layups

A layup is a close-range basketball shot made by guiding the ball up and into the basket, typically with one hand. It is a high-percentage scoring move that players execute while moving toward the rim, often using a soft touch or a guided bank off the backboard to finish.

Technique involves a controlled approach, gathering the ball, and an upward push toward the rim. The shooter plants or plants-and-pivots, jumps toward the basket, and releases the ball from the shooting hand. The other hand protects the ball and helps balance. Finishes usually rely on touch rather than power, with many players using the fingertips to place the ball softly on the backboard or directly into the hoop. Variations include finger rolls, which curl the ball along the rim, and straight finishes that rely less on backboard contact.

Variations of the layup include the bank layup, which uses the backboard, and the reverse layup, which finishes on the opposite side of the rim with the other hand. Players may also perform two-handed or power laysups to absorb contact, particularly in traffic or in the post. Guard players often emphasize speed and finesse, while bigs may rely on strength and body control to finish through defenders.

Strategic importance: layups are a staple of most offenses, especially on drives and fast breaks. They require balance, body control, and contact management, and are frequently practiced alongside other close-range finishes to improve scoring efficiency near the basket.