What are layup plays in basketball?
Layup plays in basketball primarily feature offensive actions that are generally designed to help one or more players get open for scoring opportunities by way of high percentage shots near the rim.
How to comprehend the player roles and diagrams on this page
In relation to any diagrams below, each of the offensive players are generally represented by the standard basketball positions in number format, unless otherwise noted.
In essence, 1 is the point guard; 2 is the shooting guard; 3 is the small forward; 4 is the power forward; 5 is the center.
Furthermore, in terms of a brief legend for the diagrams:
- Black Dot or Small Circle: The black dot or small circle represents the basketball.
- Solid Arrow: The solid arrow indicates movement or a cut on the basketball court.
- Dotted Arrow: The dotted arrow represents a basketball pass.
- Wavy Arrow: The wavy arrow indicates dribbling.
- T-Shaped Symbol: The T-shaped symbol signifies a screen, also known as a pick.
- Double pipe symbol: The double pipe symbol denotes handoff action.
What are examples of layup plays?
1-4 high
This is a basketball play initiated from a 1-4 high offensive set featuring an Iverson cut among other actions, which could eventually lead to an easy layup at the rim for a couple of the offensive players.
Part 1: Iverson cut
To start, 2 performs an Iverson cut from the right side wing to the left side wing by way of the high post screens set by 4 and 5.
Also, as that happens, 3 deep cuts through to the right side corner. Following that, 2 receives the ball from 1, denoted by the dotted arrow.
Furthermore, 4 occupies the recently vacated right side wing, which also promotes good spacing on the court.
Part 2: Back screen
Next, 1 cuts to the basket via the back screen set by 5. Afterwards, 1 could receive the ball from 2 and score via a layup at the rim.
Otherwise, if 1 is not open for the layup, then 1 could continue the cut through to the left side corner.
Part 3: Pick and roll
Once 1 fills the corner, 2 and 5 can execute pick and roll action near the left side wing.
Essentially, 2 could use the pick set by 5 and dribble towards the lane. Furthermore, as that happens, 5 also rolls to the basket.
Afterwards, 2 could continue to dribble and attack the rim for a layup, represented by the gray wavy arrow. Alternatively, 5 could receive the ball from 2 and score via a layup as well.
1-4 Low
This is a basketball play initiated from 1-4 low offense comprising roll and replace action, which could eventually result in a potential layup.
Part 1: Roll and replace
To start, 1 dribbles toward the left side wing area by way of an on-ball screen or pick that is set by 4.
Following that, 4 rolls to the basket while 5 replaces near the right slot area between the top and right side wing.
From there, 4 could receive the ball from 1 and attempt to score a layup. If that is not open, then 4 could cut to the original spot while 5 receives the ball from 1.
Part 2: Flex screen
Next, 2 could cut to the basket via the flex screen set by 4. After that, 2 could receive the ball from 5 and score a layup at the rim.
Chin
This is a basketball play derived from the Chin series of Princeton offense that could generate a quick layup at the basket.
Part 1: Dribble handoff and interchange
To begin, 1 and 3 perform dribble handoff action.
At the same time, 3 and 4 interchange spots on the weak side of the floor while 5 lifts toward the high post elbow on the left side.
Part 2: Back screen
Next, 4 receives the ball from 3 via a slot to slot pass. After that, 2 receives the ball from 4 via a slot to wing pass.
From there, once 2 gains possession of the ball, 3 immediately cuts to the basket via a back screen set by 5. Following that, 3 could receive the ball from 2 and score near the rim by way of a layup.