This answer has several problems.
First of all, there is no release point for layups. Just hold down the shot stick.
Finishing around the basket is a skill that must be learned through repetition so you learn how to recognize spacing and know which move to select.
Only attempt a drive with players who are skilled at finishing around the basket. Guys like Rondo, Westbrook, Wall, Wade, etc. all have layup ratings of 90-99.
Never run straight at the defender and attempt a dunk/layup because 9 times out of 10 it will initiate a contact layup animation, and you'll miss/go cold.
Here's what you do. If there is a bit of space, once you hit the elbow area, press L2 + shot stick towards the basket for a Euro-step layup. Very high percentage move.
Or, even better, do a hop step, and then an up and under. That's triangle, then L2+shotstick away from basket, shotstick towards basket. Another money move.
And if all else fails and you end up in the paint with a defender right on you, pump fake a few times and draw the foul.
Master these 2 moves and you'll be able to score on fastbreaks at will. Getting around 1 defender is no problem and if you get good at these moves you can get around 2 defenders. And guys online will start quitting on you. These moves are high percentage because you can initiate their animations farther away from the basket, and once the animation starts, you'll usually Eurostep/hop right around the defender while avoiding contact, and end up directly underneath the basket for an open layup. Even if you get bumped and miss the shot, you'll almost always draw a foul. Test it out on Hall of Fame difficulty vs. the AI. You can literally take Kobe/melo/wade and do the Eurostep ALL GAME and probably end up shooting 30 freethrows.
What mode is this for? I've mostly played only single player mode in the 3/4 slot so its the only one I can relate to, and I've mostly had luck with man to man defence while occasionally calling for a double team when they pass the ball inside to their big man.
Occasionally, I rotate in for a block attempt when its obvious the ball handler has their man beat, but more often than not you'll get burned when you leave your guy open if they are a sharpshooter.
Best Answer
The 3 indicates that the player has a three point shot
The strength bar that i think you are refering to is the players turbo and his fatigue level
The other icons that you can't recognise may be due to the wii poor graphics capabilites and not the icons itself but i could be wrong (never played it on the wii only on PS3)
hope this helps.