How it Works

Pair players up and give each player a ball. One player becomes the Leader and invents a creative layup with different footwork, angle, finish, or rhythm. The Follower then tries to copy the exact same movement and finish. Both earn a point for a made layup, then roles switch. Keep the energy high by rotating pairs quickly, similar to the tempo you build in Take Back Layups. Use short rounds to keep players focused, much like the urgency created in Beat The Clock. For added fun, turn each round into a mini competition between pairs, similar to the relay style energy in 5-3-1 Shooting Relay.

Progression Or Variation

• Require weak hand only finishes
• Add trick footwork or off-speed movements
• Include a passive defender who lightly contests
• Increase difficulty each round
• Add time limits for each replication attempt

Coaching Points

• Encourage creativity and exploration
• Emphasize smooth footwork into every finish
• Keep layups controlled, not rushed
• Challenge players to match the Leader’s movement precisely
• Celebrate effort and imagination

Why This Drill Works

Copy Cat Layups blends creativity with repetition, helping players explore different finishing angles and body control without pressure. Players learn to observe, replicate, and adapt layup techniques, which builds confidence and versatility around the basket. This variety supports the same finishing awareness used in the 2-on-2 basketball keep away drill.