Ayrton Oneill
The layup is a fundamental skill in basketball that players of all ages need to master. It is a shooting technique that provides players with the opportunity to drive at the opponent's basket, jump close to the target, and release the ball safely at the backboard. When teaching layups to kids, it is important to be patient and break down the steps, as young learners need to understand footwork, ball pickup, where to focus, and distance. This paragraph will discuss the key steps and techniques for teaching basketball layups to kids, ensuring they develop their skills effectively and safely.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Footwork | The first step should be taken with the "outside" foot (closest to the sideline). For right-handed layups, this is the right foot, and for left-handed layups, it's the left foot. |
| Ball Pickup | Players should be taught to keep the ball on the same side of their body as their shooting hand, shielding it from defenders. |
| Focus | Kids should focus on gaining distance with the first step and maintaining control of their body. |
| Distance | Emphasize the importance of distance, especially when jumping towards the basket. |
| Technique | Teach the overhand and underhand techniques. The shooting hand should extend fully, pushing through the ball, and finishing with a flick of the wrist. |
| Protection | Players should protect the ball with their non-shooting hand to prevent defenders from stealing it. |
| Consistency | Layups should be practiced from both sides of the basket to improve consistency and avoid favoring one hand. |
| Drills | Start with basic drills and gradually increase the difficulty, such as adding dribbles or starting from different positions on the court. |
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What You'll Learn
- Footwork: The first step is with the outside foot, then the \inside\ foot
- Body control: Emphasise the importance of control and slowing down
- Hand and ball placement: Keep the ball close to the body, with the non-shooting hand protecting it
- Jumping: Jump off the foot opposite to the shooting hand, driving towards the basket
- Practise: Start with right-handed layups, then add dribbling and change sides
Footwork: The first step is with the outside foot, then the \inside\ foot
Footwork is a crucial aspect of teaching basketball layups to kids. It can be challenging for young learners to grasp, so it's important to break down the steps and be patient. Here's a detailed guide to instructing them on the footwork for a successful layup:
The first step is critical for gaining distance and control. Instruct the kids to start by stepping with their ""outside" foot, which is the foot closest to the sideline. If they're performing a right-handed layup, this would be their right foot, and for a left-handed layup, it would be their left foot. Emphasize the importance of maintaining body control during this initial movement. Encourage them to slow down and refrain from sprinting towards the hoop, as this can lead to a loss of control.
The second step focuses on the "inside" foot, which is the foot closest to the middle of the court. For right-handed layups, this would be their left foot, and vice versa for left-handed layups. This inside foot is crucial for elevation and providing the lift needed to reach the basket. It's important to teach them to jump off this opposite foot to the hand they're using for the layup. This jump should be both upward and towards the basket, driving them forward.
A helpful visualization for kids is to imagine trying to reach as high as the backboard with their jump. This ensures they start their jump at the backboard and finish under the basket. Additionally, remind them to bend their knee during takeoff for added power and to protect their space from defenders.
Once they master the footwork, you can introduce the dribble. Start by having them take one dribble before completing their two steps and finishing with the layup. As they progress, they can work on combining dribbling with changing directions, making their technique more game-ready.
Remember, teaching layups to young kids requires breaking down complex movements into manageable steps. Footwork is a fundamental aspect of this process, and by focusing on the outside and inside footwork, you'll be setting them up for success in mastering the basketball layup.
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Body control: Emphasise the importance of control and slowing down
When teaching basketball layups to kids, it's important to emphasise the importance of body control and slowing down. Young players often sprint towards the hoop and then launch the ball hard off the backboard. This is usually due to a lack of control and an eagerness to score.
To address this, start by explaining the concept of "slow is smooth, smooth is fast". This means that when players take their time and perform the layup smoothly, they will be faster and more efficient in the long run. Encourage them to focus on executing each step of the layup correctly, rather than rushing through it.
Next, break down the layup into its individual components: footwork, ball pickup, distance, and finishing. Demonstrate each component step by step, emphasising the importance of control and balance. For example, when teaching the footwork, show them how to take a controlled step with their "outside" foot (closest to the sideline) first, followed by their "inside" foot (closest to the middle of the court). Explain that a long first step helps them gain distance and sets up the rest of the layup.
After each demonstration, have the kids imitate your movements slowly at first, focusing on maintaining their balance and control. As they become more comfortable, they can gradually increase their speed while still emphasising control.
Additionally, it's important to teach them how to protect the ball while performing the layup. Show them how to keep the ball close to their body and use their non-shooting hand to shield it from defenders. This will help them feel more in control and less rushed as they approach the hoop.
