Training methods and motor educability predict lay-up performance in basketball competitive players

Introduction: Lay-up shooting is a fundamental offensive skill that significantly influences scoring effectiveness in basketball; however, empirical evidence on its multifactorial determinants in Southeast Asian competitive contexts remains limited. Objective: This study aimed to examine the effects of training method (part vs. whole), motor educability, and practice density on lay-up shooting performance, as well as to compare the relative contribution of each predictor among competitive players. Methodology: A 2 × 2 factorial experimental design was employed involving 80 competitive basketball players (60 males, 20 females; M age = 18.5 ± 2.3 years) recruited from clubs and university teams. Motor educability was measured using the Iowa Brace Motor Educability Test, practice density was monitored through systematic time-sampling, and lay-up performance was assessed using an AAHPERD-adapted shooting test. Data were analyzed using hierarchical multiple regression and two-way ANOVA. Results: The results indicated that motor educability accounted for 42.5% of the variance in lay-up performance (R² = 0.425; p < 0.001). The inclusion of practice density increased the explained variance by 17.8% (ΔR² = 0.178; p < 0.001), while training method contributed an additional 7.5% (ΔR² = 0.075; p = 0.003), resulting in a total R² of 0.678. A significant interaction effect between training method and motor educability was observed (F(1,76) = 8.34, p = 0.005, η² = 0.099), indicating that whole figure training is more effective for athletes with higher motor educability. Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of individualized training approaches, emphasizing motor educability assessment and optimal practice density to enhance lay-up performance.