What is a power layup in basketball
The power layup consists of action that occurs when an offensive player in possession of the basketball near the rim, jumps in the air with both feet, and shoots the ball off the corner of the backboard’s inner rectangle.
It should also be briefly mentioned that because the power layup is a type of layup in basketball, it is automatically a type of field goal shot as well, especially within organized competition.
That is to say, as it relates to organized competition and basketball statistics, whenever an offensive player takes a power layup, that same player is also attempting a field goal at the very least.
Additionally, similar to all forms of different layups, an offensive player should execute the power layup near the lane line below the low post block but more preferably, within the lane itself close to the basket.
Furthermore, the power layup is generally more beneficial to utilize when a defender is in close proximity to potentially block a basic layup or cause the offensive player to possibly alter the basic layup or miss it altogether.
Essentially, the power layup is a more practical choice over the basic layup, particularly when a defender is in close proximity, because the offensive player usually has more time to thoroughly read the defense and react accordingly.
When could an offensive player use the power layup
The power layup could be used when the defender is in close proximity directly behind the offensive player or when the defender is in close proximity near the inside shoulder of the offensive player.
Defender is in close proximity behind a non-dribbling offensive player
This is an example of the power layup when an offensive player has possession of the basketball near the rim, a dribble has not occurred or has already ended, and a defender is in close proximity behind that same player.
When that occurs, the offensive player should secure the ball by gathering it with both hands, jump in the air with both feet, and then shoot the ball near the top corner of the backboard’s inner rectangle.
If the offensive player is near the right side of the basket, then that same player should shoot the ball with the right hand near the top right corner of the backboard’s inner rectangle.
Similarly, if the offensive player is near the left side of the basket, then that same player should shoot the ball with the left hand near the top left corner of the backboard’s inner rectangle.
The power layup could be potentially effective in this particular situation because if the defender attempts to block the layup, then that same defender would have to go through the body as well as the extended arms of the offensive player to get to the ball, which would most likely result in a foul being called on the defender.
Moreover, if the offensive player was initially in motion towards the basket and received the ball from a teammate, the overall mechanics of the power layup helps the offensive player to stop their momentum, gather themselves, and then shoot the layup for a scoring opportunity.
Putting this another way, let’s say that the offensive player tried a basic layup, particularly by jumping off of one foot, while in motion with the defender behind them.
When that occurs, the offensive player could possibly attempt to make the basic layup too quickly before the trailing defender has a chance to block it or the offensive player might attempt to unnecessarily alter that basic layup.
Both of those shot attempts could result in a missed basic layup altogether or at best, an altered basic layup that is more challenging to make than its power layup counterpart.
Defender is in close proximity behind a dribbling offensive player
This is an example of the power layup when an offensive player is dribbling the ball towards the basket and a defender is in close proximity behind that same player.
When that happens, the offensive player should slow down their momentum, preferably with a jump stop, secure the ball by gathering it with both hands, jump in the air with both feet, and then shoot the ball near the top corner of the backboard’s inner rectangle.
If the offensive player is near the right side of the basket, then the same player should shoot the ball with the right hand near the top right corner of the backboard’s inner rectangle.
In similar fashion, if the offensive player is near the left side of the basket, then that same player should shoot the ball with the left hand near the top left corner of the backboard’s inner rectangle.
This particular situation is highly similar to the previous one but the primary difference is that the offensive player has an opportunity to further slow down their momentum, especially after dribbling the ball, presumably at full speed.
Defender is in close proximity near the inside shoulder of a non-dribbling offensive player
This is an example of the power layup when an offensive player has possession of the basketball near the rim, a dribble has not occurred or has already ended, and a defender is in close proximity near the inside shoulder of that same player.
When that occurs, the offensive player could gather the ball with both hands, jump in the air with both feet, lean slightly towards the direction of the defender, and shoot the ball near the top corner of the backboard’s inner rectangle.
It should also be noted that the offensive player should lean slightly towards the direction of the defender because doing so could possibly decrease the chances of a blocked shot occurring.
If the offensive player is near the right side of the rim, then that same player should shoot the ball near the top right corner of the backboard’s inner rectangle.
Similarly, if the offensive player is near the left side of the rim, then that same player should shoot the ball near the top left corner of the backboard’s inner rectangle.
Alternatively, the offensive could also utilize a pump fake to possibly influence the defender into jumping in the air in an attempt to block the shot.
Following that, as the defender’s momentum takes them toward the adjacent baseline, the offensive player could then jump in the air themselves, and shoot the ball off the top left or top right corner of the backboard, depending on whether the offensive player is near the left side or right side of the rim.
This power layup could be potentially effective in this situation, particularly when the defender has a significant height advantage and/or vertical leaping ability over the defender.
Essentially, if the offensive player tried to execute a basic layup, especially while the defender is in close proximity near the inside shoulder, then it would be generally be much easier for the defender to block the layup attempt or at least, influence the offensive player to alter it or completely miss it altogether.
Defender is in close proximity near the inside shoulder of a dribbling offensive player
This is an example of the power layup when an offensive player is dribbling the ball towards the basket and a defender is in close proximity near the inside shoulder of that same player.
When that occurs, the offensive player should first slow down their momentum, ideally with a jump stop, secure the ball by gathering it with both hands, jump in the air with both feet, lean slightly towards the direction of the defender, and then shoot the ball near the top left or top right corner of the backboard’s inner rectangle.
Once again, this particular situation is highly similar to the previous one but the main difference is that the offensive player has an opportunity to further slow down their momentum, especially after dribbling the ball, presumably at full speed.
Related: Power Layup – YouTube