Shooting a lay-up is one of the most fundamental actions in the game of basketball. A lay-up is used by players not yet tall enough to dunk the ball when open on a fast break as well as players who find themselves close to the basket with no one in their path. Learning how to shoot a basketball lay-up can make you a better and more well-rounded player.
Approach
The first key part of shooting a lay-up is your approach to the basket. Since a lay-up is different from a regular shot in that you are laying the ball up on the backboard to help it go in instead of using your arms to throw the ball at the basket, your body's momentum is key to shooting an effective lay-up. Depending on your height and speed, you should start your run toward the basket, anywhere between 5 to 10 feet from the low block on the lane. As you approach, you must also gather the ball. Gathering the ball simply means transitioning it from your dribble to holding it with both hands as you jump. Practice running while dribbling and then gathering the ball as you take the appropriate number of steps without traveling. Once you have gathered the ball as you are running with it, you may take two steps without traveling.
Jump
The jump is an essential part to the basketball lay-up because it places you in the perfect position to be able to lay the ball off the glass. Shooting a lay-up on the right side of the basket, you should run while dribbling, gather the ball and take two steps so that your final step is your left foot. Use your left foot to step and then jump toward the basket, getting as high up in the air as possible. It is essential to keep your body straight and upright to maintain balance and jump off the proper foot to give your body the right angle to the basket. A lay-up on the right side should be done off the left foot, while a lay-up on the left side should be done off the right foot.
Laying Up
The final key element to a proper lay-up is actually laying the ball off the glass and letting it fall into the hoop. Because of the angle at which you will be shooting the ball, it is much more effective to use the backboard than trying to put the ball directly in the basket. Use the same hand to lay the ball up as the side of the basket you are on. Using the momentum from your approach and jump, use your hand to push the ball slightly toward the corner of the white outlined square above the rim. The ball will carom off the glass and toward the hoop. Practice the proper angle and placement of the ball to ensure that it bounces at the right angle to go in the basket.
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