My Town Tutors is a great resource for parents & teachers.
- Youth Basketball Resources
- Coaching Books: A list of useful coach books with reviews.
- Youth Basketball by Grade
- Youth Basketball Year: Click on this link to find ideas for each month.
- Basketball Jokes: Why did the basketball player go to jail?… Because he shot the ball!
When teaching lay-ups to developing basketball players, it is important to have a planned teaching strategy, much like an academic curriculum. Students, like basketball players, vary in skills, motivation, interest, experience, and practice habits.
In order for a player to develop the proper fundamentals, a clear, outlined progression of skills need to be introduced and taught. The skills and drills should be age-appropriate and should allow for the majority of players to succeed. Remember, it should be fun!
The “Block Shots” are a basic introduction to the more advanced skill of taking a proper lay-up using correct footwork.
Before learning this new skill players should be able to complete successfully the following:
1st Grade Basketball: Aim for the Top Corner of the Square
Stationary Block Shots (with no dribble): The footwork of a lay-up is a fairly complicated skills. Players first learning the game have a difficult time learning the correct footwork. It is a skill that very few players can learn before the 3rd grade. As a result, I would recommend players focusing on aiming for the top corner of the square when taking the “block shot.”
If there is an advanced player, a coach can work with him before or after practice on the proper footwork. If a skill is beyond most players ability, I do not recommend teaching the skill. Focus on the skills the majority of players can complete successfully.
Block Shots (with dribbling): Once the majority of players have mastered the station footwork of a lay-up is a fairly complicated skills. Players first learning the game have a difficult time learning the correct footwork. It is a skill that very few players can learn before the 3rd grade. As a result, I would recommend players focusing on aiming for the top corner of the square when taking the “block shot.”