Game layups come from both sides. This drill teaches left-hand layups and right-hand layups. Balance in finishing is key.

What you need: Basketball. One per kid. 8-foot basket. Flat court.

Setup: Line up on the right wing about 12 feet from the basket.

How to run it:

  1. Cue: Plant, Up, Lay, Land.
  2. Dribble hard toward the basket from the right side.
  3. Plant your inside foot (left foot), step up with outside foot (right foot), lay with right hand.
  4. Do 5 right-side layups. Walk back to the line. Rest.
  5. Now from the left side. Do 5 left-side layups with left hand.
  6. Do 2 rounds of each side.

What to watch: Do they use both hands or just one? They should finish with the hand on the side they’re approaching from.

If they’re struggling: Slow the approach. Walk instead of dribble. Move closer. Reduce to 3 layups per side.

If they’ve got it: Add a defender playing soft pressure on the dribble drive. Shooter must still finish clean.