The reverse layup is a type of layup. In this move, a player starts from one side of the basket and finishes on the other. This uses the rim to guard against defenders blocking the shot.
It’s a deceptive move that can be highly effective when executed correctly.
Here’s how to do a reverse layup in basketball.
1. Dribble towards the baseline
Dribble toward the baseline from the wing.
On a basketball court, 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, perpendicular to the sidelines.
The side you start from determines the finishing side.
If you start from the left wing area, dribble with your left hand toward the baseline. Your aim is a right-handed layup on the rim’s other side.
If you start from the right wing area, dribble with your right hand toward the baseline. Your aim is a left-handed layup on the rim’s other side.
2. Gather the ball and take two steps
As you approach the rim from the baseline, gather the ball with both hands.
Then, take two steps.
If you begin on the left wing, step with your right foot first, holding the basketball, followed by your left foot. Aim for a right-handed layup on the rim’s opposite side.
If you begin on the right wing, step with your left foot first, holding the basketball, followed by your right foot. Aim for a left-handed layup on the rim’s opposite side.
3. Jump toward the opposite side of the rim
After you take the second step, jump toward the opposite side of the rim.
Jump off the foot opposite your shooting hand. This helps you shoot naturally. It also positions your body to protect the ball from defenders.
Aim for an extension to make sure you can move below the rim and finish on the other side.
4. Aim for the backboard
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.
The basic reverse layup is similar to the standard layup.
With the reverse layup, however, you finish on the rim’s opposite side.
5. Practice consistently
Practice the reverse layup on both sides of the rim. Start slowly, focus on technique, and then increase your speed. After mastering the basic reverse layup, try different rim finishes.
For instance, combine the scoop finish and the reverse layup.
Here are some drills to improve your reverse layup:
Mikan drill
Stand underneath the rim facing the baseline.
Shoot a layup with your right hand and aim for the backboard. As you shoot, raise your right knee. After the layup, catch the ball.
Pivot on your left foot without dropping the ball and move to the basket’s other side.
Shoot a layup with your left hand, again using the backboard. Raise your left knee as you shoot. After the left-handed layup, catch the ball, then pivot on your right foot to return to the right side.
Continue this back-and-forth pattern, alternating between right and left-handed layups.
Kyrie Irving’s ball spin
To improve your reverse layup ability, practice the Kyrie Irving ball spin drill.
Stand underneath the rim with your back to the baseline.
Study the angles on the basketball backboard to apply the right spin to the ball. Shoot a layup with your right hand and focus on the ball’s spin against the backboard.
Do the same thing using the left hand.