lay up basketball drills
Illinois’ Petra Holešínská goes up for a lay up during the game against Indiana at State Farm Center.

How to do Lay Up Basketball ? Complete Guide Drills

Advertisement
Continue Reading Below

The lay up basketball movement at a glance is like putting the ball right into the basket/basketball ring. But actually, it’s not only limited to that, there are complete basketball lay-up rules, techniques and methods that every player needs to know.

For that, so that you can better understand the terms and techniques of this lay up. You need to read this article to the end. Because in this review, the lay up technique will be explained completely and thoroughly.

lay up basketball drills
Illinois’ Petra Holešínská goes up for a lay up during the game against Indiana at State Farm Center.

Definition of Basketball Lay Up, Techniques, and Methods

Regarding the definition of lay-up in basketball, several experts/experts from this basketball sport give their respective opinions. Some of these expert opinions have been summarized in the following description. Among them:

1. Understanding Lay Up According to Akros Abidin

The author of sportsbooks as well as a basketball expert has an opinion about the lay up in one of his books entitled “Bola Basket Kembar”. Where in his book, he argues that what is meant by lay-up is a technique of inserting a basketball into the ring, which is done at close range, with a basketball hoop.

In a sense, the technique of entering the ball into the hoop is done at close range, with the body position almost touching the basketball hoop. Where this lay-up technique will usually begin with a jump.

Where to make a high jump, players are advised to dribble with 3-4 steps. Before finally deciding to leap in doing this lay up technique.

2. According to Dedy Sumiyarsono

Deddy Sumiyarsono is one of the writers specializing in basketball who has published many books about this sport that is very popular with Americans. One of them is a book entitled “Teknik Bermain Bola Basket”.

Where in the book, Deddy Sumiyarsono not only explains the basic techniques of basketball. But also about complete basketball lay-ups, techniques, and ways to do it.

Furthermore, he also has his own opinion regarding this lay-up technique. Where the lay-up technique is defined as a shooting motion (shooting) the ball into the ring, with the body position close to the basketball hoop, which begins with a jumping motion.

3. Nuril Ahmadi

Not much different from other basketball experts, Nuril Ahmadi also gave more or less the same opinion regarding the meaning of this lay-up technique. His opinion is expressed in a book about basketball entitled “Permainan Bola Basket”.

Where in the book, he defines the lay up technique as a shot (shooting) the ball into the ring, which is done at close range. So close, then the ball is inserted into the ring as if placed in the ring, preceded by a movement of 2 steps.

4. Sirodjudin

Another opinion that explains the meaning of lay-up comes from a basketball expert, as well as the author of a book entitled “Pendidikan Jasmani dan Olahraga”, which is a book related to sports education materials in schools.

In his book, Sirodjudin argues, that what is meant by a complete basketball lay-up, this technique is a shooting movement of the ball which is done while flying. In other words, this lay up technique is a way to shoot the ball into the basketball hoop, which is done with a body position that seems to float. However, with the position of the arm that shot the ball, it was close to the basketball hoop.

From some of the opinions of the experts above, it can be concluded that what is meant by layups is one of the basic techniques in the game of basketball. Where this technique is defined by shooting the ball into the basketball hoop, but it is done in a floating position, and the body position is close to the ring.

Not only that,  but this lay-up movement is also usually done with a wide step, as well as a jump. However, some players dribble (dribbling the ball), as well as cut and grab the ball, before finally walking towards the ring, and making a jump. Until finally put the ball into the ring.

At first glance, this lay-up technique seems to be done by simply putting the ball into the ring. This is because, the position of the player’s body and arms are very close to the basketball hoop.

The purpose of this lay-up technique is of course to create as many numbers as possible. Another goal is to break the opponent’s defense. Especially the lay up technique that is done when doing a counterattack.

For that reason, many novice players prefer this lay-up technique, compared to doing jump shots and also three points. However, it’s not just beginners.

Some professional players, especially players who are in the attacking position also prefer the lay-up of the basketball to complete this technique and method. This is because the lay-up technique is believed to be able to provide more opportunities to score more points

When Can Players Start to Do This Lay-Up Technique?