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Hand and ball placement: Keep the ball close to the body, with the non-shooting hand protecting it
When teaching kids how to do a basketball layup, one of the most important things to emphasise is hand and ball placement. Instruct your students to keep the ball close to their body, with their non-shooting hand protecting it. This is crucial, as it prevents defenders from stealing or blocking the ball.
For right-handed layups, players should start with the ball on their right hip, keeping it on that side of their body as they move into the shooting motion. This shields the ball from defenders. The non-shooting (left) hand should be placed on the side of the ball, while the shooting hand goes on top. As they jump, they should bring the ball up between their shoulder and ear, with their shooting hand and wrist guiding the ball into the hoop.
For left-handed layups, the ball should be kept on the left side of the body, with the right hand protecting it. The left hand goes on top of the ball, ready to shoot. Again, the ball is brought up and guided into the hoop with a flick of the wrist.
It's important to teach players to be comfortable with both left and right-handed layups, as they will encounter defenders when approaching the hoop, and will need to be able to manoeuvre around them.
Remind your students that they are in control of their bodies and the ball. They should focus on taking their time and being precise with their movements.
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Jumping: Jump off the foot opposite to the shooting hand, driving towards the basket
Jumping is a crucial aspect of teaching kids how to perform a basketball layup. Here are some detailed instructions to help you guide them effectively:
Jumping Technique
Teach kids to jump off the foot opposite to their shooting hand, driving their body towards the basket. This technique provides the necessary lift to elevate them towards the hoop. Emphasize the importance of jumping not just upward but also forward, ensuring they finish under the basket. A helpful visualization is to ask them to imagine reaching for the backboard during their jump.
Footwork
For right-handed kids, the right foot is the "outside" foot, and for left-handed kids, it's the left foot. The first step should be taken with the outside foot, and it should be a long one to gain distance. The second step is taken with the inside foot, which is the foot they will jump off of. For example, if they are shooting with their right hand, they will jump off their left foot, driving their right leg up to provide additional lift.
Body Control
It's common for young players to sprint out of control towards the hoop. Encourage them to slow down and maintain body control as they perform the layup. This will increase their chances of scoring and help them protect the ball.
Ball Protection
As they jump, kids should keep the ball close to their body and use their non-shooting hand to protect it from defenders. This is especially important when jumping, as smart defenders will look to steal the ball during this vulnerable moment.
Shooting Motion
The shooting hand should extend fully, pushing through the ball, and finishing with a flick of the wrist. This technique is often called a "'soft touch," and it describes the gentle speed and pace at which the ball is released off the backboard.
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Practise: Start with right-handed layups, then add dribbling and change sides
When teaching young kids how to do a basketball layup, it's important to break down the steps and be patient. Most players are right-handed, so it's a good idea to start by teaching them right-handed layups. Here's how you can guide them through the process:
- Starting Position: Ask the kids to stand on the right low block, holding the basketball in their right hand. Remind them that they don't need to dribble yet.
- First Step: Instruct them to take a long step towards the basket with their left foot (their "outside" foot). Emphasise the importance of gaining distance with this first step.
- Second Step: Teach them to take a second step with their right foot ("inside" foot), staying in control of their body. Encourage them to slow down and focus on their body positioning.
- Jump and Shoot: Explain that they should jump off their left foot and shoot the layup with their right hand. Demonstrate how to bring the ball above their head, extend their arm, and flick their wrist to guide the ball into the hoop gently.
- Add Dribbling: Once they master the basic right-handed layup, introduce dribbling. Start with one dribble before completing the two steps and finishing with the layup.
- Change Sides: After they feel comfortable with right-handed layups, teach them left-handed layups. Mirror the previous steps, but now they'll start with the ball in their left hand and step with their right foot first.
Remember to emphasise the importance of protecting the ball with their non-shooting hand to prevent defenders from stealing it. Encourage lots of repetition and provide positive feedback to build their confidence.
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Frequently asked questions
Start by teaching them the basics of footwork, ball pickup, focus, and distance. Then, get them to practice the six steps for how to do a layup, emphasizing the importance of body control and protecting the ball. Finally, get them to practice the seven layup variations, including the overhand and underhand layups.
Teach kids to start with the ball on their hip pocket on the same side as their shooting hand. This shields the ball from the defense. Then, they should take a step with the opposite foot, jump, and shoot the layup. The jump must be both up and towards the basket. Remind them to keep the ball close to their body to prevent defenders from stealing it.
One common challenge is the tendency to favor one hand over the other when performing the skill. Kids may also struggle with understanding footwork, ball pickup, and maintaining control of their body as they perform the layup.
Start with the basics and be patient as they learn. Provide clear instructions and emphasize key coaching points, such as the importance of gaining distance with the first step and maintaining body control. Have them practice the layup from both sides of the basket and gradually add dribbling and changing direction to make the technique more game-ready.
