Layups

"Layups and free throws win basketball games." Yet, we acknowledge the inconsistency of young players at both.

Functional Basketball explores why players struggle. I don't believe in conventional "layup lines" during warmups because they don't simulate game action (in my opinion). How often do you get an uncontested pass and uncontested layup? And even then, how often do you see players 'busting it' making full speed layups in the drill?

We do practice "Hinkle layups" with players going into different lines to attack from different angles and require players to practice reverse layups, leaving their comfort zone. I have not used bump pads because I have concerns about injury.

I call this 1 x 2 attack drill "5 seconds to glory". The offense trails by two points with five seconds on the imaginary clock. Offense catches the ball and X2 runs at the 1 told to take away the '3' without fouling. Offense can choose whether to take a '3' or attack off the catch, evading X2 and challenging X3 on the dribble for a pullup or drive. The coach limits the offense to two dribbles.

One challenge is teaching younger players to shoot 'underhand' layups, to "hand" the ball into the basket. During games, so often we see players at top speed unable to translate horizontal speed into a vertical skill (laying the ball up softly). Another challenge for many girls is "bailing out" to avoid contact. "Basketball isn't a contact sport; it's a collision sport." It's a work in progress.

UCONN closeout one-on-one drill. Coach or manager passes to attacker who goes one-on-one against defender. Defense stays until gets a stop. 

I believe the key for any drill is for players to leave their comfort zone and give maximum effort to simulate game action. It's about translating basketball skills to life skills.