How to Shoot a Lay-up in Basketball

The lay-up is the most fundamental shot in basketball. Despite that fact, so many players overlook the practice and fundamentals of this shot. Often players concentrate too much on showmanship and not enough of the basics of basketball which are the basis of the sport.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Understand the correct angle to shoot the lay-up. The player should shoot the lay-up at an angle from the center of the basket. This enables the player to use the backboard on the shot. The degree of the angle depends on the defense employed by the other team.

2. Utilize the proper footwork to establish a proper offensive base for the lay-up. If the shot is right handed, the plant foot on the lay-up is the left foot and the player raises the right foot off the ground. It reversed if the shot is a left-handed lay-up.

3. Approach the basket with the dribble. Then take a short step with the exterior foot when the player is within three to five feet of the basket. Next, take a full step with the interior foot and extended the basketball with the outside hand for the shot. Realize that this distance varies given a player's size and athletic ability.

4. Extend the shot hand fully and be strong with the basketball. Getting extension on the shot enables a player to shoot over taller players. Use the off hand to shield the defender away from the shot. However, do not extend the off-hand because this is an offensive foul. Also being strong with the basketball means to not shy away from contact because fading away from contact can cause a bad shot.

Tips & Warnings

• The angle of the lay-up should never be from directly in front or beside the basket unless there is no other option offensively.
• Always use the backboard when shooting the lay-up.

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