Basketball players are expected to make layups without missing. One of the first things coaches look at when a new group of players shows up in the gym for tryouts is the ease with which players make layups. Those who glide to the basket with speed and effortlessly lay the ball off the backboard and through the hoop catch the coach's eye. Those who can't make layups often have little chance of making the team.
Step 1
Learn to dribble the ball with both hands. Most players are competent at dribbling the ball with their dominant hand and then going to the hoop and shooting the layup with that hand. Many of those same players struggle when dribbling and then shooting layups with their opposite hand. If you are going to make every layup, you have to use your opposite hand well on the court.
Step 2
Drive to the hoop with force and speed. When you drive toward the hoop, your opponent will close that space quickly. You often have only a brief moment to take advantage of a breakdown in the defense, and you must explode to the basket. Push hard to the rim when you sense an opening and go to the rim for your lay-up.
Step 3
Shoot the layup with your outside hand. This gives you the best angle for shooting. If you are on the right side of the rim, shoot the ball with your right hand off the top line on the square above the rim. Shoot with your left hand when you move toward the rim from the left side of the lane.
Step 4
Jump off the opposite foot that you will be shooting with. You are looking for balance and position as you go up to shoot your layup. By jumping off your left foot when you shoot your layup with your right hand, you are in the proper position to reach maximum height on your jump and lay the ball high off the backboard and in.
Step 5
Concentrate on your ball handling, aggressiveness, leaping and release when you practice layups. Nearly every coach begins practices and warmups with several minutes of layups. Make sure you are executing every step properly and you are thinking about the process, not about an upcoming game or the next practice drill.
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