Speed Layup Challenge
Make as many team layups as possible in a set time.
What this drill teaches
Finishing at full speed without losing control — with a team score doing the motivating. The clock pushes the tempo up while the shared total punishes rushing, so kids find the fastest speed they can still finish at.
In games: Transition layups are the easiest points in youth basketball and the most commonly blown — this builds finishers who sprint in and still convert.
- Full-speed drives that still finish softly
- Quick, accurate outlet passes from the rebounders
- Both lines hustling — nobody coasting between turns
U8: start at the block with no dribble — two steps and finish. U14–U16: expect alternating right- and left-hand finishes and a team record on the whiteboard.
Equipment
2 balls, 1 hoop
Setup
Two lines (shooters and rebounders) at the basket, two balls.
Steps
- 1Shooter drives in and makes a layup.
- 2Rebounder grabs it and passes to the next shooter.
- 3Count the team's makes in 2 minutes.
- 4Try to beat the score next round.
Coaching points
- Under control, don't rush the finish.
- Quick, accurate outlet passes.
- Everyone hustles — it's a team score.
Why kids love it
A ticking clock plus a team goal gets everyone sprinting and cheering.
Variations
Alternate right and left-hand finishes.
Start at the block with no dribble — two steps and finish.
Write the team's total on the whiteboard and try to beat it every session.