Galen Harkness • May 9, 2024

Unlocking the Court: Mastering the Scoop Layup in Basketball

In the fast-paced world of basketball, having a diverse skill set can dramatically elevate your game and give you a strategic edge over your opponents.

In the fast-paced world of basketball, having a diverse skill set can dramatically elevate your game and give you a strategic edge over your opponents. One such skill that every player should have in their arsenal is the scoop layup, also known as the finger roll layup. This technique is not just about scoring; it’s about outsmarting larger defenders and adapting to tight situations. Let’s dive into the importance of this move and how it can benefit your gameplay.


Why the Scoop Layup?


The scoop layup offers several strategic advantages that can make a significant difference in high-pressure situations:


1. Evasion and Flexibility

When facing taller and more physically imposing defenders, the scoop layup shines as an effective countermeasure. Its unique approach involves extending the arm and curling the ball away from the defender’s reach, minimizing the risk of a block. This move is especially useful in crowded key areas where space and time are limited.


2. Deceptive Simplicity

At first glance, the scoop layup might seem like a simple maneuver, but its effectiveness lies in its subtlety. The motion of gently rolling the ball off the fingertips deceives defenders, who might anticipate a more forceful shot. The soft touch required for a finger roll layup allows for a higher, more controlled finish, making it difficult for defenders to predict and react in time.


3. Versatility on the Move

This layup technique is highly versatile and can be executed from various angles and speeds. Whether you're cutting to the basket or driving along the baseline, the scoop layup adapts to your movement, providing a reliable scoring option under varied circumstances.


Developing Your Scoop Layup


To effectively incorporate the scoop layup into your game, focus on the following key areas:


- Practice the Finger Roll: Work on the finesse required to roll the ball gently off your fingertips. This requires control and precision, as the aim is to get the ball to spin softly against the backboard or directly through the hoop.


- Work on Your Approach: The effectiveness of a scoop layup often depends on your approach to the basket. Practice driving from different angles and using your body to shield the ball from defenders.


- Game-Like Scenarios: Incorporate defenders into your practice sessions to simulate real game situations. This will help you adjust your technique based on the defender's position and actions.


- Strength and Agility Training: Enhancing your overall physical strength and agility can improve your execution of the scoop layup. Stronger core and leg muscles will help you maintain balance and control during the layup.


Conclusion


The scoop layup is a subtle yet powerful tool in basketball that allows players to navigate tight defenses and score in crowded areas. By mastering this skill, you can enhance your versatility as a player and increase your ability to score under pressure. So, take the time to refine your scoop layup technique and watch as it transforms your game on the court.

Jumping Up vs. Jumping Out: Two Finishes Every Undersized Player Needs

By Galen Harkness • June 9, 2025
At EYG Basketball, we train players to play smarter and finish stronger. If you’re under 6'4", you can’t rely on size alone at the rim—you need solutions. Two of the most important: jumping up and jumping out. Why This Matters The game gives you different looks at the rim. Great players know how to read the help defense and choose the right finish. These two options help you avoid blocked shots, keep defenders guessing, and finish through or around contact. What’s the Difference? Jumping Up Happens closer to the rim Follows a bump, shot fake, or pump fake Uses power, balance, and verticality Creates space by initiating contact with the inside shoulder Effective when you’ve already earned position Jumping Out Happens earlier, before the shot blocker fully rotates Uses speed and quickness off one foot Avoids contact by getting the ball on the glass fast Useful when you don’t have time or space to absorb contact In the video examples, you’ll see both finishes. Watch how the offensive player creates space, reads the defenders, and chooses the finish that fits the moment. How to Train These Finishes Jumping Up Work on shot fakes, shoulder bumps, and strong two-foot finishes Focus on balance and lift Practice against contact or padded defenders Jumping Out Practice one-foot takeoffs Use floaters, scoop layups, and high glass finishes Rep it with a rotating help defender to train timing What to Watch For How the offensive player creates space Where the help defense is The timing and angle of the finish Whether it’s a contact finish or an avoidance finish Final Thought from EYG We don’t teach generic moves. We teach game decisions. Knowing when to jump up or jump out is the difference between getting blocked and getting buckets. If you want to finish like a high-level guard, this skill set is non-negotiable.