This lay-up technique can be done anywhere. However, it is recommended that players do the technique of putting the ball in this floating position, right at the right moment. When did that moment occur?

One of them is at a moment where the opponent’s center attacking player is holding the ball, which is done in the 3 point area. At the same time, you as a defender can take advantage of this opportunity by grabbing the ball. The goal, of course, is to stop the opponent’s movement, as well as take the opportunity to score points.

At that moment you can do a layup. Where you can dribble quickly. Until finally at the last step, you can jump to do lay ups in this basketball sport.

The illustration above illustrates the use of a complete basketball lay-up, techniques, and methods that can be done in open situations. Where the situation referred to here is a situation of switching from defense techniques, which move to offense techniques. As well as the lay-up technique that can be done when making movements without holding the ball, which can be done when players can escape from guard.

Meanwhile, if this lay-up is done in difficult positions and situations, where you are being guarded by opposing players closely. So this lay-up technique should be done by doing additional movements. For example with post-move, crossover, euro step, and other basketball movements.

Types of Lay Up Basketball

Before you find out about how to do this lay-up floating technique, then you need to know about the types of techniques for putting the ball into the ring with this floating body position. Some of the types of lay-up techniques include:

1. Reverse Lay Up

The first type of layup is the reverse lay up Where this type of layup is done using one leg as a pedestal. While the hand used is the hand that is opposite to the foot that is the pedestal.

For example, if you use your right hand, then the foot that is used as a pedestal is the left foot. Where you can do it with your body position on the right side of the basketball hoop, ending with a swinging motion, to get the ball into the hoop properly.

Vice versa. If you want to enter the ball from the left side of the basketball hoop. Then the hand that is used is the left hand, and the foot that is used as the pedestal is the right foot. In a way, this type of reverse lay-up is one of the most complete basketball lay-ups, the technique, and type being chosen by the most players.

2. Power Lay-Up

Another type of layup that you need to know is the lay-upwith the type of power lay-up. In contrast to the reverse lay-up type which only uses one leg as support. So in this type of power lay-up, both legs are used to support the body (the pedestal), before finally doing this lay-up.

This type of lay-up is usually done in a difficult position. Especially in positions that require balance, when players shoot the ball in the basketball hoop.

3. Putback Lay-Up

Putback layup is a combination of techniques to get the ball that fails to enter the ring, which is carried out by players of one team (offensive rebound), which is combined with the movement of putting the ball flying (lay up). Where this type of layup is done when the player gets a second chance.

4. Finger Lay Up

You could say, finger layup is one type of layup that is interesting and beautiful to look at. Why is it said so? Because the movement in this finger lay up begins with a rolling motion of the ball upwards, as you usually see in the teardrop shoot floater technique.

However, specifically for this type of finger layup, the upward movement of the ball is carried out in an area close to the ring. This type of finger layup can be done directly, without having to direct the ball to the backboard first, before the ball is finally reflected into the ring.

Techniques and the Most Appropriate Way in  Basketball Lay Up

After you know the types of layups as explained in the previous discussion. So now, you can find out about how to do this lay-up technique. Because even though it looks easy, it can’t be denied, many players find it quite difficult to do it. Especially during the match.

For that, you can listen to the following guide. Among them:

  • Do a dribbling track just when you have good control of the ball. The goal is none other than so that you can open the opponent’s defense
  • Take steps precise and fast, as you begin to approach the ring
  • Do the jump as high as possible, using the hand opposite the foot you are supporting (if you are using a 1-foot reverse lay up).
  • To make it easier for the ball to enter the ring, you can enter the ball by first bouncing the ball onto the backboard
  • Make a landing with a perfect landing, and the right position to avoid the risk of injury, as soon as the ball enters the ring

After doing this lay-up technique, then you can immediately return to a position as a defense. Because after the layup is done, there will be a process of position shifting. So you need to keep the opposing player’s position

The above method is a way to do lay-ups of various types. But especially for the type of reverse layup that uses one hand to shoot and one foot as a pedestal. Then there are some steps you need to take. Among them:

1. Reverse Lay-Up with Right Hand

If you do a reverse layup with your right hand, it means that you choose your left foot as support. For that, you can take several steps such as the following. Among them:

