How to Teach a Basketball Layup

The layup shot in basketball is among the first a new player should learn, and the player should practice this shot constantly. The layup forms the foundation for a number of other basketball shots and allows a step during its execution. You can teach the layup by breaking down the movements.

Things You'll Need

  • Basketball
  • Basketball hoop
  • Low bench
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Instructions

    • 1

      Ask the player if he uses his right hand or left hand the most. Teach the layup using the dominant hand first.

    • 2

      Walk through a layup in the slowest motion possible when you teach the shot.

    • 3

      Dribble the basketball while walking toward the basket. When you are near the basket, move slightly to one side-it's easier to shoot a right-handed layup if your player is right-handed, so start there. You are now at an angle to the hoop.

    • 4

      Take a half-step with your right foot. This is the outside foot, so if you are shooting from the left side of the basket it's your left foot that takes the half-step.

    • 5

      Push off with the inside foot to get altitude, then teach the player to bank the shot off the backboard by aiming at the square above the basket. The player must use the dominant hand to make the shot.

    • 6

      Teach the layup to younger basketball players by putting a low bench under the basket. This gives them a chance to get the feel of pushing off on the right foot and getting the half-step.