Kristian Ferrell
Layups are considered the easiest and most basic shot in basketball, taken close to the basket, and are therefore used often. They are a fundamental basketball move that can be performed in a variety of ways, including overhand, underhand, reverse, and extended underhand. The overhand layup is similar to a jump shot but from a much closer range. The underhand layup involves using the wrist and fingers to 'lay' the ball into the net or off the board, and is also known as a finger roll. The reverse layup is used to evade a block, where the ball is tossed backward with the shooter facing away from the basket. Layups can be used in a variety of situations, such as when a defender is blocking a shot, or when there is a clear path to the basket.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Layups are considered the easiest shot in basketball |
| Distance from the basket | Taken very close to the basket |
| Obstacles | Taller defenders near the basket |
| Types | Underarm, Overarm, Reverse, Inside-hand, Pro hop, Floater, Two-footed, Euro step |
| Technique | Leap from below, use one hand to bounce the ball off the backboard and into the basket |
| Protection | Keep the ball close to the body, use the non-shooting hand to protect the ball |
| Footwork | Lift the outside foot, take two steps before the layup attempt |
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What You'll Learn
The layup is the most basic shot in basketball
There are two main types of layup: the underarm and the overarm. The underarm layup involves using most of the wrist and the fingers to 'lay' the ball into the net or off the board. This type of layup is more commonly known as the finger roll. Wilt Chamberlain was one of the early practitioners of a showy finger-roll layup, and notable past NBA players who rely heavily on the underarm finger roll include Mike Bibby and Allen Iverson.
The overhand layup is similar to a jump shot but from a much closer range. Overhand layups nearly always involve the action of the backboard. Players like Scottie Pippen and Karl Malone have used this move to great effect. The Reverse Layup is a type of overhand layup often used to evade a block. It is distinguished by the fact that the ball is tossed backward, with the shooter facing away from the basket. It is often employed during a baseline drive, where the attacking player starts on one side of the basket and finishes on the other.
There are several variations of the layup, including the inside hand layup, pro hop, floater, two-footed layup, and the Euro step. The inside hand layup is used when the defender is trying to block the shot. The pro hop is used when the defender moves out towards the player, and the player hops straight past them towards the hoop. The floater is used when there is a big, tall defender waiting inside to block the shot, and the player launches the ball high over the defender's outstretched arms. The Euro step is mainly used by guards and forwards as it relies on agility and footwork to avoid larger defenders.
The layup is a fundamental basketball move that will become second nature with enough practice. Players should get to the point where their body remembers what to do and they don't have to think about which foot to put forward and which one to jump off. It is important to practice layups while being defended or off of a long pass, and to practice with both the right and left hands.
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Mastering the layup is fundamental to winning games
Layups are considered the easiest and most basic shot in basketball. Mastering this fundamental skill is essential to winning games. 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. The motion and one-handed reach distinguish it from a jump shot.
The layup is a fundamental move that can be practised until it becomes second nature. It is important to get a sense of how fast to approach the basket and from what distance to begin your footwork and jump. When shooting, slightly rotate your wrist inward to give the ball spin, rather than snapping your wrist forward. This gentle spin will prevent the ball from hammering off the rim or backboard with too much force. Aim for the sweet spot on the backboard – for a left-handed layup, the ball should tap the backboard slightly to the left of the centre.
There are two main types of layup: 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. Wilt Chamberlain was an early practitioner 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. It nearly always involves the use of the backboard. Scottie Pippen and Karl Malone are players who have used this move effectively.
There are several variations on the layup, including the reverse layup, the inside-hand layup, the pro hop, the floater, and the Euro step. The reverse layup is often used to evade a block, with the shooter facing away from the basket. It is often used during a baseline drive or when a defender is defending one side of the rim. The inside-hand layup can be used when a defender is trying to block your shot, using the inside hand to lay the ball in under the defender's arm. The pro hop is used when a defender moves out towards you, hopping straight past them towards the hoop for a layup. The floater is used when there is a tall defender waiting inside to block your shot, launching the ball high over their outstretched arms. Finally, the Euro step is a move that relies on agility and footwork to avoid larger defenders, taking one step in one direction and then quickly another step in the other direction to create space.