  • Do a dribble (dribbling) which is done in the free shooting line, which you can do as a starting movement
  • Do dribbling with the maximum speed that can be done to approach the ring area
  • Perform foot repulsion using the left foot as a support
  • You can lift your right knee, when you start jumping
  • The next step is to shoot the ball with the right hand
  • Aim the ball to the right of the ring, when you do this shooting process. This is because the right side of the ring is a strategic place to get the ball into the ring correctly. Especially if you do this reverse layup using your right hand

2. Reverse Lay-Up with Left Hand

As the name implies, this type of layup of course uses the left hand to shoot, and the right foot as a pedestal, when doing a basketball lay-up complete with techniques, and the method is as follows:

  • Just like the steps in the reverse layup with your right hand, for this type of layup with your left hand, you can also dribble, which can be done up to the area near the ring, with maximum speed.
  • It’s just that, specifically for this type of layup with your left hand, you can do a repulsion to make a jump using your right foot as a support, while your right-hand shoots the ball.
  • Lift your left knee as you jump
  • Point the ball towards the left of the ring using your left hand. Because the left area of ​​the ring is a strategic area for creating points with your left hand

Some Lay Up Moves You Can Do

To master this lay-up technique, you can do some movement exercises such as the following. Among them:

  • Do jumps as often as possible with the maximum height, which you can increase with the various jumping aids available
  • Make a motion to touch the backboard. The display-upp technique was created to make it easier for players who are small in stature to create numbers. Therefore, you can practice the lay-up technique by first doing the exercise by touching the backboard
  • Practice shooting the ball (shooting) which is done in the area near the ring. You can also do this lay up exercise with the type of finger roll layup (turning the ball up)
  • Ask a friend for help to become a defender. This is done so that you can practice your dribbling skills in the midst of tight guarding by opposing players

Determine the Success of the Lay Up Technique

In addition to performing the steps above, several points can determine the success of this lay-up technique. Among them:

1. In the Preparation Phase

Several important points can determine the success of the layup, which occurs in the preparation phase. Among them:

  • The first step is done with a wide step
  • Meanwhile, for the second step, you can do it with only short steps, so that the jump that is made later can be started with a strong repulsion
  • Position your shoulders properly, and relax a little
  • You can put the hand that is not used for shooting with the position under the ball
  • Position your elbows tightly

2. In the Implementation Phase

After doing the preparation phase, now is the time for you to enter the implementation phase. In this phase, there are several important points that you need to pay attention to, and which will determine the success of a complete basketball lay-up, the techniques and methods are:

  • Lift your knees, while doing a vertical jump
  • The hand that will be used for the shooting process should be raised, which is done in a straight line
  • Release the ball, with the highest power, are at your fingertips

3. Follow-Through Phase

In this follow-through phase, you can land in a balanced position, with bent knees. Not only that, but you also position your hands upwards, so that the risk of injury can be avoided.

In addition to the points above, there are several keys to success that can determine whether the lay-up technique you did was successful or not. Some of the keys to success include:

  • When you receive the ball, you should do it with the ball in a floating position
  • When you step, try to start with a wide step, followed by a short step so that you can make a precise repulsion, to produce a jump that is as high as possible.
  • Release the ball with a small force, and always pay attention to the direction of the bounce on the backboard

Mistakes Players Often Make When Lay-Up

In addition to many players who do layups perfectly, but not a few players who make several mistakes when doing basketball layups complete with these techniques and methods. The errors in question include:

  • The first step is too high
  • Receiving the ball is not in a floating position
  • Using maximum strength when releasing the ball, as well as
  • Fully move the legs when in a floating position

In addition to these mistakes, there are several other mistakes that players often make when trying to do this lay-up technique. Where the errors in question have been explained by Hall Wissel in his book entitled “Basketball”. Some of these errors include:

  • Taking long jumps, as opposed to taking high jumps, which is done while taking a stance
  • Spin the ball inward which is done before shooting. So that it allows the ball to be grabbed by opposing players
  • Shooting from a distance, and the ball bounces low on the backboard

 

This is a comprehensive explanation of the complete basketball lay-up, techniques, and methods. Hopefully, the above information can increase your knowledge, as well as help you train and perform lay-ups with ease.