Layups are the easiest bucket in basketball. This drill teaches the approach, the footsteps, and the finish from both sides.
Equipment needed: One hoop, 12-15 basketballs, two buckets, a basket of balls near the hoop.
Setup: Two lines of kids facing the hoop. Line 1 is on the right side, Line 2 is on the left side. Both about 15 feet away.
How to run it:
- First kid in Line 1 dribbles toward the hoop from the right, shoots a layup, and goes to the back of Line 2.
- First kid in Line 2 dribbles toward the hoop from the left, shoots a layup, and goes to the back of Line 1.
- Alternate. Do 20 total reps (10 per side).
What to look for: Footwork on the approach. A layup has two steps before the shot. First step is longer, second step is a launch off the inside foot, then lay the ball off the backboard with the outside hand. Soft touch matters more than power at this age.
Gear for this drill (affiliate)
Youth rubber basketball → — durable rubber ball for outdoor and gym use.
Full basketball gear guide → — all picks by age, sport, and level.
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