How to Do a Euro Step Layup (Basketball)

Co-authored by Ryan Tremblay

Last Updated: April 30, 2024

In the game of basketball, the layup is a very fundamental skill that most players master at a young age. The Euro step layup in particular can help you get past a defender and catch them off guard; it is harder to block because you use the rim as a type of blocker or shield. The regular Euro step is used to catch the defender off guard when you can't do a normal layup, while the exaggerated way is used when there is a defender standing there that you have to get past. This is basically doing a right-handed layup on the left side of the basket and vice versa. The Euro step not only can improve your scoring by opening up space but can also make you a better passer.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Regular Euro Step

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2
Dribble with your left hand towards the basket.
- When you start the dribble you want to push the ball out in front of you to get a quick start.
- Be sure not to push it out too far or the ball will get stolen.
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3
Wait until you get about 3-5 feet away from the basket. Then pick the ball up as you are planting your right foot.
- This should take anywhere from 1-3 dribbles depending on skill level. 3 at the max.
- Traveling is taking more than 2 steps without dribbling the ball so make sure you pick the ball up as you plant your right foot about 3-5 feet from the basket.
4
Step with your left foot.
- Your left foot is going to be the foot you jump off of, like a normal right handed layup on the right side.
Move as if they are connected with a string from your elbow to your knee.
7
Wait until the peak of your jump. There, push the ball off the glass and into the basket.
- You want to aim in the middle of the square not the left side.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Exaggerated Euro Step

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2
Continue dribbling as you run towards the basket.
- Start off slow and then pick up your speed as you get the hang of it.
3
Wait until you are about 5 feet from the basket. Then take a right footed step while picking up the ball.
- You want to make this step to your right, making it seem like you are going to the right side.
4
Push off your right foot step with your left foot, back to the left side of the basket.
- You want to act like you are faking out a defender by going to the right and then quickly going to the left side.
5
Jump off of your left foot like you are doing a normal right handed layup on the right side.
- Swing your right leg and your your right knee up as you bring your right arm up.
- Bring your leg and arm up at the same time like a string is connected from your elbow to your knee.
6
Have the ball in your right hand. Put it up off the glass in the middle of the square and in the basket.
- Depending on the angle you have to put the ball off the glass you might have to put some spin on the ball by twisting your wrist to the left.

Expert Q&A

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Question

How do I properly dribble a basketball between my legs?

Ryan Tremblay
Basketball Coach
Ryan Tremblay is a Basketball Coach and the Owner of National Sports ID and STACK Basketball. With over 30 years of experience, Ryan specializes in basketball coaching, social media marketing, and website design. Ryan created the National Sports ID as a platform to verify the age/grade of youth athletes and STACK Basketball to inspire young athletes to grow into mature individuals and basketball players. Ryan was a First Team All-Decade basketball player in Bergen County and finished in the top 20 all-time leading scorers in the county’s history with 1,730 points. He went on to Caldwell University on a basketball scholarship where he was part of three championship teams. Ryan was a two-time All-Metropolitan, All-State, and All-Conference point guard and the all-time three-point leader in the school’s history, landing him in the Caldwell University Athletic Hall of Fame.

Ryan Tremblay

Basketball Coach

Expert Answer

To effectively dribble a basketball between the legs, consistent and focused practice is crucial. Avoid casual shooting and instead set up structured repetitions. Practice going through your legs from right to left 50 times, then from left to right another 50 times. Experiment with different combinations, like left, right, right, and left, to ensure a variety of movements. Establish specific sets, perhaps doing five sets of 10 or five sets of 20 repetitions continuously. Dedicate 30 minutes to an hour to this focused practice, emphasizing precision and consistency. Through disciplined and repetitive drills, you can hone your between-the-legs dribbling skills for effective use in actual game situations.

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Tips

When doing the layup on the other side of the basket, switch the way you are stepping and your hands, either from right to left or vice versa.

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