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How to make a perfect layup in basketball


Lay up techniques & exercises

  • What is a lay up in basketball?
  • How does a lay up work?
  • Four types of lay ups
    • Overhand lay up
    • Underhand lay up
    • The power move
    • The up and under
  • How do I practice the lay up?
  • Common lay up mistakes
  • Excercise to improve your jump

What is a lay up in basketball?

Approach the hoop while dribbling. Grab the ball with both hands, jump into the air and flick the ball onto the backboard and into the hoop. The lay up is one of the most fundamental offensive basketball manuevers and can be performed by beginners and professionals alike.

Due to the short distance to the basket, the basket lay up is a sure way to score points.

With the lay up, the correct step sequence and jump are most important.

Did you know?
The lay up and jump shot are the oldest shooting techniques in basketball.

How does a lay up work in basketball?

To learn the sequence of movements and steps, we recommend starting your lay up from a standing position with a single dribble.

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Here's how a basketball lay up works with your right hand:

Step 0: Positioning, 10 feet from the right of the basket

Position yourself about 10 feet from the basket, half way to the 3 point line, and run to the basket at a 45° angle.

Assume the starting classic shooting position.

Hold the ball close to your body with both hands at hip level.

Step 1: Dribble the ball with your right hand and place the left foot on the ground

Dribble with your right hand, the ball one step ahead of you. At the same time, step with your left foot.

Step 2: The right foot in front

Grab the ball with both hands, and hold it close to the right side of your body. Then take a step forward with the right foot.

3. Jump off with your left foot

Now take a step forward with your left foot and jump up and towards the basket.

At the same time, pull the right knee up. This helps stabilise your shot and accelerate you to the basket.

Important: When jumping off, focus on jumping upwards more than forwards.

Step 4: Guide the ball towards the basket and shoot

When taking to the air, bring the ball from the waist on the right side of your body. In one fluid motion, your right hand should be under the ball. Your left hand is kept to the side of the ball.

Once in the air, stretch out your right arm. At the apex, straighten your arm and elbow to shoot the ball towards the backboard. Your goal is the upper right corner of the square on the backboard.

In this video, you can see how a fluid lay up looks:

The lay up with the left hand works exactly the same but inverted, so start with your left foot, jump off with your right leg, and lay up with your left arm.

Our tip: Be sure to train both hands. This will help step up your game.

The following exercise helps beginners practice and internalise the lay up:

Here's another step by step guide on how to perform the lay up.

Step 1: Catch the ball landing with your left foot
Step 2: Step forward with your right foot
Step 3: Jump off with your left foot
Step 4: Drive forward with your right knee
Step 5: Simultaneously, bring the ball up with your right hand
Step 6: Lay it up softly

The 4 different types of lay ups

There are four different lay up techniques. The technique we've mentioned is simple and well suited for beginners. The other lay up techniques are more difficult and suited for experienced basketball players.

The overhand lay up

The original and simplest version of the basketball lay up is suitable for children and beginners.

The ball is thrown from the hand onto the backboard. The basketball lay up can be done with or without the backboard.

Underhand Lay Up

This lay up variation is also called the finger roll and suited for experienced basketball players.

When laying up, the whole arm is stretched out. The hand is placed under the ball. Snap your wrist upwards so that the ball rolls off the fingertips. This will help the ball rise and fall softly into the basket.

The underhand lay up is:

  • easier to block,
  • for lay ups farther from the basket,
  • only possible with a strong jump.

The following video shows how to do the finger roll with the underhand lay up:

The Power Move

The only difference between the overhand lay up and the power move is that you jump with both legs. This is where a strong jump is a necessity.

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The Up and Under

The most difficult lay up variation is the up and under. Here, the lay up is faked to bring the opponent out of position.

The player starts by jumping past the opponent, fakes the throw, bringing the ball around, and then lobbing the ball just before landing. In action, here's how the up and under lay up looks:

How do I practice the lay up?

The lay up is a very elaborate technique and can best be trained methodically in a series.

This means: For the lay up, first practice the individual steps and start with the simplest part. If you manage these steps individually, connect the steps in the correct order one by one.

Here's how the process works:
Step 1: Perfect your accuracy on the back board. Stand 45° from the backboard and practice.
Step 2: Practice the two-contact rule: Right - left - jump - back board shot.
Step 3: Add in a single dribble then repeat step 2.
Step 4: Add more dribbling in to feel more comfortable transitioning from dribbling to shooting. Then repeat step 2.
Step 5: Practice these steps with your weaker hand.

It takes a few training sessions before the basketball lay up can be used in a game.

Common lay up mistakes

Since the lay up is quite complex, problems are sure to arise in the beginning. Perfect practice makes perfect execution. Here's how to counteract typical mistakes:

Jumping with the wrong leg or approaching the basket with the wrong sequence of steps

  • Go through the steps slowly, one at a time.
  • Have your coach or teammate tell you right leg during the step sequence.

Missing arm extension with the standing shot

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  • Train the standing throw for a while.

