Layup Lines w/ Progressions
Right-hand, left-hand, then off-two-feet layups. Build the habit young.
- Duration
- 8 min
- Intensity
- Light
- Ages
- Ages 4–6, Ages 7–9
- Equipment
- ball, hoop
min
Setup
Two lines: a shooting line on one wing and a rebounding line on the other. One ball per two or three players so nobody stands still for long.
How to run it
- 01Right-hand layups first
Approach from the right, shoot with the right hand off the left foot. Every player goes through the line before switching.
- 02Left-hand layups
Same from the left side — left hand off the right foot. Expect this side to look worse; run it just as long.
- 03Add the two-foot finish
Third round from either side, gathering onto two feet before finishing. This is the finish that holds up against contact.
- 04Rebounders feed the next line
Every rebounder catches the ball out of the net and passes to the next shooter, then joins the back of the shooting line.
- 05Keep both lines moving
No standing and watching. If the line is long, add a second ball.
Coaching points
- Inside hand, outside foot. Say it out loud until it stops needing saying.
- Use the backboard from an angle, and shoot straight on only from the middle.
- Jump up, not forward. Young players broad-jump into layups and end up under the rim.
- Rebounders catch the ball before it hits the floor — it doubles the reps per minute.
- Make the weak-hand round exactly as long as the strong-hand round, even though it looks worse.
Common mistakes
- Using the strong hand on both sides, which is what players default to unless corrected every session.
- Taking off from the wrong foot, usually because they're rushing the approach.
- Long lines where players spend more time waiting than shooting.
- Letting the two-foot round get skipped because it's less familiar.
Make it harder or easier
- Easier: start with no dribble — catch on the move and take two steps.
- Harder: add a cone or chair to change direction around before finishing.
- Harder: add a passer so every layup comes off a catch rather than a dribble.
- Hardest: add a light contact pad on the finish.
Coaching focus: Finishing at the Rim
Finishing drills train footwork, touch, and body control through contact near the basket. Reps with both hands and both feet build the habit of finishing strong regardless of angle.
Frequently asked questions
Coaching Layup Lines w/ Progressions?
Swap notes with coaches running this drill in the free community, or build Layup Lines w/ Progressions into a timed practice plan, assign it to your roster, and track who's completed it in the app.
The community is free and always will be. No card needed for either.