How To Do A Layup In Basketball Even As A Beginner?

 

How to Do a Layup in Basketball Even As a Beginner

Layups are considered to be the easiest in the game of basketball. Since the technique involves taking shots close to that basket, the chances of scoring each time are in your favor. But how to do a layup in basketball? It is a question that many beginners ask. Both right-handed and left-handed players! So let’s find out the proper basketball lay-up technique from the right and left side.

How To Do A Layup In Basketball – The Right-Handed Method

How to Do a Layup in Basketball – The Right-Handed Method

  1. Dribbling

Dribble your way toward the right of the basket. Make sure you’re close enough, but not under it. Layups are usually an outcome of the running dribble. So practice approaching the basket slowly. And then increase the speed once your footwork is in place.

  1. Foot Placement

When the distance between you and the basket is only a few feet, use your right foot to step forward. This step is taken to achieve distance while also positioning your body within the shooting range.

Dribble for the last time outside the right foot.

  1. Jumping

When the left foot lands on the ground, lift it again to take that jump to get closer to the basket. Avoid leaning forward at this point.

The goal is to position yourself close enough so you can make a straight jump for the shot. And as you do that, bring the basketball to the chest and prepare for your chance.

  1. Shooting

Move your right leg and right arm at the same time during shooting. Bend the right knee and point it toward that basket while moving the right arm to shoot. Arch this arm in the direction of the basket. And slightly bend the elbow.

Layups shots are different from regular shots. You use the right hand instead of the left to achieve more ball stability. Such an action helps in obtaining more reach.

And while shooting, rotating the wrist inward gives the basketball a bit more spin. So the chances of the ball hammering away from the backboard or rim seem to be minuscule. Despite the excessive force.

  1. Remember the Sweet Spot

For right-handed layups, you’ll find the sweet spot in the backboard center toward the right side. It absorbs all ball impact, which is why the ball drops straight down into the net.

Such layup basketball drills might seem confusing at first. But if you keep practicing, your muscles start to remember the moves. What I’ve discussed above is the most fundamental technique. So it won’t take too long for you to incorporate it as your second nature. (Top 10 basketball drills)

How To Do A Layup In Basketball – The Left-Handed Method

 

  1. Dribbling

Approach the basket’s left side with the running dribble. Make sure you’re close enough to the net to make the layup launch more accessible. But avoid getting too close or under that basket.

The left-handed technique is also known as the reverse layup. Even right-handed players practice the left-handed method. The process is tricky since you have to use the opposite hand. But once you learn how to perform such basketball layup moves, you’ll realize how extremely beneficial they are.

Plus, it’s a different story when you’re getting close to that basket from the left. At this point, it becomes impossible to crossover to carry out the right-handed method. Your chances of scoring from your left, in these moments, are higher than from the right.

  1. Foot Placement

Begin the layup by placing the left foot forward. Before performing the last dribble outside the same foot!

  1. Jumping

As the right foot touches the ground, it’s time for the jump. Move your body toward the net without bending it forward. Position yourself close to the target in such a manner that jumping straight for the shot becomes easier. And when you do that, change the position of the ball. Bring it closer to the chest area for shot preparation.

  1. Shooting

This is when you imagine there’s a string located between your left leg and left arm. Move both body parts at the same time. Bend the left knee in the direction of the basket. And move the left arm upward to the net that ball.

Once again, keep in mind that layup shots are not the same as regular shots. So don’t use the right hand if you want to steady your basketball. For stability, it’s best to make use of the left side. It gives additional reach and reduces the chances of missing the shot.

Another critical thing to note is the slight rotation of the wrist. Twist it inward, so the ball achieves an enhanced spin. As a result of which it doesn’t hammer off the backboard or rim. That is when subjected to a lot of force.

  1. Target the Sweet Spot

It goes without saying that you need to aim for the left center of that square. Otherwise, the backboard fails to absorb impact and force the ball to drop down.

Don’t try hard to tip the basketball off the rim. The most effective technique is to target the backboard. The platform gives you the opportunity to make errors. But the same cannot be said about the rim. Outside or inside the rim, the basketball can bounce right off.

And the most important thing is to practice as much as you can. Both methods are fundamental layup basketball drills. There’s no chance you won’t be able to acquire the skills if you practice enough.

Final Words

So how to do a layup in basketball? You know the answer to this question now. The theory is in place. The only thing left to do is put it into action. I know it’s easier said than done. But nothing is impossible in this case.

Here’s a video demonstration of how to do a through the legs layup:

I hope you found the post helpful. I tried to keep the instructions simple and easy to understand. If you have anything of value to add here, please do so. Your comments and feedback are always welcome.

Best of luck! And have a great day.

Sources:

  1. http://ballerbootcamp.com/how-to-shoot-a-layup-in-basketball/
  2. https://www.wikihow.com/Do-a-Lay-Up
  3. https://hoopsu.com/how-to-shoot-a-layup/

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