What is the reverse layup in basketball
The reverse layup consists of action that occurs when an offensive player in possession of the basketball near the rim, jumps in the air and shoots the ball on the opposite side of the backboard’s inner rectangle.
It should also be briefly mentioned that because the reverse 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 play and basketball statistics, whenever an offensive player shoots a reverse layup, that same player is also attempting a field goal at the very least.
In addition to that, the reverse layup could be a feasible choice, particularly when a defender has the capability to block an offensive player’s basic layup, especially if that same defender has a significant height advantage over the offensive player.
Essentially, the reverse layup gives the offensive player an opportunity to use the rim as protection against the defender’s possible block attempt.
There are also two primary types of reverse layups, which are the basic reverse layup as well as the up and under reverse layup.
Furthermore, each type could be performed with the left hand or the right hand.
What’s more, an offensive player would typically carry out the reverse layup immediately after dribbling the basketball, although it is possible to achieve it after catching the ball or from a standstill.
What are general instructions to perform the basic reverse layup
These are general instructions to perform the basic reverse layup, particularly for a beginner.
Additionally, to keep things simple, the instructions below apply to an offensive player executing a reverse layup while dribbling.
Also, the offensive player described in the instructions will be denoted as player 1 for simplicity purposes as well.
Left hand basic reverse layup
To perform the left hand reverse layup, player 1 should start near the left side wing area beyond the three-point line.
Next, player 1 should begin dribbling toward the basket on the baseline side with the left hand.
Upon reaching the lane line, player 1 should take the penultimate step (which is the first step prior to the reverse layup) with the left foot, preferably just inside of the lane, while also gathering the ball with both hands.
Following that, player 1 should take the final step (which is the second step prior to the reverse layup) with the right foot in the middle of the lane, preferably directly under the basket ring if possible.
Also, after taking that final step with the right foot, player 1 should immediately jump in the air with that same foot.
Afterwards, as the momentum carries player 1 towards the right side of the lane, player 1 should shoot the ball over the left shoulder with the left hand and aim for the top right corner of the backboard’s inner rectangle.
It is also important to note that just prior to shooting the ball, player 1 should essentially hold the ball with the left palm facing up, let go of it with the right hand while still holding it with the left hand, and flick the left wrist upon releasing it.
Simply put, player 1 will shoot an underhanded layup shot over the left shoulder towards the top right corner of the backboard’s inner rectangle.
That is to say, the left hand basic reverse layup is very similar to the underhanded variation of the left hand basic layup, which would be taken on the left side of the rim, particularly by flipping the ball with an underhanded shot near the top left corner of the backboard’s inner rectangle.
The main difference is that the left hand basic reverse layup is taken on the right side of the rim, particularly by flipping the ball towards the top right corner of the backboard’s inner rectangle, as mentioned previously.
Right hand basic reverse layup
The general instructions to perform the right hand basic reverse layup are similar to the left hand, except in reverse, pun intended.
To execute the right hand reverse layup, player 1 should start near the right side wing area beyond the three-point line.
Next, player 1 should begin dribbling toward the basket on the baseline side with the right hand.
Upon reaching the lane line, player 1 should take the penultimate step (which is the first step prior to the reverse layup) with the right foot, preferably just inside of the lane, while also gathering the ball with both hands.
Following that, player 1 should take the final step (which is the second step prior to the reverse layup) with the left foot in the middle of the lane, preferably directly under the basket ring if possible.
Also, after taking that final step with the left foot, player 1 should immediately jump in the air with that same foot.
Afterwards, as the momentum carries player 1 towards the left side of the lane, player 1 should shoot the ball over the right shoulder with the right hand and aim for the top left corner of the backboard’s inner rectangle.
It is also important to note that just prior to shooting the ball, player 1 should hold the ball with the right palm facing up, let go of it with the left hand while still holding it with the right hand, and flick the right wrist upon releasing it.
In other words, player 1 will shoot an underhanded layup shot over the right shoulder towards the top left corner of the backboard’s inner rectangle.
To put this another way, the right hand basic reverse layup is very similar to the underhanded variation of the right hand basic layup, which would be taken on the right side of the rim, particularly by flipping the ball with an underhanded shot near the top right corner of the backboard’s inner rectangle.
The main difference is that the right hand basic reverse layup is taken on the left side of the rim, particularly by flipping the ball towards the top left corner of the backboard’s inner rectangle, as mentioned previously.