Layup
A close-range basketball shot taken while moving toward the basket, laying the ball softly off the backboard or over the rim.
Overview
The layup is the highest-percentage shot in basketball, taken near the hoop off a dribble or a pass while in motion. The shooter gathers the ball, drives off the inside foot and lays it gently against the backboard or over the front of the rim.
Coordinating the footwork so the take-off foot is opposite the shooting hand is the key to a smooth layup.
How to do it
- 1Gather the ball as you approach the basket while dribbling or after a pass.
- 2Step with the inside foot and then jump off the foot opposite your shooting hand.
- 3Drive the shooting-side knee upward as you rise.
- 4Extend your arm and lay the ball softly off the backboard or over the rim.
- 5Land in balance ready to follow the shot.
Key points
- Take off from the foot opposite your shooting hand.
- Lift the knee on the shooting side for extra height and balance.
- Aim for the top corner of the backboard square when using the glass.
Where it’s used
Sports that use layup:
Related techniques
Jump Shot
A basketball shot released at the top of a vertical jump, letting the shooter get the ball over a defender with a soft, arcing release.
Chest Pass
A two-handed pass thrown directly from chest height in a straight line to a teammate, the most basic pass in basketball and netball.
Free Throw
An unguarded basketball shot taken from the free-throw line, relying on a calm, repeatable routine rather than power.
Explore across the knowledge base
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Movement patterns
- JumpThe plyometric pattern of projecting the body off the ground through explosive triple extension and controlling the landing — the core expression of lower-body power.
- HopA single-leg spring that takes off from and lands on the same leg, using the stretch-shortening cycle to project the body vertically or horizontally.
- LandingThe controlled absorption of force at ground contact that ends an airborne phase, dissipating impact through eccentric triple flexion of the ankle, knee and hip.
- BackpedalControlled backward locomotion performed while facing forward, staying low and pushing off the balls of the feet in short strides to stay reactive and keep play in view.
- Crossover StepA lateral or diagonal travelling step in which one leg crosses over the other with accompanying hip and trunk rotation, trading a stable base for greater reach and speed.
Skills
- ShootingThe skill of striking or releasing the ball toward the goal or basket to score.
- FootworkThe skill of moving efficiently around the playing area to be in position for each shot or action.
- DribblingThe skill of moving with the ball under close control to beat opponents or keep possession.
- ReboundingThe basketball skill of gaining the ball after a missed shot.
- CatchingThe skill of cleanly securing a ball travelling through the air or off the ground.
Equipment
- BasketballA large, inflated ball with a dimpled surface used to play basketball.
- Football (soccer ball)A round, inflated ball used to play association football and futsal.
- Tennis racquetA strung frame with a handle used to hit the ball in tennis.
- Pickleball paddleA solid, flat paddle used to hit the perforated plastic ball in pickleball.
- Cricket batA flat-fronted wooden bat used by batters to hit the ball in cricket.
Facilities
- Basketball courtA rectangular hard-surfaced court with a raised hoop and backboard at each end where basketball is played.
- Padel courtAn enclosed court, much smaller than a tennis court, walled with glass and mesh so the ball can be played off the walls.
- Volleyball courtA rectangular court split by a high net over which two teams rally the ball, played indoors or on sand.