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A layup is a fundamental basketball shooting technique where a player leaps from below, lays the ball up near the basket, and uses one hand to bounce it off the backboard and into the basket. It is considered the most basic shot in basketball and is a sure way to score points. The layup can be broadly categorized into two types: the underarm and the overarm. The underarm layup, also known as the finger roll, involves using the wrist and fingers to lay the ball into the net or off the board. The overhand layup is similar to a jump shot but from a much closer range and usually involves the use of the backboard.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A two-point shot attempt made by leaping from below, laying the ball up near the basket, and using one hand to bounce it off the backboard and into the basket |
| Difficulty | The layup is considered the most basic shot in basketball, but it is quite complex and requires practice to master |
| Execution | Run towards one side of the basket, jump, and lay the ball off the backboard into the hoop |
| Footwork | The player lifts the outside foot, or the foot away from the basket |
| Variations | Underarm (finger roll), overarm, reverse layup, Euro-Step, up and under |
| Strategy | Create spaces, release the ball from a different spot, or use alternate hands to avoid blocks by taller defenders |
| Substitutes | A player able to reach over the rim might choose to perform a slam dunk instead |
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What You'll Learn
- Layup technique: run, jump, and lay the ball off the backboard into the hoop
- Types: underarm (finger roll) and overarm
- Variations: Euro-Step, Reverse Layup, and Up and Under
- Training: practice foot placement, jumping technique, and dribbling
- In-game: a basic, high-percentage shot, often used to evade blocks
Layup technique: run, jump, and lay the ball off the backboard into the hoop
Layups are considered the easiest shot in basketball, and they are a fundamental offensive move. They can be performed by beginners and professionals alike. The layup is a two-point shot attempt made by leaping from below and "laying" the ball up near the basket, using one hand to bounce it off the backboard and into the basket.
There are several different versions of the layup, but the most common form is the Euro-Step, which involves picking up one's dribble, taking one step in one direction, then quickly taking a step in the other direction to avoid the defender and create room for a layup attempt.
- Approach 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 close to the basket, take a step with your right foot and then jump as soon as your left foot comes down. Focus on jumping upwards more than forwards.
- While in the air, bring the ball from your waist on the right side of your body and stretch out your right arm. Your left hand should be kept to the side of the ball.
- At the apex of your jump, straighten your arm and elbow to shoot the ball towards the backboard. Aim for the upper right corner of the square on the backboard to increase your chances of scoring.
- Finally, lay the ball softly off the backboard and into the hoop.
It is important to practice this technique from both the left and right sides of the basket to increase your ability to score against opponents. Additionally, players should focus on slowing down their approach to increase their chances of scoring and gaining control of their body.
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Types: underarm (finger roll) and overarm
Layups are considered the most basic shot in basketball. When performing a layup, the player lifts the outside foot, or the foot away from the basket, and lays the ball up near the basket, using one hand to bounce it off the backboard and into the basket. Layups can be broadly categorized into two types: the underarm and the overarm.
Underarm (Finger Roll)
The underarm layup, also known as the finger roll, involves using most of the wrist and the fingers to lay the ball into the net or off the board. Wilt Chamberlain was one of the early practitioners of a showy finger-roll layup. Notable NBA players who rely heavily on the underarm finger roll include Mike Bibby and Allen Iverson. Finger rolls today have many forms, including the ""Around the World", which involves a complete circle around the player before the layup, and a variety of faking in the approach to the rim. The finger roll is also useful for shooting over taller defenders.
Overarm
The overarm layup, or overhand shot, is similar to a jump shot but from a considerably closer range. Overhand layups nearly always involve the use of the backboard. Notable players who have used this move to great effect include Scottie Pippen and Karl Malone.
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Variations: Euro-Step, Reverse Layup, and Up and Under
The Euro-Step is a move in basketball where an offensive player picks up their dribble, takes a step in one direction, and then quickly takes a second step in the opposite direction. This move helps the player evade a defender and attack the basket. It was introduced to the NBA by European players and is now commonly used by guards and forwards as it relies on agility and footwork to avoid larger defenders. The Euro-Step can be an effective way to create space and get a layup attempt.
The Reverse Layup is a type of layup used to avoid a block by a defender. The shooter faces away from the basket and tosses the ball backward. This move is often used during a baseline drive, where the player starts on one side of the basket and finishes on the other, or when a defender commits to defending one side of the rim. The Reverse Layup can be challenging to master, but it can be an effective way to score against taller defenders.
