Reverse Layup
Finish on the far side of the rim to avoid the defender.
What this drill teaches
Finishing on the far side of the rim so the rim itself blocks the shot-blocker. Driving under and across with the chair behind teaches the path and the high glass finish before a real defender raises the stakes.
In games: The straight-in layup is the most blocked shot in youth basketball — the reverse gives your drivers a finish that taller defenders can't reach.
- The drive going under and across to the far side of the rim
- Body staying between the ball and the chair
- A soft, high finish off the backboard
U12: start right under the rim with no dribble — clunky footwork is fine. U14–U16: expect full-speed baseline drives, both sides, with a trailing defender.
Equipment
1 ball, 1 hoop, chair/cone
Setup
A chair or cone just outside the ball-side block as the defender. Player starts on the wing with a ball.
Steps
- 1Drive baseline toward the basket.
- 2Go under the rim to the other side, keeping the chair behind you.
- 3Finish a reverse layup high off the glass.
- 4Use the rim to protect the shot.
Coaching points
- Get under and across the rim.
- Protect the ball with your body.
- Soft, high finish off the backboard.
Why kids love it
A grown-up finish that makes older players much tougher to block.
Variations
Start right under the rim, no dribble.
Add a defender trailing on your hip so you must finish away from a contest.
Alternate baselines every rep so the weak-hand reverse gets the same reps.