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There are two types of layup: underarm and overarm
Layups are considered the easiest and most basic shot in basketball. They are also one of the fundamental skills in basketball, and players need to master them to win games. Layups are performed when players are close to the basket, leaping from below, and laying the ball up near the basket, using one hand to bounce it off the backboard and into the basket.
The overarm layup is similar to a jump shot but from a much closer range. It nearly always involves using the backboard. This type of layup is the best option when a player is close to or standing under the rim and needs to shoot straight up. It is the simplest form of layup and is very beginner-friendly. Notable players who have used this move to great effect include Scottie Pippen and Karl Malone.
There are also several variations on the layup, including the inside-foot layup, the reverse layup, and the power layup. The inside-foot layup is used when a defender is between the offensive player and the basket, allowing the player to use their body as a shield to protect the ball. The reverse layup is often used to evade a block, with the ball tossed backward as the shooter faces away from the basket. The power layup allows the offensive player to finish the play against a tall or strong defensive player.
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The reverse layup is a type of layup used to evade a block
A layup is a fundamental basketball move and is considered the easiest shot in the game. 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. The main obstacle is getting near the rim and avoiding blocks by taller defenders who usually stand near the basket.
To master the reverse layup, it is important to understand your location on the floor. The player should start outside the key on either side of the court, creating a buffer between themselves and the defender to cut inside. The player should aim to have their shoulders at a 45-degree angle to the backboard and incline their head backward as they travel under the rim.
The reverse layup can be made more difficult by adding spin to the ball, allowing for a later release and a wider range of angles. This makes it harder for defenders to block. However, it is crucial to spin the ball in the right direction to guide it toward the rim.
The reverse layup has been made famous by NBA stars like Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Stephen Curry, who have used it to great effect to evade blocks and score against taller defenders.
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Players should practice layups as part of every basketball practice
Layups are an essential part of basketball, and players should practice them as part of every basketball practice. It is a fundamental basketball move and the easiest shot to master, so it is important to get it right. The layup 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. It is a basic shot, but it is much more difficult than most people realize.
Players should practice the footwork, the body control, and the wrist action required to perform a layup. They should also practice keeping the ball close to their body to avoid it being stolen by a defender. The layup is a move that will become second nature after enough practice, and players should aim to get to the point where their body remembers what to do without thinking about it.
There are two main types of layup: the underarm and the overarm. The underarm layup, or 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 it nearly always involves the use of the backboard. Players should practice both types of layup to improve their skills and adaptability in a game.
There are also several variations of the layup that players should practice, such as the reverse layup, the inside-hand layup, the pro hop, the floater, and the Euro step. The reverse layup is used to evade a block, with the ball tossed backward as the shooter faces away from the basket. The inside-hand layup is used when a defender is trying to block a shot, with the player using their inside hand to lay the ball in under the defender's arm. The pro hop is used when a defender moves out towards the player, hopping straight past them towards the hoop for a layup. The floater is used when there is a tall defender waiting inside to block a shot, launching the ball high over their outstretched arms. Finally, the Euro step is a move that relies on agility and footwork to avoid larger defenders, taking two broad steps in different directions to create space for a layup attempt.
In summary, players should practice layups as part of every basketball practice to master this fundamental move. By practicing the different types and variations of layups, players can improve their skills, adaptability, and success in basketball games.
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Frequently asked questions
A layup is a fundamental basketball move that is used as a two-point shot attempt. It is considered the easiest shot in the game because it is taken so close to the basket.
A layup is performed 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 is performed in two steps, with the player's "outside" foot (the foot closest to the sideline) being lifted first.
Common variations of the layup include the underarm and overarm layups. The overhand layup is similar to a jump shot but from a much closer range. The reverse layup is another variation, where the ball is tossed backward, with the shooter facing away from the basket.
Defenders can try to strip (steal) the ball from the offensive player during their two steps. Taller defenders can also attempt to block the shot during the upward shooting motion or as the ball leaves the offensive player's hands.