The Up and Under is a move in basketball where a player uses a combination of dribbling, feints, and body movement to create space between themselves and their defender. The player dribbles the ball and then quickly shifts it to one side, as if about to shoot, only to bring it back under the defender's outstretched arm for an easy layup. This move relies on good ball handling and the ability to feint effectively to create the necessary space.
These variations of the layup shot are essential tools for players to score points and evade defenders. Each variation has its unique advantages and can be used in different situations, depending on the player's position, the defender's actions, and the game's flow. Mastering these moves can give players an edge and improve their scoring abilities.
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Training: practice foot placement, jumping technique, and dribbling
Layups are considered the most basic shot in basketball. They are a two-point shot attempt made by leaping from below, laying the ball up near the basket, and using one hand to bounce it off the backboard and into the basket. The layup and jump shot are the oldest shooting techniques in basketball.
To train in layups, it is important to first warm up to get your muscles and joints ready for the strain. Plan sufficient breaks while practising your jumping and take care of your body to prevent injuries. A stable core is necessary for increasing jump height, as it allows you to catapult yourself upwards. You can strengthen your core by placing your feet hip-wide apart, taking a large step back with your right foot, and jumping and changing legs. Half squats also train your jumping power from a squatting position.
Foot placement is also key to performing a layup. When doing a layup, the player lifts the outside foot, or the foot away from the basket. To practice foot placement, beginners can try the following step-by-step guide:
- Catch the ball landing with your left foot
- Step forward with your right foot
- Jump off with your left foot
- Drive forward with your right knee
- Simultaneously, bring the ball up with your right hand
- Lay it up softly
To practice your jumping technique, try the following exercise:
- Stand 45 degrees from the backboard
- Practice the two-contact rule: right-left-jump-backboard shot
- Add in a single dribble, then repeat step 2
- Add more dribbling to feel more comfortable transitioning from dribbling to shooting
- Practice these steps with your weaker hand
To practice dribbling, set up an obstacle course with cones or trash cans to practice dribbling and running with the ball. When near defenders, it is better to bounce the ball at your side while assuming a low, defensive stance. This way, the defender has to reach across your body to get the ball.
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In-game: a basic, high-percentage shot, often used to evade blocks
A layup is a fundamental basketball shooting technique and is considered the most basic shot in the game. It is a high-percentage shot when undefended, but the main challenge is avoiding blocks by taller defenders near the rim.
To perform a layup, a player runs towards one side of the basket, jumps, and lays the ball off the backboard into the hoop. The layup can be performed with an underarm or overarm throwing action. The underarm layup, also known as the finger roll, involves using the wrist and fingers to lay the ball into the net or off the board. Wilt Chamberlain was an early exponent of this style, and it was also favoured by Mike Bibby and Allen Iverson.
The overhand layup is similar to a jump shot but from a much closer range and usually involves the backboard. Notable players who have used this move effectively include Scottie Pippen and Karl Malone.
The Reverse Layup is a type of layup often used to evade blocks by defenders. The shooter faces away from the basket and tosses the ball backward. This technique is often used during a baseline drive, where the attacking player starts on one side of the basket and finishes on the other. Michael Jordan was known to use this tactic to score against taller defenders.
Another variation is the Euro-Step, which involves dribbling towards the basket, taking one step in one direction, and then quickly taking a step in the other direction to avoid the defender. This move relies on agility and footwork to create space for a layup attempt.
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Frequently asked questions
A layup is a fundamental shooting technique in basketball. It is a two-point shot attempt made by leaping from below, "laying" the ball up near the basket, and using one hand to bounce it off the backboard and into the basket.
There are two broad categories of layups: the underarm and the overarm. The underarm layup, also known as the finger roll, involves using the wrist and fingers to "lay" the ball into the net or off the board. The overhand layup is similar to a jump shot but from a much closer range and usually involves the use of the backboard.
To perform a layup, you run towards one side of the basket, jump, and lay the ball off the backboard into the hoop. The correct step sequence and jump are crucial. It is important to practice with both right and left hands to improve accuracy.
Here are some tips to improve your layup technique:
- Practice the correct foot placement and jumping technique.
- Train your jumping power with exercises like half squats and box jumps.
- Focus on the process and maintain good form, especially when working on balance and strength.
- Visualise and pantomime the skill to improve your technique.
