How to Correctly Make a Layup

While the lay-up may seem like the simplest shot in basketball, it's not so easy to master. Practicing the shot from both the left and right sides of the goal -- not just using your dominant hand -- is essential. In the event of a power layup, such as when you’ve gotten an offensive rebound while standing under the basket, making the shot is more of a challenge because your proximity to the goal deprives you of a running start. Therefore, to truly master the layup, you must practice every possible scenario that could arise during game play.

Things You'll Need

  • basketball
  • basketball court
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Instructions

  1. General

    • 1

      Run while dribbling toward one side of the basketball hoop. Dribble with your right hand if you’re moving toward the right of the hoop and with your left hand if you’re moving toward the left side of the hoop.

    • 2

      Focus your eyes on the goal, where you’re aiming the basketball -- not on the ball itself -- as you approach the hoop. Maintain this focus until you have made the shot.

    • 3

      Stop dribbling at a distance of 5 to 8 feet from the hoop.

    • 4

      Plant your inside foot -- the foot opposite the hand you’re dribbling with -- and push off the court to jump as high as you can off that foot when you arrive at the side of the basket.

    • 5

      Aim for the far top corner of the square within the backboard, extending your dribbling arm as you jump.

    • 6

      Release the basketball at the highest point of your jump, lifting the outside knee -- the knee on the same side of your body -- as you release the ball, while keeping your eyes focused on the goal.

    Power Layup

    • 7

      Bend your knees once the ball is in hand, to prevent being knocked off balance by the offense.

    • 8

      Keep both hands on the basketball, positioned under your chin, to protect the ball from being stolen by the offense.

    • 9

      Jump forcefully off both feet.

    • 10

      Release the basketball, aiming to bounce it gently off the backboard into the basket.