How to Free Throw
Free throws are unopposed shots made by a basketball player from a specified area on the court known as the foul line or charity stripe. These attempts at the basket are usually given after an opposing team commits a foul.
Free throws are crucial especially during the final minutes of a close game since they greatly determine the outcome of the contest. While most players will hesitate to foul a good free throw shooter such as NBA superstar Steve Nash during end games, most coaches will direct their players to foul notoriously bad freebie shooters such as Shaquille O’Neal or Dwight Howard just to stop the clock and put pressure on their opponents.
Every cager needs to master this skill whether you are the starting point guard, back-up center or designated perimeter defender. Here are some tips on how you can improve your free throw shooting:
Develop your own ritual.
free throwsGetting your rhythm is vital especially if you’re always fouled while going to the basket. You should therefore develop a ritual to get just the right confidence for you to hit the shot. For instance, former Utah Jazz sniper Jeff Hornacek’s free throw ritual included taking a couple of dribbles, rubbing and touching his sideburns. He developed this ritual to get his rhythm flowing and as later discovered, to say hi to his kids.
You can develop your own ritual. Every time you step on the line, go to the same position every time. Run your fingers through the ball and bounce it the same number of times. Take your time and bend your knees every time to gain confidence.
Get into the zone.
Don’t let a missed free throw ruin your confidence. Go out there and focus on your next shot You must step on the charity stripe knowing that you will be making your shot. Focus on the basket only and avoid looking at the crowd or the flight of the ball.
Keep your back straight and then lean forward. Use your knees to bend a little. Release the leather from your fingertips to create a good backspin or rotation of the ball. Once you have released the ball, maintain your vision of the goal and let your shooting hand imitate the follow-through position until the ball swishes the net.
Practice makes perfect.
Nothing substitutes for hard work, especially during practice. Come to practice half an hour early to practice your freebies. Take advantage of the summer season or off-season to shoot as many free throws as you can. Shoot free throws while you’re well-rested but practice also when you are fatigued and winded. Most important free throws are taken at end games where players have more or less played thirty plus minutes so go out there and simulate real game situations by practicing while your muscles are tired from playing for a long time.
Be positive and aggressive in stepping to the foul line and make your opponent pay for fouling you. Always think positive!