Layups are not the easiest shot in the game. Why? Because often a player is going at full speed, a defender is chasing them or trying to block their shot.
So it is important to teach the right technique in shooting the layup.
There are three things to emphasize.
1. Footwork
Start with the footwork. A layup on the right side of the floor will mean the player will plant with their left foot and go up with their right leg. Your players can imagine a string from their right elbow to their right leg.
2. Protecting the Ball.
We use the term "Chinning the Ball" when we want players to keep the ball close to the body with a solid grip. This prevents a defender from easily knocking the ball away.
3. Eyes on the target. Just like shooting the ball we want our players to aim for a target. Same thing on a layup. Our aim is the near top corner of the square where the vertical line and the horizontal line meet.
The best way to teach your players how to use the proper footwork is to start them in front of the basket. For the first part of the drill, no basketball, just concentrating on the footwork. They will take one step with their outside foot and then with their plant foot going up for the shot.
Then add the ball, but no dribble. Taking a step with the outside foot, plant with the inside foot and go up for the shot.
Then have your players use one dribble to shoot the layup. Once you think they can move back have them take two dribbles into to shot the layup.
For any of your layup drills emphasize footwork, protecting the ball and concentrating on the target