Mastering the Up & Under: Elite Footwork & Finishing
The Up & Under is a timeless counter-move used by elite scorers to exploit aggressive defenders who overplay or jump to block shots. This drill is essential for guards, wings, and post players alike, focusing on the critical skill categories of footwork, patience, and finishing in traffic. By mastering this sequence, you will learn to use a defender's momentum against them, turning a difficult contested shot into a high-percentage layup.
How to Perform This Drill
- Setup: Start on the right wing. Spin the ball forward with backspin (autopass) to simulate receiving a pass from a teammate.
- Square Up: Chase the ball down, catch it on a jump stop or stride stop, and execute a sharp front pivot to face the basket. You must be in a low, athletic triple-threat stance.
- The "Up": Execute a violent shot fake. Bring the ball above your eyebrows and lock your eyes on the rim. The goal is to lift the defender out of their stance.
- The "Under": While keeping your pivot foot firmly planted, step through aggressively with your non-pivot foot. Rip the ball low—below your knees—to protect it from swiping hands.
- Finish: Explode toward the basket. Depending on the distance, take one hard dribble or go straight into your layup, simulating finishing through contact.
Why This Drill Works
In game situations, defenders are coached to contest shots aggressively. This drill conditions you to remain calm and composed while the defense is chaotic. By drilling the specific mechanics of the pivot and the step-through, you build the muscle memory required to avoid traveling violations—a common mistake with this move. It teaches you to manipulate the defense with your eyes and body language, creating open lanes where none existed a second before.
Pro Tips
- Sell with your eyes: A shot fake is useless if you don't look at the rim. Your eyes are what convince the defender you are about to shoot.
- Rip low and hard: When you step through for the "under" portion, move the ball in a sweeping "U" shape below your knees. If you bring the ball across your chest, a smart defender will strip it.
- Anchor your pivot: The most common error is lifting or sliding the pivot foot before releasing the ball to dribble. Focus on keeping that foot glued to the hardwood until the ball leaves your hand.
- Game speed reps: Do not practice this in slow motion. You need to execute the pivot and the rip at the same intensity you would in the fourth quarter to develop true basketball quickness.
