WHAT IS A JELLY LAYUP IN BASKETBALL? 

First things first.

To understand my outlook on jelly layups, one must first know what it is.

A jelly layup is typically a layup that is fancier. One could either double clutch the ball while holding it in one hand only or they could contort the ball in different ways, taking it in multiple directions before going towards the hoop.

Mainly, it is when a player uses the spin of the ball to hit the backboard and find its way into the basket. 

Players in the NBA like Kyrie Irving, Kemba Walker or Ja Morant have mastered this skill. Expanding their game, these players are able to score in unoumerous way around the basket.

Often I’m asked my thoughts on jelly layups and if I think players should be practicing them. 

Is it beneficial to practice this type of Layup? Is it practical? 

Long answer short, I think that it is beneficial and I think that it also has some practical parts. I think that it´s good for players to practice difficult layups. Whether that means for them to practice double clutching, showing the ball, spinning the ball, or releasing the ball from different points. 

As we go through this I will tell you my personal opinion on the pros and cons of practicing these layups, what the benefits are, and why you should do them. We will also cover how it could hurt someone’s game and why you shouldn’t be doing them that often. 

If you are liking this blog article, you should read

PROs of Practicing Jelly Lay Ups

There are a lot of pros to practicing jellying when you work out. I believe that the pros outweigh the cons. 

Practicing difficult layups prepares you for rare situations where your body may be contorted and you are then forced to attempt a difficult shot. 

It also prepares you to be able to spin the basketball off of the backboard from different angles. This is a valuable skill to have in the game of basketball and probably the most important pro to practicing these types of layups. 

You will also begin to have a better feel for the basketball.

Being able to have a good feel for the ball is extremely important. Drills that would consist of practicing jelly would make you gain control of the ball in different positions and allow you be able to contort yourself to spin the ball and make the layup. 

This is also good for hand eye coordination. 

Cons of Practicing Jelly Layups

There aren’t any major cons that come to mind.

The biggest would be that there are far more practical ways to practice finishing near the hoop that will happen more often in games. 

If you’re looking for strict practicality it’s hard to justify consistently practicing jelly layups. A mixture is probably what is best, but for it to be a majority of your practice of finishes near the hoop is excessive. 

You could spend your time working on floaters and two foot finishes, hook shots, inside hand finishes (180 finishing), and same hand same foot finishes (steve nash finishing). These are all more common finishes that a player will see in (probably) every game. 

Conclusion

I think its important for players to implement the occasional workout with jelly finishing sprinkled into the workout. It’s a fun twist and does have some benefits, such as feel and control, which make players better. 

That is the extent of how much you should practice. Other finishes are more game like and will occur more often, practice those first and then have your fun with jellying later. 

#BringYourAGame