Layup
A close-range basketball shot taken while moving toward the basket, usually banked softly off the backboard.
Definition
A layup is the highest-percentage shot in basketball: the attacker gathers the ball on the move, takes the allowed steps, rises off the foot opposite the shooting hand, and lays the ball softly over the rim or off the backboard's shooting square. Common forms include the overhand and underhand (finger roll) layup and the reverse layup finished on the far side of the hoop.
Because it is taken in traffic near the rim, footwork and body control matter as much as the release — shooters protect the ball, absorb contact, and use the rim to shield the shot from blockers. Layups are typically learned before longer shots and remain central to fast breaks and drives.
Where you’ll hear “layup”
Sports that use this term:
Explore across the knowledge base
Follow the threads that connect Layup to the rest of SocialSportHub.
Techniques
- LayupA close-range basketball shot taken while moving toward the basket, laying the ball softly off the backboard or over the rim.
- Free ThrowAn unguarded basketball shot taken from the free-throw line, relying on a calm, repeatable routine rather than power.
- Volleyball DigA defensive contact that keeps a hard-driven ball in play by passing it up off the forearms, usually from a low position.
- Jump ShotA basketball shot released at the top of a vertical jump, letting the shooter get the ball over a defender with a soft, arcing release.
- Padel BandejaA controlled overhead shot in padel, hit with slice and moderate pace to keep the player at the net without over-committing.
Rules
- GoaltendingA basketball violation for interfering with a shot while the ball is on its downward path to the basket or above the rim.
- TravelingA basketball violation for moving illegally with the ball without dribbling it.
- Shot clockA timing rule that requires the attacking basketball team to attempt a shot within a set number of seconds.
- Out of boundsThe rule that a ball or player leaving the marked playing area is out of play and possession is decided at the boundary.
Skills
- ShootingThe skill of striking or releasing the ball toward the goal or basket to score.
- DribblingThe skill of moving with the ball under close control to beat opponents or keep possession.
- Treading waterThe skill of staying afloat and upright in deep water without moving anywhere.
- ReboundingThe basketball skill of gaining the ball after a missed shot.
- BalanceThe skill of keeping the body stable and controlled while still or moving.
Positions
- CenterThe center is usually the tallest player on a basketball team, playing near the basket to score inside, rebound, and protect the rim.
- Power forwardThe power forward plays near the basket in basketball, using strength to rebound, score inside, and defend the paint.
- Shooting guardThe shooting guard is a perimeter player whose main role is to score, especially from mid-range and beyond the three-point line.
- Small forwardThe small forward is a versatile wing player in basketball who can score inside and outside while also defending multiple positions.
Go deeper with Layup
Everywhere else on the platform that covers Layup — assembled from what actually references it, so nothing here is a dead end.
Take it away
Open data and the whole-platform view of this subject.
How this page is maintained
- Content type
- Term
- Provenance
- Tier A — evergreen educational
- Verified external sources
- 0
- Content updated
- 2026-08-04
Evergreen, first-party explanation — it makes no claim that needs an external source. How we handle sources and reviews.