U12 Basketball Curriculum

Left-Hand Overhand Layup

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tagsdrill, layups, by-yourself, backyard, half-court, intermediate

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Left-Hand Overhand Layup

🎒 Gear Needed: 1 x basketball, 1 ring, 2 cones (optional)
⏱ Suggested Time: 5 - 10 minutes
👥 Participants: Solo (1 player)
📍 Space: Backyard | Half-Court
📊 Difficulty: Intermediate

📝 Instructions

  1. Left-Side 45-Degree Setup: Most junior players avoid their weak hand, making them predictable to defend. Begin on the left wing 4 to 5 metres from the ring, maintaining a 45-degree approach line to the left side of the backboard.
  2. Left-Hand Attack: Dribble forward with your left (outside) hand. Keep your body between the imaginary defender and the ball, using your right arm as an active “arm bar” shield.
  3. The Mirror Footwork Pattern: As you reach the left key line:
    • Step 1 (Left Foot): Take a long gather step with your left foot, picking up the basketball into your left hip pocket.
    • Step 2 (Right Foot): Plant your inside (right) foot firmly into the court as your takeoff brake.
  4. Left Knee & Hand Elevation: Launch upward off your right foot. Drive your left knee straight up to the ceiling while your left arm extends high above your head, mirroring your right-hand technique.
  5. Top-Left Square Target: Release the ball with your left wrist and fingers, placing it softly onto the top-left corner of the backboard square. Complete 5 stationary reps from the block, followed by 10 full-speed driving reps.

💡 Coaching Cues

  • Jump Off the Right Foot: Resist the urge to jump off both feet or the wrong foot. On the left side, your right (inside) foot is your takeoff launchpad.
  • Shield with Right Shoulder: Keep your non-shooting right shoulder turned toward the middle of the key to protect the ball from shot-blockers.
  • High Soft Kiss: Aim for the top-left corner of the white backboard square, letting the ball bounce softly down through the ring.

🔄 Variations & Progressions

  • Make It Easier: Reverse engineer from the left low block — stand 1 metre from the ring with your left foot forward, take one step onto your right foot, and finish with your left hand without any dribble.
  • Make It Harder: Weak-Hand Streak Challenge — must make 5 consecutive left-handed layups from the left wing. If you miss or finish with the right hand, reset the count to zero.

📺 Video Demonstration