How to Make A Perfect Layup In Basketball
A layup should be the easiest shot in basketball next to the slam dunk. Every player should be able to make the "bunny" shot inches away from the basket. A "perfect" layup starts with the correct approach to the basket, and ends with the ball being released over the rim of or off the backboard.
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Instructions
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Pick up the dribble when you can easily reach the basket without traveling. Move to one side of the basket and approach the basket at an angle. Players approaching from the right should dribble right-handed, while players coming in from the left should dribble with the left.
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Plant the inside foot when you get near the basket. As you raise your shooting hand, raise your knee at the same time. Keep your eye on the basket, not on the ball.
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Aim for the top corner of the box on the back of the backboard. A tall player can just lay the ball over the rim. However, most coaches prefer players use the backboard since defenders are less likely to interfere with that shot. Release the ball with the palm up and the arm extended. The ball should roll off the hand. A well-executed layup will force the ball to bounce softly off the glass or backboard and into the basket.
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Practice the footwork just as much as the shot release. It should be one continuous, fluid movement. Depending on how fast you approach the basket, you may need to adjust the strength of the shot.
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Tips & Warnings
PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE. Once you have this move down really well on both sides of the basket, you can start adding some special touches to create more moves that will be hard to defend. You can throw in some head fakes, some layup fakes that will end in a jump shot when the defender thinks you are going in for a layup, etc. You can see which way works best for you to lay it in (the under the ball roll in or the more regular shot layup.)
References
- Photo Credit Ronald Martinez/Getty Images Sport/Getty Images
