How to Perform a Layup: 7 Types of Layup Basketball Shots

In basketball, a layup is a two-point, one-handed shot an offensive player takes in close range of the basket. A player has a higher chance of making a successful layup than they do a shot farther from the basket due to their close proximity to the hoop. This means an open basketball layup is a higher percentage field goal attempt than a jump shot or a three-point shot.

Aside from a free throw or a slam dunk, a layup might be the most efficient way for an offensive player to score. However, the percentage of a likely score decreases when multiple or taller defenders oppose the offensive player in the key (the area beneath the basket).

An important foundation in basketball shooting, the layup represents one of the game’s fundamentals for beginners and seasoned players alike. Due to the generally higher success rate of layup shots, this basketball skill is one that every player must master to succeed in the sport. Therefore, players should execute many different layup variations in practice drills, including from several angles from every side of the hoop.

When practicing layup shots, you should attempt layups at game speed to mimic in-game scoring mechanics and improve your muscle memory for game-play conditions. Even players at the professional level find it necessary to continue layups drills. In fact, it’s one of many basketball drills that basketball coaches will coordinate during warmups before a game. Especially in youth basketball, the repetition of layup lines can help young players practice their footwork, ball handling, passing, and interior scoring before the basketball game starts.

There are several variations of layups—basketball shots that are good for two points—that an offensive player can utilize in different situations. Learn these variations to work toward becoming a proficient interior scorer against any defensive matchup:

1. 1. Dunk: You might not consider a dunk to be a true layup, but this field goal attempt can be a highly effective and physically aggressive finishing move. Review National Basketball Association (NBA) highlights and you will see that a successful dunk can go beyond adding two points to the scoreboard—it can directly influence the morale and flow of a game.
2. 2. Euro step layup: Beneficial when you need to quickly alter your angle of attack, a Euro step layup can create space between you and an overly committed defender. You can perform a Euro step from a jump-stop position (when a player comes to a sudden stop with both feet—from this position, either foot can become the pivot foot) or from a moving “gather step.” To perform a gather step, the ball handler dribbles toward the basket and first picks up the ball while planting on an outside foot, then crosses the opposite foot toward a different angle. A gather step is an advanced maneuver, so it might take practice before you can perform one correctly without committing a traveling violation.
   
3. 3. Floater: This layup variation is an essential scoring tool for any guard or undersized player. When attacking taller defenders, you might find it difficult to perform a traditional layup. In these situations, you can carefully push the ball up and above the defender’s reach. Unlike other layup variations, which see the player aiming for the backboard, floaters aim for a soft arch that will have the basketball settle on top of the rim before falling into the hoop.
4. 4. Left-handed or right-handed layup: Players should become proficient in scoring from either side of the basket. An efficient scorer practices layups with both the left hand and the right hand, as well as jumping from either foot. At first, it might feel awkward to attempt a left-handed layup if you are right-hand dominant and vice versa. But with practice, ambidextrous ball control can give you more scoring options when you head to the basket.
5. 5. Overhand or underhand layup: Since most people are right-handed, an overhand layup from the right side of the hoop is typically the first shot a player learns. To execute this overhand shot, you plant the left foot and gain elevation toward the hoop by raising your right knee. Aim for the corner of the box painted on the backboard to ensure a successful trajectory—the ball should bounce off the backboard and into the hoop. An overhand layup off the backboard can be a well-protected attempt in heavy traffic under the net. On a breakaway layup, a player might prefer the underhand variation, in which they “finger roll” the ball above the rim for an easy bucket.
6. 6. Power layup: Players underneath the basket utilize the power layup as a finishing move. A power layup leverages good ball control skills so the offensive player can overcome a particularly tall or strong defensive player to finish the play. You can initiate a power layup from an offensive rebound or an entry pass from the wing area of the court. As the offensive player, you then move toward the basket with a power dribble or drop step before leaping off both feet to get the shot off from as high a position as possible.
7. 7. Reverse layup: When attacking the hoop from the baseline or being closely pursued by a defender looking to block your layup, you can utilize the reverse layup. Defenders often predict that an attacking player will attempt a shot from the side of the hoop toward which they are traveling, so you can confuse your opponent by finishing the layup on the opposite side. For example, if you are attacking from the left side, you can begin your ascent toward the hoop from the left. Once in the air, you can feint an attempt on the left side before finishing on the right side of the basket.

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