How to Make a Layup! (with Both Hands!)

As two people who have always loved playing basketball... We have never been able to find a great set of instructions that explain how to make a simple lay-up! That's when we thought... let's make an instructable that tells you how!

Supplies

What you will need:

Basketball (28.5 of 29.5) Basketball hoop (with a backboard)

Step 1: Determine What Size Ball to Use

These instructions will work for any size ball, but the size does matter when you are playing basketball at a competitive level. You also want to practice with the same size you would actually use!

· If you are a girl you will want to use a 28.5” size ball (also known as, girl’s ball).

· If you are under the age of 14 you will want to use a 28.5” ball.

· If you are a male over the age of 14 you will want to use a 29.5” ball.

If you aren’t sure where to find the size, you can see on this picture where the size indication is generally located on a basketball. If you do not see a size, this will generally indicate it is a men’s ball!

Step 2: Are You Right or Left Handed?

Are you right or left-handed?

Before we begin teaching you how to make a lay-up, we want you to use your strong hand! It will be easier to learn and you will also be more accurate with it. Once you have your dominate handed (right or left) lay-up mastered you can try the other hand! Before you know it, you will be making lay-ups with both hands!

If you are right-handed, we will start teaching you how to make a lay-up right away! If you are left-handed, you can skip to the instructions on how to make a left-handed lay-up. Then come back here after you have mastered the left-hand!

Step 3: Where to Start

To teach you the basics of the lay-up, we will start about 5 feet away from the hoop. If you are on a basketball court, you can start on the right block.

Also, make sure you are turned towards the hoop like in the picture!

Step 4: The Footwork

Before you can dive right in to making your first lay-up, it is important that you know the proper footwork. This is important so that your lay-up is legal, and not called a travel in games!

First picture: Standing at the right block with your feet together, you will step with your right foot

Second picture: And then take another step with your left foot

Third picture: Once you take your left step, you will raise your right leg and jump off of your left foot!

Step 5: Bringing Your Hands With!

Once you have mastered that footwork and are jumping towards the basket, we can talk about what to do with your hands!

Because you are shooting a right-handed lay-up, we are going to extend your right hand as high as you can! This means you will take the steps, jump, and finally extend your right hand as high as you can!

Step 6: Adding in the Ball!

Now that you are in your starting position, have your footwork mastered, and know what to do with your hands… you are ready to make the lay-up!

Hold the ball in both hands, and put all of the steps together.

When you jump off of your left foot be sure to extend your right hand towards the backboard as seen in the picture!

Push the ball UP towards the backboard!

Step 7: Where to Aim the Ball

To make your lay-up the most consistently, you are going to want to aim for the backboard. When you push the ball out of your hands you want the ball to hit the square, and bounce into the hoop.

Aim for the top corner of the white square!

Step 8: Practice, Practice, Practice!

Like everything in life, practice makes perfect. Now that you know the basics to making a lay-up, you can practice the speed you shoot it, the speed of your footwork, and even the spin you put on the ball!

Now that you have mastered the right-handed lay-up... it is time to practice your left-handed lay-up!

Step 9: Left-Hand Where to Start

To teach you the basics of the left-handed lay-up, we will start about 5 feet away from the hoop. If you are on a basketball court, you can start at the left block.

Step 10: Left-Hand - the Footwork

Before you can dive right in to making your first lay-up, it is important that you know the proper footwork. This is important so that your lay-up is legal, and not called a travel in games!

Picture 1: Standing at the left block with your feet together, you will step with your left foot

Picture 2: And then take another step with your right foot

Picture 3: Once you take your right step, you will raise your left leg and jump off of your right foot!

Step 11: Left-Hand - Bringing Your Hands With!

Once you have mastered that footwork and are jumping towards the basket, we can talk about what to do with your hands!

Because you are shooting a left-handed lay-up, we are going to extend your left hand as high as you can!

Step 12: Left-Hand - Adding the Ball!

Now that you are in your starting position, have your footwork mastered, and know what to do with your hands… you are ready to make the lay-up!

Hold the ball in both hands, and put all of the steps together.

Remember to extend your left arm UP towards the hoop!

Step 13: Left-Hand - Where to Aim the Ball

To make your lay-up the most consistently, you are going to want to aim for the backboard. When you push the ball out of your hands you want the ball to hit the square, and bounce into the hoop.

Aim for the top left corner of that white square! Just like in the picture.

Step 14: Left-Hand - Practice, Practice, Practice!

Like everything in life, practice makes perfect. Now you can shoot a left-handed lay-up!