straight to the basket, players dribble hard, jump-stop by landing on both feet, and then jump again for the layup. This move allows players to slow down, check the defence, and choose the best option. It can catch defenders off-guard, especially if they're expecting a direct drive to the basket.
The Up-and-Under Move: This move is great for capitalising on a defender's eagerness to block a shot. You fake a shot, making the defender jump, and then pivot or step to lay up on the other side of the hoop. It's a deceptive move that tricks defenders into reacting to the first fake shot.
Deceptive Passing: Even the best defenders can be beaten by a no-look pass. Use your peripheral vision to look one way, commit your defender, and then pass the ball in a different direction. These passes appear unplanned but can be practiced and perfected.
While some of these moves may increase the risk of missing a shot, they can also add flair to your game and improve your ability to fake out defenders.
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Frequently asked questions
A jelly layup is a type of basketball move popularized by Isaiah Washington, where you get in the air, float, kick your legs open, and flick the ball with some "English" or spin, using different angles off the glass. It is a more complicated version of the finger roll.
No, you can learn the basics of a jelly layup with your feet on the ground. As you progress, you can add more height and steps to your move.
Start with the Mikan drill and practice dividing the board into different zones to improve your accuracy. Focus on one element at a time and gradually add more variations, such as standing Euros, hop steps, or pump layups. Additionally, watch clips of Isaiah Washington's "Jelly" move to understand the technique and style involved.
