If you’re having trouble making layups, you should learn from Allen Iverson. He was one of the best at attacking the basket. Here’s a drill that will help you slash like him.
Allen Iverson is one of the best finishers at the rim, ever.
Despite always being one of the smallest players on the court at all times, he somehow always managed to get into the lane on a regular basis and sink the layups he took.
It was amazing watching him. He had handles and quickness that always freed him from defenders (even the pestiest ones).
And he had a knack (that I’m pretty sure it was also a desire) for driving down the lane and embarrassing the big guy that tried to block his shot.
I wanted to embarrass defenders like him sooo very badly as a young lad! But I just got stuffed like a turkey on Thanksgiving.
Iverson Vs. The Magic
There was this one game in 2005. The Philadelphia 76ers (Iverson’s team, for those who aren’t real fans of the sport. JK.) were going against the Orlando Magic.
Now, this Magic team had some titans.
Dwight Howard was young here, but still a formidable defender (he was a rookie and was averaging 1.7 blocks per game).
They also had Kelvin Cato and Tony Battie, who were also excellent rim protectors (both were averaging over 1 block a game).
But that didn’t deter and change Iverson’s game plan.
He was going to continue doing what he did best -break his defender’s ankle, attack the basket against the opponent’s biggest defender, then make the shot.
Iverson did this on so many possessions, but the Magic couldn’t find a way to stop him.
And to make matters worse, he also sprinkled in some elbow jumpers and such to keep the defence guessing.
By the end of the fourth quarter, Iverson had 60 points, a career-high. He was also efficient, sinking 47 percent of his shots.
The 76ers, with the help of Corliss Williamson and Kyle Korver, beat the Magic 112-99 that day.
How Iverson Makes Layups
So, how was Iverson able to drive and attack the basket so well?
One of the key things to Iverson’s success on the offensive end is that he understands how to shoot layups.
He knows the angles of the shot.
He also has the footwork, fundamentals, and air time to comfortably shoot many types of layups.
Additionally, he has a special type of toughness that he taps into. He uses it to push himself into continuously attacking and making shots in the paint, regardless of who is defending him.
How You Can Make Layups Like Allen Iverson
As I said earlier, Iverson knows all the different types of layups.
Thus, if you want to attack the basket like A.I., you also need to know all of the fundamental layups.
You also have to be comfortable (and not clumsy) doing them.
To learn and practice this, you should do this layup drill from Breakthrough Basketball:
Key Notes:
- Do drills from both directions
- Use the glass (or bank it in) as much as possible
- Be efficient with your dribbles (try to dribble as little as possible when driving to the basket)
If you don’t have or can’t find a partner for this drill, you can use a basketball dummy.
It won’t chase after you -unless you find some sort of robot or android- but it will contest your shot (and do a good job at it, too).
So, if you’re interested, you can buy one from Amazon here (affiliate link).
The Mikan Drill
Additionally, you should also do the Mikan Drill.
This is a shooting drill that helps you get comfortable with shooting close shots.
It teaches you where and how to bank it off the glass and the correct footwork to be able to do so.
Click here to learn more about it.
Benefits of the Iverson Lay-Up Drill
One of the benefits of this layup drill is that it helps you learn how to finish from multiple positions and under multiple situations -you’ll become ambidextrous.
The layups you take will not be the same.
Most will be the traditional ones, but many will require you to make adjustments.
You might have to lay it in with the same hand as the leg that you’re jumping off of, which can be awkward.
Or you might have to do a power layup, where you have to stop and pump fake before going up for the shot.
This drill helps you get comfortable with the variety of layups by teaching you the correct footwork, form, and shooting from various angles of the basket.
It’ll also help you learn how to drive the lane against defenders.
Final Thoughts
Iverson was the 2001 NBA MVP and a 4-time scoring champion.
He also led the league in straight-up toughness and heart.
So, if you want to be a prolific scorer like A.I. (or at least attack the basket like him), you have to start practicing all of the fundamental lay-ups.
This drill will help you with that. So, ya know, go do it. Like, now.
