How to Do a Layup (Right and Left Hand)

Missed layups win and lose more games than missed threes. Master the footwork, get the off-hand to match the strong hand, and you'll shoot 70%+ at the rim.

Right-hand layup — the checklist

Approach from the right side, 45° to the backboard
Left foot plants as the last step
Right knee drives up (opposite arm, opposite leg)
Right hand lays the ball soft off the top corner of the square

Use the glass — always

The backboard turns a good release into a made basket. Aim for the top-corner of the painted square on angle finishes. Straight-on layups can go rim-only, but from the wing, always use glass.

The off-hand is not optional

If you can't finish with your weak hand, half the court is a dead zone. Do 50 weak-hand layups every practice until the mechanics match. There is no shortcut — only reps.

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