A layup is a shot taken close to the basket, usually after dribbling towards it. It’s one of the highest percentage shots in basketball, making it a crucial skill to master.
Here’s how to do a proper layup in basketball:
1. Approach the basket
Start from the wing and dribble towards the basket.
The wing area is the space on each side between the top of the key and the baseline. The baseline is the boundary line at both ends of a basketball court.
Approach the basket from the right side for a right-handed layup and from the left for a left-handed one. Aim to be near enough for an easy shot but avoid being directly underneath.
2. Pick up the ball
As you near the basket, gather the ball with both hands.
For a right-handed layup, place your right hand under the ball and your left hand on the side. Reverse the hand positions for a left-handed layup.
3. Take two steps
After gathering the ball, you may take two steps before shooting.
For a right-handed layup, step with your right foot first, holding the basketball, followed by your left foot.
For a left-handed layup, step with your left foot first, holding the basketball, followed by your right foot.
4. Jump in the direction of the basket
After you take the second step, jump in the direction of the basket.
Move your body toward the basket without leaning forward.
Jump off the foot opposite your shooting hand.
This helps you shoot naturally and positions your body to shield the ball from defenders.
5. Shoot the ball
As you shoot with your right hand, lift your right leg. Bend your right knee and point it toward the basket. At the same time, raise your right arm to shoot the ball.
Aim to bounce the ball off the backboard and into the basket. Specifically, target the area above the small square’s top right corner on the backboard.
For a left-handed layup, lift your left leg as you shoot with your left hand. Bend your left knee and point it toward the basket. At the same time, raise your left arm to shoot the ball.
Aim to bounce the ball off the backboard and into the basket. Specifically, target the area above the small square’s top left corner on the backboard.
You can do a layup with two hands
A layup is different from a jump shot.
For a layup, you shoot with one hand. For a jump shot, you use two hands: one as the shooting hand and the other as the guide hand.
If you’re new to layups, using two hands is fine.
6. Practice
Keep practicing until the layup becomes second nature. You shouldn’t have to think about which foot goes forward or which one to jump from. It should just happen.
Basketball has many layup types.
After mastering the basic one, try variations like the Euro step or floater.
Practice against defenders
No matter how much you practice layups alone, it won’t make you a top finisher.
Once you master the technique, add defense to improve your finishing skills.
Practice your layup shot with a real defender.
For a right-handed layup, get a defender on your left. For a left-handed one, have them on your right. Aim to protect the ball from the defender.