How To Get Kids To Improve On Layups

In beginning basketball leagues, the majority of scoring comes from making layups. That's because, even though kids are full of energy and eager to play, the success rate of making 10- or 15-foot shots on a basket 10 feet up in the air is not initially high. Learning the proper form makes scoring on layups easier.

Step 1

Layups are close-range shots in basketball so, with the right technique, they usually go into the basket. Start by teaching the proper footwork. Right-handed players should dribble toward the right side of the basket and push off with the left foot to get into the air before releasing the basketball. Left-handed shooters should dribble toward the left side of the basket and push off with their right foot before shooting. Pushing off on the wrong foot disrupts proper balance and often results in missed shots.

Step 2

Teach young players to use the backboard when shooting a layup. A backboard usually has a marked square directly above the rim that serves as a guide. By banking the layup in the square on the backboard, the player has a better chance to make the shot. Layups are much more difficult when the player tries to "swish" the layup instead of using the backboard.

Step 3

Teach young players to keep their head up when shooting a layup. If their head is down, their floor position is likely to be wrong. Teach them not to attempt a layup from more than 3 or 4 feet from the side of the basket. Keeping their head up also keeps them from dribbling too far under the basket before releasing the layup. If they are too far under the basket, the angle makes it impossible to get off an accurate shot.