How To Do A Layup In Basketball (6-Step Guide)

Now, let’s talk about how to do a layup correctly.

Learning correct footwork and layup technique is crucial for young players.

We don’t want players to develop poor habits that will be difficult to break out of as they get older and advance to higher levels of basketball.

For the purposes of this beginner’s guide, I’ll assume players are executing a regular right-handed layup.

Here we go:

1. Eyes Up

The very first thing a player must do when they decide to attack the defense and finish with a layup is get their eyes up.

This is important for two main reasons:

a. To Lock onto the Target

The target they aim for will be either the hoop or the backboard depending on the player’s angle and speed.

Knowing which target to choose as the ball is released from the shooter’s hand is something players will get used to as they gain more experience.

b. To Read the Defense

Every time a player attacks the hoop, multiple defenders will step across to provide help and challenge the layup.

Players need to get their eyes up and use their peripheral vision to read these defenders.

This will help the player decide which layup variation will give them the best chance of scoring (or which teammate is now open to receive a pass).

2. Outside Foot Step (Long)

Remembering that we’re using a traditional, unguarded layup as the example for this blog post…

The first step a player makes as they pick up the basketball should be with their “outside” foot (closest to the sideline).

For right-handed layups, this is the right foot.

For left-handed layups, this is the left foot.

There are two important coaching points you should emphasize to players when you’re teaching them this step:

(1) Long Step

We want players to gain distance with the first step, and a long step also helps with the second point…

(2) Controlled

Players MUST be in control of their body as they perform their layup.

Too often we see young players sprint towards the hoop out of control and then launch the ball hard off the backboard.

Encourage them to slow down to increase their chances of scoring.

3. Inside Foot Step (High)

The second step of a traditional layup should be with the inside foot (closest to the middle of the court).

For right-handed layups, this is the left foot.

For left-handed layups, this is the right foot.

The key coaching point for the second step is the following:

“High Jump”

Along with ensuring players slow down and are in control of their layup, the emphasis to jump high will give young players the upward momentum they need to complete the layup.

This is done by driving the shooting-side knee up into the air as they jump off their opposite foot.

(Right knee on right-handed layups. Left knee on left-handed layups)

4. Protect the Ball

It’s crucial that a player protects the ball while attempting their layup.

Two things to watch out for:

a. Getting Stripped

Smart defenders will look to strip (steal) the ball from the offensive player during their two steps.

To prevent this from happening, the offensive player needs to (1) have strong hands and (2) keep the ball close to their body.

b. Getting Blocked

Tall defenders will attempt to block the shot during the upward shooting motion or as the ball leaves the offensive player’s hands.

To prevent this, the offensive players must use their non-shooting hands to protect the ball and increase the likelihood of getting fouled.

5. Follow Through

The fifth step when learning how to do a layup…

Teach your players to bring the ball up above their head, extend their arm, and then flick their wrist to guide the basketball into the hoop.

The traditional overhand layup is very similar to a regular jump shot when it comes to this part of the layup technique.

Important Note:

If you’re coaching very young players, you might find they push the basketball up from their chest instead of bringing the ball above their head before shooting… this is due to a lack of strength.

This isn’t a big issue while they’re young, but make sure they’re growing out of this habit as they get older and stronger.

6. Practice!

Now that your players understand correct layup technique, it’s time they start doing some serious layup practice!

A few important things for coaches to think about:

a. Different Angles and Speeds

Run layup drills that involve players attacking the hoop from different angles and at different speeds.

• Left / right side
• Front of the rim
• Along the baseline

It’s important that they’re comfortable and confident driving to the hoop from anywhere on the court.

b. Right Hand and Left Hand

Allow players to mainly use with their dominant hand when they’re first learning how to perform a layup…

But make sure they start practicing with both hands once they understand correct technique and develop the strength to do so.

This is important to help them protect the ball and finish around good defenders as they get older and play against tougher competition.

c. Competition!

Almost immediately you should start running drills where players are required to attack the defense and finish with a layup against live defense.

Add both layup technique and layup competition drills to every practice.

For example:

Spend 10 minutes using a layup technique drill and then spend 10 minutes playing half court 2-on-1.

Your players might struggle against competition at first — they might commit a travelling violation, jump off the wrong foot, or rush their two steps — but they’ll benefit from the struggle in the long run.