Jump is not high enough

  • Pull the non-jumping knee actively up.
  • Do excercises that isolate your jump.

Strength and jumping exercises for a better lay up

A strong jump is vital for a successful lay up. We'll show you how to practice this.

Important before starting your lay up exercises:
Warm up to get your muscles and joints ready for the strain. Be sure to plan sufficient breaks while practicing your jumping. Take care of your body to prevent injuries.

Genetically speaking, you can increase your jump height by a maximum of 10 to 20 percent. In addition to leg strength, a stable core is a necessity. A stable core allows you to better catapult yourself upwards, as your jump and core then work together to throw yourself up.

Along with jumping excercises, you can strengthen the core with the following excercises:

  • Plank
  • Push up
  • Sit ups

We recommend the following excercises if you'd like to train your jump.

Lunge Jumps

The jump lunge trains your explosive power:

  • Place your feet hip wide.
  • Take a large step back with your right foot.
  • Knee is just over the ground.
  • Jump and change legs.

Half squats

Half squats train your jumping power from a squating position. This excercise is helpful because many basketball manuevers involve jumping.

    .
  • Place feet hip wide apart.
  • Bend your knees to go into a squating position.
  • Expload upwards into the air.

Half deadlift

As with the last excercise, perform this exercise from a half squat. Place the weight on two boxes.

Note: Only perform this exercise once you've mastered the dead lift. If not, you could injure your back.

Box Jumps

To do box jumps, you'll need a stable box or bench.

  • Stand upright with feet hip-wide in front of the box.
  • Bend the knees until your thighs are parallel to the floor.
  • Jump upwards and swing your arms forward.
  • Land as gently as possible on the box in a squatting position.
  • Jump back down gently to the ground.

Ball catching

This exercise trains your reflexes as well as your jump.

Throw the basketball against the backboard and try to catch it at the apex of its flight path.

One legged jumps

For this exercise, put one leg in the air, bend your knees and explode upwards. Once your leg is exhausted, switch legs. We recommend this excercise at the end of your training session.

Even more ideas for your next basketball practice

Still looking for more tips for your training? Sport psychologist and performance coach Sebastian Altfeld shows you how to effectively plan a basketball practice session. Or take a look at our other articles on the same topic:

  • The Dunk
  • Basketball Rules
  • The Jump Shot

If you're still looking for the training jersey for you or your team, we recommend taking a look at our Online Shop. Or design your own jersey with our 3D Designer.

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Image credits: Image 1: lechatnoir/ Gettyimages/E+; Image 2: 4x6/Gettyimages/E+; Image 3: miodrag ignjatovic/ Gettyimages/E+

How to Do a Layup in Basketball (6-Step Guide)

If you want to win basketball games, your players must be able to finish at the rim consistently.

While knowing “how to do a layup” will sound easy to most players, it’s actually much more difficult than most people realize.

Think about it:

Players attack the hoop at varying speeds...

Players attack the hoop from many different angles...

And when they do get to the hoop, there’s usually a second defender waiting who will attempt to swat their layup into the 5th row.

Despite these challenges, players must learn how to score layups in a variety of situations if they want to experience individual and team success.

In this article, I’ll show you how.

I’ll start by teaching you (1) exactly what a layup is, (2) the six steps for how to do a layup, (3) the process for teaching layups to young kids, (4) the seven layup variations all players must master, before finishing with (5) some important layup tips.

Let’s get started…

What is a Layup?

Here’s the general definition most coaches would use:

“A layup is the action of a player dribbling towards the hoop, taking two steps, and then laying the basketball into the hoop off the backboard. ”

For a traditional layup — this is correct.

With that said…

There are MANY variations of a layup (I’ll share 7 of them with you later in this article) and no two in-game layups are identical.

There’s an endless number of situations a player will face when they attack the hoop in a 5-on-5 game.

The two things all layups do have in common:

(1) All layups are shots close to the basket

(2) All layups are worth two points

How to Do a Layup (6-Steps)

Now, let’s talk about how to do a layup correctly.

Learning correct footwork and layup technique is crucial for young players.

We don’t want players to develop poor habits that will be difficult to break out of as they get older and advance to higher levels of basketball.

For the purposes of this beginner’s guide, I’ll assume players are executing a regular right-handed layup.

Here we go:

1.

Eyes Up

The very first thing a player must do when they decide to attack the defense and finish with a layup is get their eyes up.

This is important for two main reasons:

a. To Lock onto the Target

The target they aim for will be either the hoop or the backboard depending on the player’s angle and speed.

Knowing which target to choose as the ball is released from the shooter’s hand is something players will get used to as they gain more experience.

b. To Read the Defense

Every time a player attacks the hoop, multiple defenders will step across to provide help and challenge the layup.

Players need to get their eyes up and use their peripheral vision to read these defenders.

This will help the player decide which layup variation will give them the best chance of scoring (or which teammate is now open to receive a pass).

2.

Outside Foot Step (Long)

Remembering that we’re using a traditional, unguarded layup as the example for this blog post…

The first step a player makes as they pick up the basketball should be with their “outside” foot (closest to the sideline).

