How to Defend a Layup in Basketball Without Fouling

Defending a layup in basketball is one of the trickier forms of defense.  As compared to defending a shooter, defending an opposing player driving to the basket for a layup requires a bit more dexterity, skill, and awareness. 

However, although defending an opposing player driving to the basket for a layup can be difficult, it is not impossible.  Rather, there are a few main methods that can be taken to play proper defense against a layup attempt.

Below, we are going to discuss how to defend a layup in basketball without fouling the opposing player.  These tips will not only help you to play better defense but will also ensure that your defense on any player driving to the basket is done correctly and without incurring a foul.

What is a Layup in Basketball?

A layup in basketball is one of the simplest shots.  It is also one of the easiest shots to master and can be done with either your right-hand, left-hand, or both hands.  A layup in basketball is a two-point shot, typically taken directly beneath or near the rim.

A layup shot is attempted by leaping from below the basket and laying the ball up either against the backboard or directly near the rim.  When attempting a layup, the shooter will lift their outside foot, or their foot away from the basket, elevating themselves with the ball, and releasing the ball gently and softly against the backboard, allowing it to roll neatly into the basket.

How Many Points is a Layup Worth?

Nearly all forms of the layup are worth two-points in a regulation game of basketball.  As the layup shot is taken directly near the basket, and well away from the three-point line, a layup will award the scoring team two additional points.

However, in a game of pick-up basketball, layups are generally considered to be one-point.  This is due to the difference in point tabulation in a pick-up game versus a regulation one. 

Typically, most pick-up basketball games tabulate points in a one and two-point system, with shots taken within the three-point line counting for one-point and those taken beyond the three-point line counting for two-points.

What Percent of Layups Should You Make?

Although the layup is one of the easiest shots to attempt on the court, due to the reduced distance from the basket, successfully making a layup can depend on multiple factors.  However, taking an uncontested layup is generally one of the easiest shot attempts and has a high probability of being made, particularly if you’ve practiced your layup form and are adept at the shot.

However, if you are attempting a layup against a taller or bigger defender, the probability of making the shot decreases significantly.  As a layup requires near direct access to the hoop, a defending, taller player may have the opportunity to block the shot either before your release or during its upwards ascent to the backboard.

How to Score a Layup While Being Defended?

While scoring an uncontested layup is relatively simple, doing so while being defended, particularly against taller and bigger players, can be substantially more challenging.  However, there are some steps you can take to score a layup even while being defended.

Firstly, rather than looking to avoid the defending player, you can attempt a layup by dribbling directly to the basket, anticipating the block attempt from the opposing player.  If the opposing player jumps into the air or moves their feet to contest the attempt, and bumps into you, they will incur a foul. 

Although you may not make the layup attempt, you may be awarded two free throw shots.  With daily practice, a free throw shot should be relatively simple to complete and should provide your team with two additional points.

In addition, if you are attempting a layup and want to avoid both being blocked and fouled, it can be useful to perform a simple pump fake.  A pump fake in basketball is the act of “pumping” the basketball in the air, mimicking a real shot attempt,  only to pull the ball back quickly.

By performing a pump fake, you may be able to fool the opposing defender into leaping into the air in an attempt to block the shot.  Once the opposing player has fallen for the fake shot, you will be given more room to take the layup attempt uncontested.

Lastly, if you are looking to create distance between yourself and an opposing defender to secure an easier layup attempt, one of your best bets is to run the base of the sideline court, moving bast the basket to the weak side, and laying up the ball with your alternate hand.

Defending Against a Layup Attempt Without Fouling

The alternative to scoring a layup attempt is, of course, defending and blocking the attempt.  And inverse to the fact that scoring a layup is relatively simple, defending a layup attempt, without fouling the opposing player, is a much more difficult task.

Below we are going to go over some tips on how to defend a layup in basketball without fouling the opposing player.

• Don’t Jump – contrary to popular belief, defending the layup attempt is not only about blocking the shot.  Rather, as a defender, you will want to contest the shot attempt and force a more difficult shot.  However, if you jump to block the shot, you could incur a foul. 

• Keep Your Arms Up – The single best way to defend against the layup is to simply keep your hands and arms high above your head.  This natural motion helps to block the shot and forces the opposing player to aim the shot higher against the backboard, which is a lower probability shot attempt.

• Move Your Hips with the Opposing Player – when defending against an incoming player attempting a layup shot, it is best to move your hips parallel to the opposing player.  This creates less space between the opposing player and the basket.  In addition, if the opposing player attempts to forcibly drive to the basket, pushing you in the process, they will be assessed with an offensive foul.

• Keep Your Feet Planted – if you are not actively defending the opposing player, on a one-to-one defensive scheme, and the offensive player begins to drive to the basket, simply plant your feet on the shooting lane, or the lane between the player with the basketball and the hoop.  While keeping your arms raised, attempt to force a contested shot.  However, by keeping your feet planted, you will not incur a foul during the layup attempt.

Conclusion

Defending against a layup attempt without fouling doesn’t have to be difficult.  Rather, by keeping your feet planted, your arms raised, and by not jumping into the opposing player, you should be able to avoid being assessed a foul. 

It is also important to attempt create less room between the opposing player with the basketball and the hoop.  This can best be done by keeping your feet planted within the shooting lane, making the layup attempt more difficult for the opposing player.