U12 Basketball Curriculum

Reverse Layup Drill

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

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Reverse Layup Drill

🎒 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. The Tactical Concept: When driving along the baseline, shot-blockers will often wait at the near side of the ring to swat your shot. The reverse layup protects the ball by taking you completely underneath the ring to finish on the far side, using the ring and backboard as an impenetrable shield.
  2. Baseline Attack: Start in the right corner along the baseline, 4 to 5 metres from the ring. Take two aggressive attack dribbles parallel to the baseline.
  3. The Under-the-Ring Gather: Gather the basketball tightly at your chest as you pass under the near edge of the backboard. Keep your head up so you don’t lose spatial orientation under the net.
  4. Takeoff & Reverse Reach: Step with your right foot, then plant your left foot on the far side of the key. Explode upward and reach your right arm back across your body, scooping or laying the ball softly off the far side of the backboard with natural inside spin (“English”).
  5. Both Sides Practice:
    • Make 8 reverse layups attacking from the right baseline (finishing on the left side of the backboard).
    • Make 8 reverse layups attacking from the left baseline (finishing on the right side of the backboard with your left hand).

💡 Coaching Cues

  • Use the Ring as Your Shield: Let the metal ring and backboard sit directly between you and where the trailing defender would be.
  • Clear the Ring Before Releasing: Do not shoot too early while you are still trapped on the near side of the ring. Travel fully through to the far side before releasing the ball.
  • Spin It In: Release the ball with a gentle snap of the wrist toward the backboard, allowing the spin to grip the glass and drop through the net.

🔄 Variations & Progressions

  • Make It Easier: Stand stationary on the far low block looking back toward the court. Practice the reverse finish from a stationary 2-foot jump without an approach dribble.
  • Make It Harder: Place a folding chair on the near block to simulate a 190cm centre standing in help-side defense. You must dip low under the chair and extend on the far side.

📺 Video Demonstration