For right-handed layups, this is the right foot.

For left-handed layups, this is the left foot.

There are two important coaching points you should emphasize to players when you’re teaching them this step:

(1) Long Step

We want players to gain distance with the first step, and a long step also helps with the second point…

(2) Controlled

Players MUST be in control of their body as they perform their layup.

Too often we see young players sprint towards the hoop out of control and then launch the ball hard off the backboard.

Encourage them to slow down to increase their chances of scoring.

3.

Inside Foot Step (High)

The second step of a traditional layup should be with the inside foot (closest to the middle of the court).

For right-handed layups, this is the left foot.

For left-handed layups, this is the right foot.

The key coaching point for the second step is the following:

“High Jump”

Along with ensuring players slow down and are in control of their layup, the emphasis to jump high will give young players the upward momentum they need to complete the layup.

This is done by driving the shooting-side knee up into the air as they jump off their opposite foot.

(Right knee on right-handed layups. Left knee on left-handed layups)

4.

Protect the Ball

It’s crucial that a player protects the ball while attempting their layup.

Two things to watch out for:

a. Getting Stripped

Smart defenders will look to strip (steal) the ball from the offensive player during their two steps.

To prevent this from happening, the offensive player needs to (1) have strong hands and (2) keep the ball close to their body.

b. Getting Blocked

Tall defenders will attempt to block the shot during the upward shooting motion or as the ball leaves the offensive player’s hands.

To prevent this, the offensive players must use their non-shooting hands to protect the ball and increase the likelihood of getting fouled.

5.

Follow Through

The fifth step when learning how to do a layup…

Teach your players to bring the ball up above their head, extend their arm, and then flick their wrist to guide the basketball into the hoop.

The traditional overhand layup is very similar to a regular jump shot when it comes to this part of the layup technique.

Important Note:

If you’re coaching very young players, you might find they push the basketball up from their chest instead of bringing the ball above their head before shooting… this is due to a lack of strength.

This isn’t a big issue while they’re young, but make sure they’re growing out of this habit as they get older and stronger.

6.

Practice!

Now that your players understand correct layup technique, it’s time they start doing some serious layup practice!

A few important things for coaches to think about:

a. Different Angles and Speeds

Run layup drills that involve players attacking the hoop from different angles and at different speeds.

  • Left / right side
  • Front of the rim
  • Along the baseline

It’s important that they’re comfortable and confident driving to the hoop from anywhere on the court.

b. Right Hand and Left Hand

Allow players to mainly use with their dominant hand when they’re first learning how to perform a layup…

But make sure they start practicing with both hands once they understand correct technique and develop the strength to do so.

This is important to help them protect the ball and finish around good defenders as they get older and play against tougher competition.

c. Competition!

Almost immediately you should start running drills where players are required to attack the defense and finish with a layup against live defense.

Add both layup technique and layup competition drills to every practice.

For example:

Spend 10 minutes using a layup technique drill and then spend 10 minutes playing half court 2-on-1.

Your players might struggle against competition at first — they might commit a travelling violation, jump off the wrong foot, or rush their two steps — but they’ll benefit from the struggle in the long run.

Teaching Layups to Kids - The Process

I’m guessing that most people reading this article are youth basketball coaches wanting to know the best way to teach layups.

If so, you’re in the right place.

I’m going to provide you with the step-by-step instructions.

These steps should be used to teach “overhand” and “underhand” layups to all players who have signed up to learn the game of basketball.

One final piece of advice before we get started:

Be patient.

These steps might seem simple to you… but to a young kid who’s trying to understand footwork, ball pickup, where to focus, distance, etc… it’s hard!

Let’s get stated…

1.

One-Step Layup

The first step is to start players on the low block.

Since most players are right-handed, I recommend starting on the right block since this will be most comfortable for them.

Give everyone a basketball, line everyone up behind the low block, and then get them to execute the following:

a. Start with feet together

b. Take one step with their left foot (inside foot)

c. Jump off the left foot and shoot a layup off the backboard

2.

Two-Step Layup

Next, let’s add a second step…

Get everyone to start one step back from the low block.

Reminding them that they don’t need to dribble the basketball yet, ask them to do the following:

a. Start with feet together

b. The first step is with their right foot (outside foot)

c. The second step is with their left foot (inside foot)

d. Jump off the left foot and shoot a layup off the backboard

Players grab their own rebound before joining the end of the same line.

3.

One-Dribble Layup

Now let’s take another step back…

For the third step in this process, we ask players to take one dribble before completing their two steps and finishing with a layup.

Here are the instructions:

a. Start with feet together

b. The initial step is with their left foot. As this foot touches the ground, the player should take one dribble with their right hand.

c. As the player catches the ball, they take their first layup step with their right foot (outside foot)

d. The second layup step is with their left foot (inside foot)

e. Jump off the left foot and shoot a layup off the backboard

4.

Multiple Dribble Layup

The final step when learning to shoot off the dribble requires players to retreat back behind the three-point arc.

