Q&A for How to Do a Layup

Some players do zero-step layups, while other players prefer to go off different feet.

Either or! Basketball is evolving to a point where players can go off whatever foot for a layup. Still, if you're just starting out, it's easier to learn how to go off your right foot first.

Try going off two feet instead of just one—this is also known as a jump stop. This method helps you to stay under control, concentrate well, and go up strong versus going off just one foot.

You are allowed to take two steps after you have stopped dribbling when you shoot a layup. If you are referring to how many steps it takes to shoot the layup, it varies from where you are on the court.

Do drills with your left hand, and make sure you dribble with your fingers, not your palm. This can cause a carry in a game.

Build up the strength in your left hand. Lift weights, do one handed pushups, anything that will strengthen that arm will work. Practice is also pretty much the only thing that will help you dribble better.

Give yourself the advantage of having a firm grip instead of palming the ball.

Keep practicing drills each day.

During the layup, you can try to move the ball around the defenders while you are in the air so you can get a good, uncontested shot. This may take some practice.

Yes, but by doing so you are making things harder. This is because by using the shooting foot to jump, you are now off-balance.

It's almost the same thing, just you are going under the net. If you are going from right to left you use your right hand, and left to right it's your left hand.

Yes. You may do whichever feels best to you.

It isn't the proper way to do a lay up and if you fall on the ground with the ball and get back up it's a travel.

You just have to observe the defense and move to whichever side is open and do your layup from there. It takes quick thinking and reflexes, but you'll get better at it with practice.

Go for the layup then pass to your teammates, or jump near the net and pass.

Because if you are going to shoot a jump shot you have a 70 percent chance of making it, but if you make a lay up you have a 95 percent chance of making it.

In a game scenario, there are times when you get the ball and the defense hasn't had time to get back to the basket to defend it. This gives you an open shot - or an undefended shot.

This would be for basketball.

You will either get 1 or 2 shots, depending on where you were fouled. The foul shots will be free with no defender, so take your time.

When there is a clear shot with no defenders nearby. Bu it really depends on whether you think it is safe or not, because a layup is such a general shot that can be used anytime.

It only helps if your doing a layup and it also depends how far you are from the hoop. Just hit the back board in the right spot and it's guaranteed to go in.

Because in a game, a lay up will most definitely get in and it's an easier way to score.

Work on leg strength and train your vertical jumps. Since you're small, you should be agile enough to just drive in and lay up.

You can, but that would be harder and might cause you to lose your balance. It's better to score with your left hand.

Practice your fundamentals, like offensive plays, dribbling and shooting. When you get a little bit taller you can try lay ups.

You have three steps after you stop dribbling the basketball to finish your lay-up. You can take as many steps as you need before then, as long as you're dribbling the ball.

Wait until the defender gives you an opening and then shoot.

You have to aim at the white board of the backboard in order to get the ball into the basket.

As long as the ball is out of their hands, you can. If you hit the ball before it leaves their hands, or if they still have a grip on it, it will be counted as a foul.

Just practice so you can get better at jumping. Then push it off with your hand more, again something you'll get better at with practice.