Basketball Layup

The lay-up shot, since it is taken close to the basket, is the most desirable of all shot opportunities. However, the proper execution is often overlooked.

The lay-up shot should be taught in three steps:

1. The approach

2. The takeoff

3. The landing

The approach is made by arriving to the takeoff position (on a dribble or a cut) so that the opposite foot as the shooting hand is used as the plant foot. As the player jumps off his planted foot, they should “high jump” to the basket, not “long jump”. One reason there are so many offensive fouls (charges) in today’s game is that many times players are often “long jumping” to the basket, not “high jumping”.

As the player explodes up to the basket, the ball is brought up by the face with both hands. The eyes are focused on a spot above and slightly to the side of the rim. To help gain height, the free leg is swung ahead of the takeoff leg.

As the shooter reaches the highest point of the jump, the shooting hand takes over control of the ball and continues to carry the ball to the board. The ball is laid high and soft on the board and the board should be used almost 100% of the time. This is the proper way to shoot a layup.