My daughter is in 4th grade. At one of her recent games, I tracked every shot that was taken from within 5 feet of the basket.

Brace yourself. . . the 2 teams combined to shoot 9-38 (23.6%). Yikes!

While some of them were contested, many weren’t. And even the ones that were uncontested were converted at far less than 50%.

We’ve discussed previously how winning at the youth level often comes down to making layups.

If your opponent shoots 23% on those shots but you can get your team up to 40%, you’re talking about an additional 10 points a game.. That’s a difference maker!.

Use this drill from Jim Huber Beginner Basketball Ages 5-9 to start making more layups and winning more games!

The Speed Layup Problem

Breakaway layups should be the easiest shot for your players to make. It is probably the number one shot you would love your players to be able to get more of in the game. I know I do!

And yet, these are missed all the time. Why? It’s not necessarily that players don’t have the skill to make the layup.

The bigger issue is their concern about defenders chasing them from behind. This often causes them to go too fast and shoot the ball too hard off the backboard. 

While you don’t want players to slow down early on (and lose their head start) they do need to be able to control their body at the basket.

Use 1v1 Chaser To Convert More Breakaway Layups

The drill is simple:

• The offensive player lines up outside and a couple steps ahead of the defender.

• On “go,” the offensive player attacks and shoots a layup. The defender sprints and tries to stop them from scoring. (A coach can yell go or they can start on the offensive player’s movement.)

Coaching tips:

• Go on both sides.

• Make sure players dribble with the correct hand (right on right side, left on left side)

• Players should go on a direct line to the rim.

• Players must get their eyes to the basket early.

• The offensive player needs to think about “high jumping” rather than “long jumping” at the rim to prevent the ball from coming off the backboard too hard. Emphasize jumping high toward the rim when they shoot!

• Challenge the offensive player to use as few dribbles as possible. Explain that fewer dribbles allow them to run faster and get to the rim faster.

A Drill That Addresses Both Parts Of The Problem

Yogi Berra once said, “Baseball is ninety percent mental. The other half is physical.” While we might need to double check his math, he’s onto something. 

When players miss speed layups, there’s often a physical and mental component. 

Physically, they need to gather themselves and control their body upward at the rim.

Mentally, they need to be aware of the defender but not consumed by them.

Use this drill to get reps and build confidence in both parts of that equation.

For more great drills that build skills and confidence in a fun and age appropriate way, check out Jim Huber Beginner Basketball Ages 5-9.

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