Two line layup drill diagram
Two line layup drill step by step
- 1
The layup line is on the right wing and the rebound line is on the left wing. O4 has just rebounded, passes out to O1, and jogs to the back of the layup line.
- 2
O1 dribbles in with the right hand for a right-hand layup. O5 leaves the rebound line and times the cut to get to the rim as the shot goes up, and both lines step up.
- 3
O1 jumps off the left foot and lays it in off the top corner of the square with the right hand. O5 goes to the rim to get the ball.
- 4
O5 rebounds, passes out to O2, and goes to the back of the layup line. O1 goes to the back of the rebound line.
How to set up the two line layup drill
Make two lines at the edge of the three-point line, one on each wing. The layup line has most of the balls. The rebound line starts with none.
Start on the right side so players shoot right-hand layups. After a few minutes, flip the lines so the layup line is on the left and everyone shoots left-hand layups.
How to run layup lines
The first player in the layup line dribbles toward the basket and shoots a layup. The first player in the rebound line times their cut to get to the rim as the ball comes down, rebounds it, and passes to the next player in the layup line. Shooters go to the back of the rebound line, and rebounders go to the back of the layup line.
Keep the lines moving. The next shooter goes as soon as the pass is caught. With a big group, use two or three balls in the layup line so no one stands around for long.
Two line layup drill coaching points
Right-side layup
Dribble with the right hand, take off from the left foot, and bring the right knee up. Shoot with the right hand off the top corner of the square on the backboard.
Left-side layup
Dribble with the left hand, take off from the right foot, and bring the left knee up. Shoot with the left hand. Most young players want to switch to the right hand here, so watch for it.
Rebounder
Time the cut so you arrive as the ball comes down. Catch it with two hands, pivot, and make a good chest pass to the next shooter.
Next shooter
Give the rebounder a target with your hands and start moving as the ball is passed.
Layup lines variations
Pass and layup
A passer stands at the elbow. The shooter passes to them, keeps running, and gets it back on the move for the layup. It adds a catch in stride.
Middle layups
Move the layup line to the top of the key so players practice finishing straight on and choosing a side.
Power layups
Players jump stop and go up off two feet. Good for finishing through contact.
Count makes
Set a team goal, such as 20 makes in a row or 30 makes in two minutes. Start over after a miss if the group is ready for it.
Layup lines for younger players
For 7U and 8U players, start without the dribble. Have them stand a few feet from the basket and practice the footwork on the right side: step with the left foot, then jump and shoot with the right hand. Add one dribble, then more, as the footwork gets comfortable. A lower rim and a smaller ball help.
Common two line layup drill mistakes
- Jumping off the wrong foot, usually the same foot as the shooting hand.
- Using the strong hand on both sides of the basket.
- Rebounders arriving too early and standing under the rim.
- Shooting too hard off the glass or missing the square altogether.
- Long lines with one ball, so players spend most of the drill waiting.
Practice it at home
A one-player drill for the same skill, with a video clip, steps and a rep count.
Two line layup drill FAQ
How do you run a 2 line layup drill?
Make a layup line on one wing and a rebound line on the other. The shooter dribbles in for a layup, the rebounder gets the ball and passes to the next shooter, and players switch lines after each turn.
What foot do you jump off for a right-handed layup?
The left foot. Shoot with the right hand and lift the right knee. On the left side, jump off the right foot and shoot with the left hand.
Where do you aim on a layup?
Aim for the top corner of the square on the backboard, on the side you are shooting from. A soft touch off that spot drops into the rim.
How long should layup lines last?
Five to ten minutes is common as a warm-up, split evenly between the right and left sides.