How to Shoot a Basketball Layup
There is nothing more fundamental in the game of basketball than the one-foot takeoff layup. Every player should be proficient at this skill before embarking on more complex skills such as the jump shot or post moves. Many youth and even some high school games are full of missed layup opportunities, which makes the difference between winning and losing. In this article I will focus on practicing the basic fundamentals of the one-foot takeoff layup. It will be described from the perspective of a right-handed layup. Simply reverse the left and rights to do a left-handed layup.
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Instructions
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Start 15 feet to the right of the center of the free-throw line. This should provide a 45-degree angle to the basket. Have a basketball in hand.
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Proceed to dribble towards the basket on the 45-degree angle.
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When you reach the lane, secure the ball with both hands while still in motion to the basket. You should be picking the ball up just when your right foot is hitting the floor. Keep the ball on the right side of your body as you convert from dribbling to shooting the layup.
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As you step with your left foot, you will want to plant it to jump up towards the basket. When jumping off the left foot, your right knee should thrust upwards--this action gives increased explosiveness up to the basket.
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Keeping the ball in both hands on the right side of your body, extend your arms up towards the basket.
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Focus your eyes on the target for the layup. An ideal target is the upright line on the square of the backboard about 18 inches above the rim.
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As you reach the height of your jump, release the left hand and propel your right wrist forward to release the ball to the target.
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Let your momentum carry you past the basket. If you stop short of the basket, you did not explode enough and extend enough to the basket.
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Tips & Warnings
For beginners, you can try this without a basketball at first to get the footwork down.
Practice the one-foot takeoff layup until you feel very comfortable in your footwork and can consistently make the shot.
To be proficient at this skill, you should be able to consistently make 95 percent or more of your layups.
Keep these same basic fundamentals when attempting layups in game situations.
