Layup Lines
Warm up finishing and get reps on the correct layup footwork.
What this drill teaches
The layup footwork pattern — outside-hand shot off the inside foot — grooved at game speed, plus the two-line rotation used at every level of basketball.
In games: Turns fast breaks into points — the breakaway layup that gets missed or travelled on game day is almost always a footwork problem, and this is where the footwork gets grooved.
- Right hand off the left foot without stopping to think
- High, soft finish off the square
- Rebounders passing on time with a target
U8–U10: walk-pace footwork beats speed. U14–U16: full speed, weak hand, varied finishes.
Equipment
2 balls, 1 hoop
Setup
Two lines: a shooting line at the wing and a rebounding line under the basket. First player in each line has a ball.
Steps
- 1Shooter dribbles in and finishes a layup.
- 2Rebounder grabs the ball (make or miss), passes to the next shooter, then joins the shooting line.
- 3Shooter goes to the rebounding line.
- 4Add the second ball once the flow is smooth.
Coaching points
- 'Right hand → right foot, left foot, up' (and reverse for lefties).
- Lay it high off the backboard square.
- Call for the ball with a target hand.
Why kids love it
Fast-moving, everyone's involved, and kids love the rhythm of a smooth line. Great music moment.
Variations
No dribble — start one step from the hoop and just work the footwork.
Add a defender who gives token pressure, or require a specific finish (reverse, off two feet).
Related drills
Coaching notes that use this drill
- How to coach 8 year olds at basketball: the six-minute block
- Free basketball practice plan generator: five checks before you run it
- Basketball tryout drills: what you can actually see in 90 minutes
- How to teach layups to kids: it's the footwork, not the shot
- A 60-minute basketball practice plan, and the 15 minutes you're losing