The layup is one of the most common and important shots in basketball. It seems easy but many players manage to miss their layups for a number of reasons. Perhaps they haven’t got their technique down? Perhaps a little bit of pressure gets to them as they go to make an easy layup?

Regardless of the reasons, here are some pro tips to ensure you can practice and perfect your layup with every shot:

1. Keep your eyes up

Whether it’s basketball NZ – or anywhere in the world – the most important thing when doing a layup is to keep your eyes up. This helps you lock on to your target (either the backboard or hoop depending on your position) whilst knowing where the defenders are during your shot. The defenders are obviously going to try and obstruct your shot so keeping your head up and knowing where they are is essential to manoeuvring your way to the hoop.  

2. The outside foot step

You should start your layup by stepping to your outside foot. For right-handed layups, this is your right foot. Conversely, for left-handed layups, this is your left foot. Stepping to the outside first helps you round way toward the hoop and control your balance upon approaching the shot.

There are two stepping styles that are imperative to layups:

1. Long step: The first step should be long and help gain distance, and;
   
2. Controlled: You must be in control of your steps as you approach the hoop. You don’t need to sprint towards the hoop as this can generate too much shooting power. Too much power in your shot can easily see it go flying off the backboard so be sure to be in control of your steps and don’t rush towards the hoop!

3. The inside step & jump

The next step – and the one off which you will jump towards the hoop – is your second step. This will naturally come from your opposite, non-shooting hand foot. So, for right-handed layups, this is your left foot. For left-handed layups, this is your right foot. Once you have taken this smaller step you can then commence your jump.

The best way to get outstanding leverage on your jump is to jump high from your opposite foot whilst raising your preferred knee high up in the air. So, for right-handed layups you raise your right knee high and vice-versa for left-handed layups. This will help you gain strong leverage over your defender and out-manoeuvre their attempt to block your shot.

4. Protect the ball

You must protect the ball during your shooting motion. Defenders will either try to strip the ball from you during your steps or block the ball during your shot. To protect the ball during your steps you have to keep strong hands on the ball whilst securing it close to your body.

To prevent the opposition blocking your shot you should use your non-shooting hand to protect the ball before releasing it. Doing so will increase the likelihood of your opponent fouling you during your shot and thus provide you with a couple of free-throws.

5. Your follow through

To finish your layup, you must extend the ball above your head and release it by flicking it toward the backboard or hoop. Choosing the backboard or hoop all depends on the angle you approach the hoop. You may like to use the backboard if you approach from the side but shoot directly towards the net if you are right in front of it.

Remember these simple tips for ensuring you produce the best layups on basketball court and in every match situation!