A layup is a fundamental basketball shot made close to the basket. It involves a player driving towards the hoop, using one hand to lay the ball gently off the backboard or directly into the net. This technique is often used when a player has a clear path to the basket and aims to score quickly and efficiently. In a layup, players typically use their dominant hand, but they can also perform a reverse layup using their non-dominant hand. The NBA and other basketball leagues emphasize the importance of mastering layups, as they are essential for scoring in fast-paced games.