U12 Basketball Curriculum

Right-Hand Overhand Layup

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

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Right-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: Beginner

📝 Instructions

  1. The 45-Degree Approach Angle: Start on the right wing 4 to 5 metres from the ring. Set up a cone at the 3-point line and another near the right elbow to guide a classic 45-degree diagonal approach angle toward the backboard.
  2. The Dribble & Approach: Dribble forward using your outside (right) hand, keeping your eyes fixed on the ring and backboard.
  3. The 1-2 Gather Footwork: As you enter the key:
    • Step 1 (Right Foot): Take a long, explosive gather step with your right foot as you secure the basketball with both hands in your right hip pocket.
    • Step 2 (Left Foot): Plant your inside (left) foot firmly as your braking and takeoff foot.
  4. The Puppet String Lift: Explode upward off your left foot. Imagine an invisible string connecting your right elbow/wrist to your right knee—as your right knee drives aggressively upward toward the ceiling, your right hand lifts the ball high above your head.
  5. Overhand Release: Release the ball off your right fingertips with a soft overhand touch, aiming directly for the top-right corner of the white backboard square. Complete 10 successful makes, tracking how many you convert consecutively.

💡 Coaching Cues

  • String on the Knee: Drive your right knee up hard to the sky on takeoff; this provides vertical elevation and stabilizes your shooting arm.
  • Take Off on the Inside Foot: Always leap off your left (inside) foot when finishing with your right hand on the right side of the key.
  • Kiss the Top Corner: Place the ball gently against the top-right corner of the backboard rectangle so it drops through the ring softly.

🔄 Variations & Progressions

  • Make It Easier: The 1-Step Layup — start stationary at the right low block (1.5 metres from the ring) with your right foot forward. Take one step with your left foot, drive your right knee up, and finish off the backboard without dribbling.
  • Make It Harder: Start at the half-court line. Sprint into an aggressive speed dribble, execute a crossover at the 3-point line, and finish at full game speed while maintaining perfect footwork.

📺 Video Demonstration