Power Layup
Finish strong at the rim off two feet through contact.
What this drill teaches
Finishing through contact instead of away from it. The two-foot jump stop builds a balanced base and the chinned ball takes away the strip, so small players learn their answer to bigger bodies at the rim: strength and glass, not hope.
In games: Fixes the wild, drifting layup that gets swatted or bumped off line — the missed bunny plus the whistle-less bump is the most common lost points in youth ball.
- Two feet landing together before the finish
- Ball chinned high, elbows out, not swung low
- Going straight up off the glass, not floating forward
U10: no dribble — step, stop, finish — and expect travel wobbles. U14–U16: expect strong finishes through pad contact, equal reps on the weak side.
Equipment
1 ball, 1 hoop
Setup
Player starts at the short corner or block with a ball.
Steps
- 1Take one dribble toward the rim.
- 2Jump-stop off two feet, ball protected high.
- 3Go straight up (not forward) and finish off the glass.
- 4Land balanced, ready to rebound.
Coaching points
- Two-foot jump stop for balance.
- Ball high and protected — 'chin it'.
- Go up strong, use the backboard.
Why kids love it
Little players get fouled a lot inside; a two-foot power finish helps them score through bumps.
Variations
Coach gives light contact with a pad.
Take no dribble at all — step, jump-stop, and finish off the glass.
Do five from each block so the weak side gets the same reps.