How to Create High-Percentage Shots: Layups and Open Threes
Finishing More Layups
1. Finish High on the Glass
Aim for the top corner of the square on the backboard.
Avoid low, flat releases that bounce out.
2. Use “Upper Deck” Touch
Add a soft, high arc above the rim to beat taller defenders.
Especially useful when finishing at 45° or from the baseline.
3. Apply the Right Spin
Thumb spin: chest toward baseline → flick with the thumb.
Pinky spin: chest away from baseline → flick with the pinky.
Adds control and helps absorb contact.
Shooting More Open Threes
1. Aim Small – Pick a Link
Don’t aim at the whole rim.
Choose a specific net hook (called a “link”), usually the back-middle.
2. Adjust Target by Spot
Shift your aim to match your angle—always find the centerline of your arc.
3. Train Game-Like Shots
Practice under pressure, on the move, or after cuts.
Contest every shot in practice, not just games.
Coaching Cues
“Aim high, finish soft.”
“Pick a link, not a rim.”
“If it’s open, shoot it with purpose. If it’s tough, finish with touch.”
Why Layups and Open Threes Win at Every Level
Creating and converting high-percentage shots is the most consistent way to score—especially in youth basketball and high school basketball coaching.
If you’re running a clean offense but still missing points, chances are:
Your team’s finishing needs refining, or
Your shooters don’t know where to aim
Here’s how to fix both.
How to Finish More Layups – Youth & High School Keys
1. Finishing High on the Glass
Most missed layups aren’t due to contact—they’re due to bad angles or soft releases. Teach players to target the top corner of the backboard square. It’s the sweet spot for soft finishes.
In practice:
Place tape or a visual target on the backboard. Challenge players to hit it with each finish.
This single habit builds touch, arc, and finishing confidence—essential for players under 6 feet or in contact-heavy games.
2. Upper-Deck Touch
Finishing “up and over” is how players score when size or reach is against them.
Watch players like Steph Curry or Kyrie Irving—they loft layups with arc that avoids the hand, not just the body.
At game speed, defenders may contest late. A higher release = more makes.
Drill it from:
Straight-on drives
45° angle slashes
Short baseline cuts
3. Purposeful Spin for Angled Finishes
Teaching the difference between thumb spin and pinky spin gives players tools to finish around or behind the rim.
Thumb spin: When attacking from outside-in (chest faces sideline)
Pinky spin: When finishing reverse or coming under the basket
This helps avoid shot-blockers and turns “tough” layups into smart ones.
Make this a core piece of your layup package drills—not just show-off finishes.
How to Shoot More Open Threes – With Accuracy
1. Pick a Link, Not a Rim
Great shooters don’t just “shoot at the basket”—they aim at a specific target on the rim.
Those little hooks where the net attaches? They're called links.
Teach players to:
Pick the middle-back link for most shots
If you're a quick shooter, the front-middle link can help guide a straight release
For a higher arc or longer range, the back link gives better touch
Narrowing the aim improves focus and consistency—especially from deep.
2. Move Around, Adjust Target
Don’t just lock in one aim point. As players move around the arc:
Teach them to always find the center of their line to the hoop
Each shot angle has a different optimal link
This develops spatial awareness and makes your shooters more consistent in catch-and-shoot or off-the-dribble situations.
3. Practice With Purpose – Game Speed or Nothing
Players who shoot 80% in drills but 20% in games are missing intensity in practice.
Your practice should include:
Contested shots
Shots after cuts or drives
Off-ball relocation
Fatigue situations
Example: Use a 3-shot drill—catch & shoot, pump fake & side-step, then trail 3. Contest the last shot every time.
Practice Ideas for High-Percentage Finishing and Shooting
Layup Development
Glass target drill – Tape off the top corner of the square
Upper deck reps – Lofted finishes over pads or long contests
Spin series – One-hand finishes with controlled spin (both sides)
Three-Point Precision
Link focus reps – Player calls out link before shot
Move-and-shoot – Pass, cut, relocate, then shoot
Game-speed closeout – Defender contests every rep
These drills build repetition, rhythm, and decision-making all in one.
Why It Works for Every Level
Youth Teams:
Teaches form and focus, not just reps
Helps build confidence with realistic, makeable shots
Turns layup drills into skill development
High School Programs:
Cuts down empty possessions from missed bunnies or rushed threes
Improves shooter rhythm and touch under pressure
Raises overall efficiency without changing offensive system
Advanced Players:
Adds precision and control to their natural ability
Refines layup finishes vs athletic defenses
Creates better looks with less effort
Final Thoughts – It’s Not About Volume, It’s About Value
The best scorers don’t shoot more—they convert more.
Finish layups with the glass, not just power
Shoot threes with purpose, not just rhythm
Practice like it’s a game—or the game will expose the gap
Great offense starts with the shots you know you can make.
Master those, and you won’t need to hunt tough ones.