From here, players will before multiple dribbles before gathering the ball, taking their two steps, and laying the ball in off the glass.

Here’s how it works:

a. Start behind the three-point line with a basketball.

b. Take multiple dribbles towards the hoop (eyes up!)

c. At the low block, take the first step with the right foot (outside foot)

d. The second layup step is with their left foot (inside foot)

e. Jump off the left foot and shoot a layup off the backboard

5.

Catch and Layup

Another thing players must learn to do is receive the basketball while on the move and then finish with a layup without dribbling.

Players are put in this situation often during games…

They might make an off-ball cut to the hoop, receive a pass from a teammate on a fast break, or pass to a player in the post then cut off them.

My recommendation is to set up a quick “give and go” drill.

As follows:

a. Put one player on the free-throw line without a basketball.

b. Line everyone else up behind the three-point line with a basketball.

c. The player with the ball passes to the middle of the floor, sprints towards the hoop, and then receives the ball back for a no-dribble layup.

d. Change the “passer” every minute or two.

Video:

To help you better understand the whole process, check out this brilliant video from FIBA that shows the first four progressions:

Seven Layup Variations

As I spoke about in the step-by-step section, it’s important for players to master more than one type of layup.

When you’re playing a real 5-on-5 game, there will be help defenders trying to block / alter your shot when you get to the hoop.

Being comfortable with a variety of layups will allow players to finish around any kind of defense that’s thrown at them.

Here’s the must-know list:

1.

Overhand Layup

This traditional layup is often the first one we teach young players. It’s similar to a regular jump shot in that a player gets their hand under the ball and “shoots” it off the backboard.

2.

Underhand Layup (Finger Roll)

Also known as the “finger roll”. This involves players putting their shooting hand under the ball with their fingers facing forward, and then rolling the ball off their fingertips as they extend their arm to the hoop.

3.

Floater

The floater is a great way for smaller players to score inside against bigger defenders. It involves a player “pushing” the ball up over the defense.

4.

Off-Foot Layup

If you really want to catch the defense by surprise, an off-foot layup should be in your bag of tricks. This involves jumping off the same foot you’re shooting with. For example, jumping off the right foot for a right-hand layup.

5.

Euro Step Layup

The Euro Step involves taking your first step in one direction, and then changing directions for your second step. This is a great way to step around defenders and change the angle as you complete a layup.

6.

Reverse Layup

A reverse layup allows the offensive player to attack the hoop and finish on the opposite side of the rim. For players at high levels, the rim acts as protection from shot blockers.

7.

Power Layup

A power layup involves performing a 2-foot jump stop before raising up to shoot. The benefit of this variation is it will give the player a stronger base, which is essential if you’re anticipating contact.

Advanced Layup Tips

Before you go, here are a few extra layup tips that will help players be more successful when attacking the hoop.

Some of the tips I’ve mentioned already throughout the article (but they need repeating), and some of them I’ve saved for this section.

Onward:

a.

Slow Down!

One of the main reasons for missed layups at the youth basketball level is players are going way too fast.

If you were to spend just 2 minutes sitting on the sidelines of an U10’s game, and I guarantee you’ll see a 100mph fast break that results in the shooter slamming the ball off the backboard.

Encourage players to slow down, use a long first step to gain control of their body, and then jump high off the second step to finish.

Control is key.

b.

Create Space to Finish

Once a player gets past their defender off the dribble, teach them to step in front of the defender to “lock them behind”.

This creates space in front to finish with a floater or to draw the defense before dropping the basketball off to a teammate.

c.

Swish or Backboard?

Coaches will often get players asking whether they should aim to swish the ball or use the backboard on their layups…

This is an impossible question to answer as every situation is different.

The best advice you can give players is to practice finishing with a swish and off the backboard from all angles and at all speeds.

The more finishes a player is comfortable with, the more options they’ll have when confronted by a defender during games.

d.

Keep the Ball Tight

This is something I spoke about in the “protect the ball” section above…

When going through the two-step motion of a layup, keep a strong grip on the ball and hold it close to your body.

Smart defenders will attempt to strip the basketball before you go up into the shooting motion of the layup.

e.

Don’t Be Scared of Contact

Getting fouled on a layup will give you a chance at a three-point play (or free throws) and will push your opponent one step close to foul trouble.

But many young players are scared of contact.

To avoid contact or getting blocked, they angle away from the defense giving themselves a much more difficult shot attempt.

Encourage players to embrace contact and attack the defender!

f.

Practice Against Real Defenders

Learning layup technique is important, but all the individual layup practice in the world isn’t going to make you an elite finisher at the rim.

You must practice scoring against live defenders.

Once you’re comfortable with technique, it’s time to add defense take your finishing skills to the next level.

  • 1-on-1
  • 2-on-2
  • 2-on-1
  • etc

These will all help build the skills you need.

Conclusion

Learning how to do a layup is crucial for all young players.

Because they lack strength to make outside shots consistently, 90% of points scored in youth basketball are from layups.

