Shooting from a distance is certainly an admirable and valuable skill in basketball, especially those fantastic three pointers. And the slam dunk is like the Cadillac of the game. But the lay-up is just as much if not more important because of its versatility. Being able to lay-up shot after shot opens up basketball goals from a wide range of different situations.
Indeed, a player with a mean lay-up seems unstoppable. Here are some tips to get you going.
1. Dive Forward
Never pause to think or set up for a lay-up-you should always be pushing forward. If you have to slow down to make sure you hit the right spot on the backboard, it is only because you haven't practiced enough. Practice until it is intuitive and make sure when you play you are always running into your lay-ups.
2. Spring from Your Dominant Leg
As you move into a jump, you want to leap from one leg-whichever is strongest-rather than square up and try to get the power of both. This also helps to keep in motion. As you put your leading leg forward, bend the kneed and use the leg to propel yourself into the jump.
3. Use Your Arms for Momentum
As you launch off your leg, give your arms and upward swing to get them up as far towards the basket as possible without loosening your control of the ball (it should be in two solid hands). The ball will stay in both hands until you reach the peak of your jump and then you can transfer all control into the hand that will be performing the lay-up movement.
Do not release it prematurely.
4. Positioning is Key
Always avoid laying up while facing the basket directly on-it is too difficult to establish the correct depth perception when you do this. Instead, approach the basket from either side. Your focus should be on the basket the entire time, all the way through your jump, rather than on other players, and this will help you get the smooth, confident momentum you need.
5. Practice Without Opposition
Watch a player with strong lay-ups and you will see that they lay the ball up into the basket as if no one is even there, even when they are crowded in. This type of smooth shot takes lots of practice, so that every move in the lay-up is intuitive and doesn't have to be thought through. Then you just look for your opening and go for it.
Spend lots of time practicing with no one else around so when it comes time for group practice or games, you have the movements down pat. Proper lay-up technique is a crucial skill, and any skill in basketball takes hours of repetition.
If you want to be a great player, you need to practice while your competition sleeps. Check out inground basketball goals at http://www.proformancehoops.com and bring a professional hoop home with you!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Druman
No comments:
Post a Comment