One of the fundamental shots taken for granted by many players is the lay-up shot. A lot of players find the lay-up shot to be easy but less glamorous which is why they tend to overlook it when practicing. While it is true that the lay-up does not get as much response as a slam dunk or a three-point shot, the points made are similarly important.

The lay-up shot is very easy to execute and it is shot that should not be miss especially if the team is in dire need of points. Taking time to practice lay-up shots during practice sessions ensures that you do not miss it during crucial moments.

Although the shot may look quite easy, it is a shot that cannot be easily done during play unless you have taken the time to practice it. Lay-up shots are especially useful during fast breaks wherein you can get easy points.

If you hardly practice the lay-up shot, it is likely that you will miss your shot during an actual game where you are dashing towards the hoop during fast breaks to execute a lay-up.

Practicing this shot at game speed will help your muscles memorize the movement and it will become very natural for you to execute it even on intense game play.

When doing practice on lay-up shots, try to make sure to practice both hands doing the drill to help them shoot equally well which can be beneficial during the actual game play.

Practicing different types of lay-ups is also a good practice as this will help in making you difficult to defend against.

Another technique you should also practice is making the head fake before the lay-up. This way, you are likely to get some fouls from defenders that are exceedingly aggressive.

If you are however being pressured to shoot, use the opposite hand to throw off the defender. This is where having a variety of lay-ups that you execute during practice come into action. Just always keep in mind to practice like you play.