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The basketball lay-up shot is one of the toughest shots to make because every
time it is used, the shooter approaches the basket from a different angle and a
variety of speeds. Usually there is a defender there who is trying to cram the
ball down the shooter's throat.
The shooter must release the ball gently despite the fact he is moving at a
high rate of speed in most cases. The lay-up shot should be a high jump rather
than a broad jump. Therefore, momentum must be transferred upward, not outward.
To achieve this, stretch on the last stride as the foot is planted and lift the
jumping leg, bringing the knee up high.
Protect the ball from the defender while shooting. Usually this means
shooting the ball with the right hand when on the right side and shooting with
the left hand when on the left side of the goal. There is no exception to this
rule.
The flat drive along the baseline with the right hand makes it necessary to
come up on the far, or left side of the basket with a right handed lay-up, or to
shoot a left hand lay-up on the right side.
When shooting a regular right hand lay-up on the right side of the goal,
carry the ball well-over to the right side of the body, keeping the left hand
between the ball and the defender as the ball is lifted with the right hand.
It is impossible to say how many inches above the rim or the spot on the
board to strike because of the different angles and speeds of the shot.
Generally it is a spot about 10 to 12 inches above the rim. Remember this adage:
Never up... never in! The most important thing to do is look up and
concentrate on the shot.
Coaches have varied opinions; however, I believe you should shoot every
lay-up off the board whenever possible. It appears to me that shots made too
hard, or too soft, are helped by the backboard.
Here are the major things to look for when teaching the basketball lay-up:
- Eliminate all fancy motions, just to look pretty.
- Lengthen the final stride and firmly plant the take-off foot.
- Transfer the momentum upward, not forward.
- Protect the ball from defender at all times.
- Aim at a point above the rim rather than throwing the ball against the
board at random.
- Use the board on every shot whenever possible.
 Diagram
1 - Teaching players to veer enough to shoot a lay-up off the backboard
when coming down the middle of the floor.This drill will develop the
desired habits of using the backboard for lay-ups. Use the same drill for
both right and left handed lay-ups.
Procedure:
Place a chair directly under the basket.
Line up players in the middle as illustrated.
As each player breaks in turn to the basket, the coach passes to that
player at the free-throw line.
Players take one dribble, adjusting to the chair by veering to one side
or the other, so that he can bank the ball off the board.
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 Diagram
2 - A drill to teach players to cut defender out completely if they have
a half-step advantage.This drill shows players that responsibility for
contact is on the defender when the offensive player has gained the
advantage on a drive.
Procedure:
Line players in two lines, one in the corner and the other behind the
free-throw line extended. The later are offensive and the ones in the
corner defensive.
The first offensive player in line gets a half-step ahead of the first
defender.
On the signal, "go!" the offensive player breaks across and toward the
basket through the pivot area.
A coach will pass to the cutter after one, or two, strides.
The offensive player swings in and cuts out the defender, going for a
left-handed lay-up on the far side of the basket.
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 Diagram
3 - Drill to help detect open player on a drive to the basket.A lot
of players drive to the basket like a runaway bull. This is good if they can
spot teammates in a better scoring position.
Procedure:
Place two offensive players near the basket one on each side of the
goal.
Place a coach or manager on each player on the inside and nearer the
basket.
Instruct the two coaches or managers certain signals to indicate when
you want one of them to move quickly out to a poor defensive position,
leaving his player open, when you want both to move or when you want
neither to move.
A line of remaining players should be placed a good distance from the
basket so each, in turn, can dribble for the lay-up should neither of his
teammates be open.
Vary the signals so that the players will have to adjust constantly to
continuing the drive or dish-off to a teammate.
Vary the angle of the drive often.
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 Diagram
4 - Drill that teaches firm control of the ball when going in for a
lay-up.Players often lose control of the ball if bumped a bit on the
shot. If the refs don't call it, this often results in loss of points, or
possible loss of the ball. This drill instills the habit of firm ball
handling during a lay-up attempt.
Procedure:
Line up players facing the basket from any angle. Change the angle
frequently.
Another line of players is positioned near the goal.
Players break for the basket one at a time, receiving a pass from a
third line of players who stand closest to the goal.
After the player receives the pass and starts up for the shot, the
first player in the defensive line will push, bump or hack the shooter.
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 Diagram
5 - Competitive lay-up drill.Encourage all young players to take
their time while performing this drill. Obviously, the line that relaxes,
making every shot will win the game.
Procedure:
Use both ends of the floor. Divide the team into two equal groups,
placing one group at one end of the court and the other at the opposite
end.
Put the starting player exactly the same distance from the basket he
faces.
On the signal, the first player in each line dribble-drives to the
basket and a lay-up.
As soon as he scores, and he must put it in the basket before quitting,
he passes back to the second player in line. The second player must not
leave the starting point until the ball touches his hands.
Play continues until one line scores 20 points, each goal counting 2
points.
Both lines should shout out loud their scores as they occur.
Change the angle of approach frequently.
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 Diagram
6 - Fake and drive drill.This drill helps keep the defender off
balance.
Procedure:
Place each player in his offensive spot on the floor according to his
playing position in actual game situations.
Place a chair in front of each player.
Use both ends of the court.
Have each player fake alternately left and then right with his head,
shoulder, and foot fake before driving to the basket for a lay-up.
Cross-over behind the back can be a requirement.
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Diagram 7a - High jump drill.
This drill is designed to encourage players to get up as high as possible
for the lay-up rather than broad jumping.
Procedure:
Place a chair or cone slightly behind the backboard. The distance
depends upon the speed of the drill, which should be varied. For a
moderate speed put the cone or chair directly under the board as in
Diagram 7a. Put the cone or chair back about 3 feet for a fast drill as
shown in Diagram 7b.
The coach should make a pass to each player as he approaches to make
sure he doesn't veer in order to miss the chair. Encourage players to go
straight for the chair and jump high so that he will land on the floor in
front of the chair, not hitting it.
Use only one line and be sure to work from all angles.
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