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Free Throw Shooting Fundamentals-hoopskills.com

Free Throw Shooting Fundamentals

-by Coach Dave Stricklin http://www.hoopskills.com

Free throw shooting is one of the most

important yet overlooked aspects of offensive

basketball. Countless games are either won or

lost every year due to the ability or inability of

players to make a completely unobstructed

and undefended free throw. Granted, there is

often some added pressure placed on the free

throw shooter, but that is still not a valid

excuse for some of the dismal free throw

shooting percentages we see on all levels of

competition.

While it may be difficult to replicate the

adrenaline rush that comes with stepping up

to the free throw line in the final seconds of a

close game, it is relatively easy to master the

fundamentals of the free throw so you can

perform with machine like accuracy regardless

of the game's time and score.

If you are already an outstanding free throw shooter (80% or better) don't change

a thing when it comes to your shooting mechanics or practice routine. But if

you're not shooting 80% or better then consider the following teaching points:

1. Position yourself far enough behind the free throw line so that during your

shot and follow through there is no danger of having your foot coming in contact

with the line.

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Free Throw Shooting Fundamentals-hoopskills.com

2. Most indoor courts have a nail hole in the center of the free throw line

directly in front of the rim. Lining up your shooting foot with that nail hole will put

your shooting shoulder in perfect alignment with the rim.

3. Shoot to have the ball clear the front of the rim. Some coaches want their

players to look at the back of the rim but focusing on the center of the basket

seems to work well for most players.

4. During a game you have ten seconds to shoot your free throw after the

official hands you the ball. When practicing free throws you should also follow the

ten second time restriction.

5. Develop an easy, free flowing, rhythmic shooting style and then commit

yourself to shooting the exact same way every single time you step up to the free

throw line.

6. Always start with the ball in the ready position and then shoot the ball in

one fluid motion. Hold your follow through until the ball goes through the net.

Concentrating on these three areas will help you shoot the ball the exact same

way every time.

7. With the ball in the ready position take it up with your right or left hand

and keep your elbow directly under the basketball. Your arm should be

completely extended as you follow through. Remember, the shot should be as

fluid as possible.

8. Control your breathing. You might want to take a good, deep breath and

then slowly exhale right before you start your shooting motion.

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Free Throw Shooting Fundamentals-hoopskills.com

9. Control your mind. Try to completely relax, especially in late game

situations or whenever you are feeling a little more pressure than usual. Clear

everything from your mind and form a mental picture of your shot dropping

cleanly through the center of the net.

10. Practice, practice, practice - especially when you are tired so you can come

close to replicating game like situations

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There is absolutely nothing that an opposing coach or defender can do to keep

you from making a free throw. In fact, there is really no good reason or excuse

NOT to be an outstanding free throw shooter. All it takes is an understanding of

the proper mechanics, the ability to concentrate, and the willingness to practice.

The rest is up to you!

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