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3 Tips to Make Your Layups

Tips for layups at a youth basketball camp

Layups are one of the most important and easiest skills in your game to master. Since they can be practiced alone or in a team setting, there is no excuse for not working on them. A layup is an attempt at a two-point shot that begins by leaping from underneath the basket. Using one hand, you will lay the ball gently off of the square in the backboard and into the basket. Being very simple from a technique standpoint, this style of shot is frequently used during competitive play, it’s important you work hard and focus on getting them in during practice. Players who can finish easy points when needed are a large asset in the game and should not be overlooked. Here are 3 shooting tips that are commonly taught at Nike Basketball Camps, to help you make your layups every time.

Run Into your Shot

Running into your shot is important when practicing a layup as it will provide momentum and simulate a game scenario. In a game, you will be dodging defense when you move towards the basket and moving at a fast pace. Once you feel you have mastered the skills, you should start running into your shot at a faster speed each time.

Aim in the Sweet Spot

Every hoop has a sweet spot, the rectangle box on the backboard that is twenty four inches horizontally and eighteen inches vertically. When you aim at this rectangle, with good form, scoring becomes an expected outcome. As you incorporate this in your practice, make sure to shoot the ball with just enough force because too much will cause the ball to bounce off and not go in the basket.

Practice Variation

Once you have mastered your layup, add in some variation to your practice. Try approaching the basket at different speeds, angles, and with competition or obstacles to challenge your shot. Implementing different scenarios will better prepare you for any circumstance that may arise in a game.

Keep track of your improvement and aim to increase the total number of layups made each practice. The main way to improve is practicing your layup skills in a game. Grab your friends or even better, your skilled friends and compete against them using the skills you have been working on! For more help with your game, check out our latest drills and tips and join us this summer at a Nike Basketball Camp.

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