Start by using the four progressions outlined in this article to teach them the basics, and then progress to teaching them the seven layup variations and also adding defenders.

If you do this well, your team should have no trouble attacking the hoop and scoring against any defense.

Shooting exercises

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Basketball is a great team game, the team consists of players whose skill is achieved with great effort. The only person who can understand that you are working hard is yourself. Remember, you only get out of the game what you put into it. Give yourself to her without a trace.

Jump shot

In basketball, an outstanding sniper is a piece item. If you want to be a great sniper, all you need to do is just want to be one.

First, you must improve your skills.

This includes having a good coach and years of training. Secondly, you must improve in game mode.

This means that you must perform throwing drills at the same intensity as in the game. It's far better to hit 100 shots in play than 500 sloppy shots that a good defender would never let you make in a game. Finally, you must understand that working on a roll is like investing in a bank. If you don't deposit anything into your account, you won't receive dividends when you need them.

The sniper must have "throw school". When throwing after a dribble, one of the main features is the last hit of the ball on the court, which must be fast and strong so that it bounces higher, right into your hands - this will help you not waste time handling the ball.

Individual Shooting Exercises

Exercise 1 Attention Concentration

  1. Start from a distance close to the ring.
  2. Throw with one hand. Follow correct technique.
  3. Make five from each position. Take a step back and repeat (Fig. 1).

Exercise 2 7 throwing positions and rebound (4 meters)

  1. Jump shot from position 1.
  2. Pick up the ball, dribble quickly to position 7, shoot.
  3. Pick-up, fast with guiding back to position 1.
  4. Make 10 rolls.
  5. Repeat the same steps using positions 6 and 2, 5 and 3, 4 (Fig. 2).

Exercise 3 7 shooting positions and a rebound (from behind the three-point line)

1. Repeat the same steps as in exercise 2 (fig. 3).

Exercise 4 Throw after stop

  1. Start from position 1, toss the ball to position
  2. Pick it up, while you have to run around the ball so that you are facing the ring.
  3. Make 10 rolls, then advance to the next position.

Ex.5 Shooting from five positions after a fake move (from four meters or from behind the three-point line)

  1. Start from any position.
  2. On bent knees and with your head up, you do a throw feint, hit the ball one or two with your right hand, stop and jump.
  3. Return to position, throw feint, one or two hits with the ball with the left hand, stop, throw.
  4. At each position, 5 attempts (Fig. 5).

Exercise 6 Jump shots after dribbling

  1. Start the exercise from the center of the field, move towards the hoop with dribbling at game speed, after stopping quickly shoot.
  2. The shot must be taken from a middle distance or from behind a three-point arc. Perform the exercise, both on the right and on the left and in the middle of the site.
  3. Use different types of dribbles: fast dribbles, broken tempos, pivots, etc.
  4. Make 5 attempts in each direction (Fig. 6).

Exercise 7 Playing with a virtual opponent

  1. Perform a free throw. If you have implemented it, you get one point. If not, then your "opponent" is three.
  2. You make subsequent throws from any position except the three-second zone, imitating the rhythm of the game. Work on different moves and throws. Each of your successful attempts is estimated at the bottom of the point, unsuccessful at two for the "opponent". The game goes to 11 points.
  3. This is a very good exercise to consolidate what you have learned. Try! Improve! (Fig. 7).

Double shots

Dr. 8 2 players, shot and rebound (4 meters or from behind the three-point line)

  1. The drill starts with a good, clear pass. The player who made the pass from under the basket goes to the place of the thrower.
  2. The player in position 1 catches the ball and shoots.
  3. After the shot, the player runs to the rebound and then passes the ball 1 position and so on.
  4. Each player must make five throws. The exercise is performed at a fast pace, but the throws should not be sloppy.
  5. Then move to another position and everything is the same (Fig. 8).

Exercise 9 Two players, throw and rebound (per result)

  1. The exercise is performed as described above.
  2. The player who made the pass tries to interfere with the shot, but does not block.
  3. Game up to 5 hits.
  4. Then we move to another position, and so on. (Fig. 9).

Exercise 10 Two players, throw and rebound, throw feint

  1. The exercise is performed in the same way as the previous one.
  2. The defender who made the pass tries to interfere with the player in position 1, but does not block the shot.
  3. The attacker makes a throw feint and beats the defender.
  4. Performs a short dribble, stops and throws.
  5. Do 5 times each and change position (Fig. 10).

Ex. 11 2 players, shot after a stoppage (from four meters or from behind the three-point line)

  1. The attacker is in position 1, ready to receive the pass.
  2. The player under the basket passes.
  3. After the throw, the attacker waits for the rebound to be made.
  4. The player receives a pass by making a stop, but already in position 2. Then back.
  5. Make 7 throws, two free throws and switch (fig. 11).

Ex. 12 Shooting with movement (from four meters or from behind a three-point arc)

  1. The attacker moves around the perimeter at game speed.
  2. A player passes to the hand farthest from the ring.
  3. The attacker must stop, catch the ball and throw.
  4. Make seven throws, two free throws and change (fig. 12).

