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. Kids who get these steps right will make more shots.
Variation: For younger kids (5-6), start closer (10 feet) and use a lower hoop if possible. For older kids (7), add a defender to contest the shot.