Remember Kevin Eastman's advice, "Eyes make layups; feet make jumpshots."
Even in the NBA, shots around the basket matter...like the Houston Rockets shot chart.
Can we teach layups better or differently? I do not use conventional layup lines, because I think they don't simulate game action (Brian McCormick..."Fake Fundamentals").
1. No dribble layup (concept). Start the player at the three point line with the ball and allow three running steps, with the layup off the final step. Then allow the player one dribble. This reinforces the first step as the 'separation step'.
2. Hinkle layups.
Butler coach "Tony" Hinkle taught layups from multiple angles. We extend this approach by including 'reverse' layups as part of this drill. Never allow more than two dribbles.
3. Two by Two.
Score with two dribbles from half-court. Our goal is to teach players to score a layup with two dribbles from midcourt by high school. You can't 'waste' your first step.
4. Reverse Mikan.
Everyone knows the Mikan Drill. Work 'reverse Mikan'.
5. Two-footed finishing.
Excellent video demonstration and explanation on jump stop/power layups.
Bonuses:
Kentucky layups. We do two sets of two minutes. Four basketballs, two start in the middle, one at each end. Score as many layups as possible in two minutes. Accomplished women's teams can reach 65+.
For the "advanced class" study and practice Villanova finishing:
Villanova teaches the alchemy of footwork, balance, finishing, and embracing contact.