Note: The previous exercise has three options.

A) Receive the ball and throw it.

B) After receiving, throwing feint, dribbling in the same direction, throwing.

B) Receives a pass, throw feint, dribbling to the ring in the other direction, stop, throw.

Ex.13 Various dribbling options and a jump shot

  1. The attacker starts from the center of the field and, dribbling at game speed, moves towards the ring, stops and takes a jump shot.
  2. The player under the basket picks up the ball, the attacker runs to the center of the field, and receives the ball on the opposite flank. Moves with dribbling to the ring, stop, jump shot.
  3. On the right side, dribble with the right hand, on the left - with the left (Fig. 13)

Note: Use speed dribbling, change of pace, transitions, pivots.

Three players, two balls

Exercise 14 Warm-up exercise

  1. One player throws, another passes, a third rebounds.
  2. Thrower becomes rebounder after seven tries.
  3. Passer - thrower. Picking up - passing (Fig. 14).

Note: different options are possible

1) From seven positions (four meters)

2) From seven positions (from behind the three-point arc)

3) From five points with feints to shoot

4) Throw after stoppage

5) Throw and rebound (constant rotation around the circle)

Double shots: using screens

To use the screen effectively, you must read the defender correctly. You must always see the player with the ball and how the defender defends against you. A player who moves well off the ball and knows how to use screens correctly is very useful offensively. When you watch a match that has good players, notice how well they move off the ball. The hardest thing to defend against is a well-moving attacker.

Exercise 15 Back screen and snatch

  1. The player imitates opening and screening behind his back, makes a dash to the corner of the court.
  2. Throw to the nearest hand.
  3. Attacker catches the ball and shoots.
  4. The attacker picks up his shot, passes to a partner and returns to his original position.
  5. Make seven attempts and change (Fig. 15)

Note: do not back away when dashing, turn around and run, but do not lose sight of the ball.

Exercise 16 Screening behind the back, "false" screening

  1. 1. Attacker starts on the base of the trapezoid and moves up to imitate the screening.
  2. 2. After the imaginary breakout runs, the screening attacker rises to the ball and prepares to receive the pass.
  3. 3. Having caught the pass, he immediately makes a throw.
  4. 4. Make seven attempts and change (Fig. 16).

0003

  1. An attacker imitates a defender aiming for a screen and rises sharply towards the ball.
  2. The player must be ready to receive the ball.
  3. The attacker catches the ball and makes a quick throw.
  4. Make seven attempts and change (Fig. 17)

Exercise 18 Screening the ball carrier, moving away from the ring

  1. The attacker screens the ball carrier.
  2. The ball carrier passes through the screen aggressively.
  3. Instead of pulling back to the basket (deuce), the screening attacker moves away from the basket and prepares to receive the pass.
  4. Having caught the ball, he immediately makes a throw.
  5. Make seven attempts, then change.

Exercise 19 Barrier at the base of the trapezoid - opening to the flank

  1. The attacker takes the player under the ring, breaks shoulder to shoulder through the barrier and makes a dash to the flank.
  2. When catching the ball, the player must turn to the ring.
  3. Use different throw options: just throw, and dribbling to the right or left after a throw feint. Change after five attempts (Fig. 19).

Exercise 20 Screening at the base of the trapezoid - opening into the corner of the court

  1. The attacker takes the player into the three-second zone, pretends that he will break through to the flank through the screen, the defender starts running around the screener through the three-second zone.
  2. The attacker makes a dash to the corner of the court, and the defender hits the screen.
  3. Further, the same as in the previous exercise (Fig. 20).

Ex. 21 Screen at the base of the trapezoid - dash inward

  1. The defender is chasing you, not falling behind until the very screen.
  2. Then you run through the screen as close to the screener as possible and break into the three-second zone or foul line area.
  3. Receive the ball by turning towards the hoop and throw it.
  4. Also work out various options for continuing after receiving the ball. After five attempts, change (Fig. 21).

Throws in pairs: pass and discount

Exercise 22 Pass and discount - starting from the center of the field flank.

  • The receiving player is opened for transmission.
  • Player receives a pass and shoots.
  • The player who made the pass picks up the ball and gives it to the thrower.
  • Players switch roles.
  • Everyone makes ten throws (Fig. 22).

    • Exercise 23 Pass and discount - start from the flank

    Variation of exercise 22 (Fig. 23)

    Exercise 24 Pass and discount - start from the corner of the site one more

    exercise 2

    more variation 3 .24).

    Basketball throwing technique

    Basketball throwing technique

    Exercises for individual training

    The actions of the players on the field are aimed at getting the opportunity to perform a throw around the ring, therefore this element is one of the most important in the preparation of athletes. The coach should know well what shortcomings should be corrected, what to pay special attention to, how to dose the loads. As a result of control throws carried out with the player, a suitable method for throwing the ball around the ring is determined for the athlete.

    Not only physical abilities are taken into account, but even the character of a person. And then - work on the technique, the athlete literally needs to bring the throw to the ideal and “memorize” it to such an extent that on the field without hesitation to throw the projectile around the ring correctly.

