Basketball Shooting - Up and Under
What is an up and under
Whatever the name by which it is called, the up and under basketball shooting move consists of not two but three phases: The 'up' phase, the 'hang' phase, and the 'under' phase. Basically, you leap and fake a lay-up in the air by holding the ball up, get by your defender in the air, and do an actual lay-up in a second timing before you land.
What does it take to do an decent up and under
First, it takes a decent long jump to perform this advanced basketball shooting technique. If you do not travel far in your jump, you will not be able to get by your defender in the air. The up&under basketball shooting move also requires ample amount of hangtime. After all, you need to do at least three movements while you are in the air. Further, you will need extra strong arms to twirl the ball back home in your 'under' phase because most likely, you will be on your way down when doing so.
When do I use an up and under
In times when your defender is slower but bigger than you, he usually gives you more space in front because he is wary of your drive towards the basketball hoop. In this case, you can do well with many different basketball shooting skills: a jump shot and a runner will work. Yet, if it is not your basketball shooting day, elevate in front of him and fake a runner ('up' phase). When he jumps to contest your shot, draw the ball back down ('hang' phase). While still in the air, bring the basketball under his arm and lay it into the basketball hoop ('under phase.)
Alternately, some defenders with a blocking instinct let you drive by and attempt a block from behind. This is also a good time to use the up and under because he will definitely jump on you when you are in your 'up' phase.
Pros-n-cons about doing an up and under
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General step-by-step guide to doing an up and under
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Dribble past your defender with dribbling skills and moves.
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Drive towards the basketball hoop with speed
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Take a step and a half or do a powerhop towards the basketball hoop
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leap towards the rim when you are in the paint
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Hold up the basketball in the air and fake a runner ('up' phase)
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Draws it back down and squeeze by defenders in the air ('hang' phase)
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Take any impact from your opponent and recover
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extend your arm with the basketball pass your opponent and lay the ball in under his arm
The up and under basketball shooting move is a tough one to master. Nevertheless, once you master it, you are almost unstoppable because it is hard to guard someone faking both on the ground and in the air. you can further improve it by jumping up on one side of the rim, travel in the air behind the backboard, and extend your arm back out on the other side of the rim for a lay-in. This is the basketball shooting combination move of an up and under and a reverse lay-up. Adding creativity to your basketball game makes you a better basketball player.
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