In, Out & Up: 3 Places to Look with the Ball

By Galen Harkness • June 9, 2025
Places for Basketball Players to Look—and Why 🎥 Clips of the Week What’s Happening: Three game clips show players making passes that lead to scores by: Looking In – Inside the paint to find cutters Kicking Out – To perimeter shooters Passing Up – The floor in transition Why It Matters: Great decision-makers scan all three zones—In, Out, & Up—to find the best option. This habit leads to smarter decisions, better shots, and more team success. Who Can Learn From It: Guards, wings, and any player who handles the ball. Learning to scan in these three directions keeps pressure on defenses and opens up opportunities. https://youtu.be/Ec1RWcIYnqw?si=NfmzLwPkWZ-KuanX Don’t just see the game. Scan it. 🛠️ How to Apply This Players: As you dribble or catch, train your eyes to scan: In – Cutters and post mismatches Out – Perimeter shooters and spacing Up – Rim and teammates in transition Build the habit. Clip it. Study it. Rep it. 👋 Final Note This one decision-making pattern—In, Out & Up—can shift how you play. It’s not flashy. It’s just smart basketball. Thanks for being here. Let’s keep learning. Let’s Play Smarter. Elevate Your Game.

Train Like a Pro This Summer: Lessons from Caitlin Clark’s Offseason

By Galen Harkness • May 14, 2025
Summer is the season where real growth happens. Summer is the season where real growth happens. For serious high school basketball players, this isn’t the time to coast. It’s the time to separate yourself. If you want to take your game to the next level, take a page from WNBA star Caitlin Clark’s offseason playbook. Here’s what she focused on—and how you can apply it this summer: 1. Get Stronger to Play Stronger The game only gets more physical at higher levels. Caitlin Clark used her offseason to build strength so she could handle contact, maintain her balance, and stay efficient even when tired. You can do the same: Bodyweight strength work like pushups, squats, lunges, and planks builds a powerful base. Core strength helps you finish through contact and protect the ball under pressure. Strong legs = better defense, more explosiveness, and more consistency in your shot. This summer, commit to strength training 2–3 days per week. 2. Recovery Is Part of Training Recovery is not just for pros—it’s what allows you to train hard again the next day. Clark’s offseason wasn’t just about grinding—it was about taking care of her body with sleep, nutrition, hydration, stretching, and downtime. What does recovery look like for you? Go to bed early. Drink water throughout the day. Take time to stretch, roll out, and cool down. Don’t train yourself into the ground—train to be consistent. Recovery helps you show up every day with energy and focus. 3. Work on Game-Specific Skills Clark didn’t just shoot 1,000 shots a day. She trained the shots she actually takes in games: pull-ups, deep threes, quick releases, contact finishes, tight handle under pressure. This is where most players fall short—they train skills in perfect settings instead of game situations. This summer: Add contact to finishing drills. Practice handling under pressure, not just cones. Get game-speed reps on your shot. Compete in 1v1, 2v2, 3v3 as much as you can. Your training should look like the game you want to play. 4. Put It All Together Clark’s offseason success wasn’t magic—it was a smart, consistent plan. She got stronger. She recovered with purpose. She trained her game with intensity. You can do the same. Strength builds your body. Recovery protects it. Skill work sharpens your game. This summer, train with a purpose—not just sweat, but skill. Final Thought: The offseason is where players are made. The ones who train smart, recover well, and stay consistent will come back in the fall stronger, sharper, and more confident. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to keep showing up and doing the work. Whenever you're ready, here are 3 ways EYG Basketball can help you this summer: Committed Skills Academy – Weekly high-level skills training for players who want consistent work on ball-handling, finishing, shooting, and playmaking. Summer Camps – Fun, challenging, and competitive camps in Superior, Northglenn, and Longmont. 1v1 to 3v3 play every day. Training Memberships – Serious about your game? Memberships are for players who want more. Train 2–3 times per week with a structured plan and coaching. Check out all our summer training options at www.eygbball.com
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