    Technique

    Throws have differences, for example, in one, both hands are involved, in the other, one hand. The method of execution can be very different: there is a jump throw, on the spot, throwing a projectile on the move, using a fake move, and also at a distance from the ring.

    By the way! Throw at a distance from the ring, or a three-pointer has three options: close to 3 meters from the target, medium from 3 to 5 meters and far, performed behind the line (6.25m).

    Ring throw training also differs in how many people participate in them: the athlete is alone, or in the company of teammates (training in pairs, triples, etc.), or maybe a dummy or a bench serves as a kind of opponent.

    But there is a need for live opponents precisely because the players can be in the psychological state that is present on the field in a real confrontation.

    It would be correct to start training with throws at short distances. Ideal would be 1.5-2 meters. Moreover, the throws should be clear, you need to make sure that the ball does not touch the ring itself, but passes exactly in the middle.

    In addition to playing equipment, a chair may be useful, on which a beginner will climb in order to control the accuracy of throws. Gradually, the coach should increase the distance to the ring and put the basketball player in positions familiar to the technician.

    In order for the throw to be the most accurate, it is necessary to bring the execution of the technique to automaticity without any errors and be confident in yourself and your movements. Also, practicing a confident confrontation with the players of the other team will be in your favor.

    Important! Setting up a correct throw should be dealt with first of all with beginners, as correcting mistakes is more difficult for both the coach and the athlete. Therefore, it is best to immediately teach how to perform the throw correctly. Watching videos or programs with throws around the ring from NBA players, Russian and Latvian basketball players greatly helps in this. It is also useful to consolidate what you see in practice.

    The influence of idols on beginners

    And if the player has the opportunity to see the competition live, he will be able to feel and understand the atmosphere in which he will be.

    It will be great to see a throw from a famous athlete, or from a coach who himself is able to demonstrate the correct setting of the hands, or the position of body parts, body. But the main advantage of the coach is how well he can notice errors in the throwing technique and how quickly and efficiently he will help to correct the shortcomings.

    Often people get interested in basketball even at the stage of watching programs. Then, if a person decides to devote himself to sports, he begins to imitate his idol. This, in turn, will help the coach in preparation, as the beginner will also copy the techniques for performing certain throws. The advantage is that the player will be able to acquire an accurate shot faster.

    In general, there are 7 types of shots in basketball, but we will talk about the main and most used by both beginners and experienced snipers.

    Jump shot

    Basically, all attacks on the opponent's basket are made using the jump shot technique. This method is not bad when hitting the ring from a certain distance.

    This attack can be performed in three stages.

    First stage: the player receives the ball. Be sure to capture the ball in motion, as otherwise a violation is counted.

    Second stage: the athlete stops, stepping forward with the left foot and following with the right foot. With the main hand, the ball is carried over the head, and the auxiliary holds it to the side. When jumping, the push is made by two legs at the same time.

    Basketball element technique: is somewhat similar to a free throw. First, the auxiliary hand is removed, and the ball is reversed with the fingers of the main (strong hand).

    Third stage: the athlete moves forward with his body and lands on his feet about 20-30 cm further than the point from which he took off. This is necessary so that when landing, you do not collide with an opponent who has approached to protect his ring.

    Tip! How accurate the throw will be depends on the ability of the athlete to maintain balance in the jump and on how exactly the torso and head are located. Therefore, the player needs to direct his entire body upwards after kicking. Head held straight, look at ring before landing.

    Pay attention to the fact that the jump shot is performed with a kind of "freeze", this is done by professional snipers, but of course there is no hang. The player simply stands at their highest point of the jump and then shoots. This is necessary in order not to give extra momentum to the ball.

    Double shots

    Any good basketball shooter is a valuable asset. In order to become a good sniper, you need a great desire, as well as constant self-improvement: a professional coach, as well as many years of training, including at a game pace.

    The intensity of the throws must be comparable to the game. It turns out that 1,000 sluggish, relaxed throws will be less effective than 100 made at a game pace, because. the first in a real match will simply not be allowed to be carried out by the defender of the other team.

    So one of the effective ways to work out the technique of throws are throws in pairs.

    Here are some drills to work on these throws:

    Drill 1. Throw and rebound

    It is performed at a distance of 4 meters from the ring. To start, one of the players makes a clear pass from under the basket, and then moves towards the player who has caught the ball. He, in turn, makes a throw on the basket and moves to the ring. That is, the pair simply replace each other at the game pace, but the throws must be clear.

    Drill 2. Shot and rebound resulting in

    Performed as above, except that the passer under the basket must not only move beyond the three-point line, but must also try to prevent the other player from taking the shot, as the defender would. . The passer, in order to become the thrower, must miss 5 throws around the ring in an honest confrontation, then the players change places.

    Exercise 3. Fraudulent throw

    Here, a feint is added to the second exercise. That is, while the player who made the transfer of the ball is trying to prevent the attacker from making a pass, he tricks the defender into distracting himself and then makes a throw.

