How to Do a Basketball Lay Up
The lay up is one of the easiest techniques to score points in a basketball game, and is done by running and shooting a basket. Most basketball experts do this with ease, but if you’re a beginner even a techniques this basic can be challenging. Not to worry, here are some instructions on on how to do a basketball lay up effectively.
What You’ll Need:
Basketball shoes and athletic socks
Basketball court with a hoop
Basketball
Jersey or loose clothing
Procedure:
Make sure you’re wearing the proper basketball attire. Tight fitting clothes, like jeans, can hinder you from making a good layup. Rubber shoes made for basketball are also very important. You don’t want to slip and fall on your face while doing a maneuver this easy, right?
Determine the best angle to shoot the lay up. If you’re in a game, you’ll have to determine this in a split-second. If you’re just practicing, you can find out which angle suits you best. A lay up must be shot at an angle from the basket’s center, enabling you to use the backboard for the shot. Your shoulders must either be perpendicular with the direction of the shot (if you’re on the side) or parallel to the backboard, if you are in the middle of the court.
Know the proper footwork, so you’ll have a good offensive base for your lay up. If your shot is going to be right-handed, you have to raise your right foot off the ground, while the plant foot is the left one. If it’s left-handed, the right foot is the plant foot while the left foot is raised.
Run towards the basket, dribbling as you do so. This gives you momentum and the acceleration can help you jump up faster. Remember, in a real game, someone will be on the defense, challenging your shot.
Three to five feet away from the basket, stop dribbling the ball. Take one short step using your exterior foot, then another full step with the interior foot.
As your exterior foot steps (the one you’ll be raising later on), pick up the ball. You must shoot using your outside hand. If you’re at the left side of the basket, shoot the ball using the left hand. If you’re on the right side, use the right hand. Shooting with the inside hand is more difficult, and will less likely be effective, because the rim obstructs your angle.
Jump as high as you can, off your interior/plant foot. Make sure to extend your hand fully, being strong with the basketball. Keep your eye on the top of the square, just above the backboard’s rim. Put enough force, and use the backboard to cushion the impact, so it won’t hit the rim too hard. Let the ball go through the net.
If your shot is from a stand still, push the ball up, and slightly flick your wrist, when your arm reaches the fullest extension.
Some Tips:
If you can’t bank the ball using the backboard, practice shooting while standing three to four feet from the basket first.
Try using both your left and right hand for the lay up.
Keep practicing. Chances are your lay up won’t be successful the first time, but don’t give up.
Smoothness is your key to a successful lay up. Try to do all the steps in one fluid and graceful motion.
A perfect lay up is a great offensive tactic. Continue with this skill, and you’ll score plenty of points for your team.