    The exercise is repeated five times, and then the pair of players change positions.

    Exercise 4 . Move followed by shot

    Defender passes while attacker moves at playing pace on the court, then the latter stops, catches the ball and shoots. This is repeated 7 times, then 2 free throws are made and the players switch places.

    However, this exercise can be done in three different ways, or you can include three in your workouts at once:

    • attacker catches the ball and immediately throws it;
    • an attacker performs a fake throw, dribbles the ball without changing direction and throws;
    • everything is the same as in the previous one, but the direction changes after the feint.

    Exercise 5.

    This is not an exercise in the usual sense, because it uses all kinds of dribbling techniques and a jump shot. That is, the attacker first runs to the opposite edge of the field, receives the ball. The choice of the leading hand depends on the side on which the athlete is dribbling. So, the right hand leads on the right, and the left hand leads on the left.

    The variety lies in the fact that you can change the pace, make translations and generally try to feel the part of the game process, consisting of the opposition of the attacker and the defender. Using the learned techniques, the player will be able to understand what tactics to choose in a given situation.

    Double shots: pass and discount

    There are two players per team, but there may be one defender, or there may be no defenders at all.

    Through the center of the field, the attacker moves to the ring so that the second defender pays attention to him, and then passes the ball to another attacker from the flank.

    The passer catches the ball and throws it into the basket. The passer then picks it up and hands it to the thrower. So they switch roles. In training, 10 throws are usually performed for each.

    To diversify the workout, you can add exercises starting from the flank and corner of the court.

    Shooting training for centers and power forwards

    If you make a list of the most used shots by centers and power forwards, you get the following:

    • hook shot - the player throws the ball into the ring while turned sideways to it. The throw is made by spinning the hand that is farthest from the basket. This is a great way to shoot the ball at short (close) distances, and the hand located between the attacker and the defender becomes an obstacle for trying to interfere with the throw;
    • jump hook (translated as a hook during a jump) - the attacker is half-turned to the ring, the throw is made with the hand farthest from the ring. The half-hook is good because you can use it after stepping or turning;
    • pacing and then throwing - various options, the player can use the pacing after catching the ball bouncing off the backboard or basket, or simply while dribbling. It is used both in the position of the back to the ring, and the face. It is especially useful to perform various throws after pacing during training, this helps to develop the vestibular apparatus and improve coordination;
    • medium throws (3-6. 5 meters from the backboard) or short distance with both hands from the top of the head, while the arms are first bent at the elbow, the hands are approximately opposite the forehead, and then straighten in the throw. This is a classic that Tim Duncan loves to use in the game. Having received the ball, he makes a deceptive movement, the body and leg are involved, the player seems to go into the pass, and then throws the ball into the ring.

    Here are some examples of favorite offensive techniques for centers and power forwards.

    Same Tim Duncan (NBA player) uses one-handed turnaround throw . That is, while in the penalty area or the post area, he makes a turn with his back to the basket, bounces slightly, and then performs a throw with one hand. If the throw is performed with the left hand, then the turn goes to the right side and vice versa.

    Step back (Carmelo Anthony, NBA) is performed from the middle of the post. The player receives the ball, turns around to face a defender, so the attacker steps forward, hits the ball on the floor, catches it, and then pulls back to shoot at the basket, thereby deceiving the defender.

    Marc Gasol (NBA) quick turn over the back - the player goes further from the basket, slightly to the right or left of it, and at the moment when the defender starts to patronize him, catching the ball, the attacker quickly makes a turn through the back, hits and comes to the basket. Then the throw is made.

    To sum up all of the above, for excellent center and power forwards, the most important thing is to shoot from the penalty area and around the perimeter. Therefore, more time is devoted to training these techniques. In general, the number of throws per workout is individual, since the main thing is not to perform until you get tired, but to work out the movements correctly.

    Shooting training for small forwards, attacking guards in point guards

    There will be less recommendations here, as programs for practicing shooting are quite enough and they can suit most players in these positions.

    But a few tips are still worth considering:

    It is better to start practicing throws not in motion, as in the previous positions, but on the contrary - in a static position. You can stand at the side of the penalty area and perform five to ten shots with a hit on the basket.

    Then you just need to move around the edge of the penalty area and shoot from different positions. When this zone is mastered, you can stand between the penalty and three-point lines and repeat everything from new positions.

    It is also worth going through all the positions indicated in the figure below and learning how to throw from them.

    If it's hard, you can reduce the number of hits on the ring.

    In general, you can throw three-pointers from anywhere, but what is indicated in the picture is the minimum that is worth working out. Then work on dribbling, jump shots, and stopping.

    Such a training technique is needed in order to work out both throws at the moment when no one bothers to throw the ball, and those performed at a game pace.

    Basketball Shot Training Summary

    If you are hoping to find a ready-made training program on the Internet, you need to understand that it will not work without adaptation to your personal qualities - physical fitness, flexibility, punching power, leading hand, psychological characteristics, game position and style.

    Learn more
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