How to shoot a free throw: A tutorial for beginnersLearning how to shoot a free throw can be a difficult process, but it's a skill that can be almost mastered with a lot of practice. Nobody is ever going to make all of their free throws, and even the great Mark Price only made about 90% of his attempts. The key is to have the steps down so that when the game is on the line, hitting a free throw comes as second nature. I played basketball in high school, and one of the things that I became known for was how well I could shoot free throws.
One of the most important things about shooting free throws is practice. It is absolutely vital to put in the time to get good at it, because much like anything in life, this is something where a lot of practice will provide a great reward in the long term. There is nothing better than walking to the free throw line with confidence after the opposing team has committed a cheap foul. This is one of those skills that can do all the talking on the basketball court. There are a few steps that you can take to put you on the right track at becoming a great free throw shooter.
Be Comfortable With the BasketballBefore even stepping up to the line to practice your free throws, you need to be comfortable with the basketball. You want to know how it will come off your fingertips, how it feels to let go of a shot that has the correct spin, and to be able to dribble the ball without even looking at it. The ball almost needs to become an extension of your arm, and this can be achieved by simply carrying it around with you.
When you feel that you are very comfortable with the ball, begin taking practice shots straight up. This is a good trick to figure out the best way to release the basketball. When you are shooting a free throw, the last part of your hand to touch the ball should be your finger tips. Also, your dominant hand should never have the ball come into contact with your palm during the shot. Some shooters like to balance their free hand against the ball before release, but your shooting hand should only allow you to flick your wrist when releasing the ball. When shooting the ball straight up, you aren't going for distance, but just to get used to the feeling.
Learn the Spin and Rotation of the BasketballThe easiest way to make sure that you are consistently shooting your free throws the same way is to figure out how you can best release the ball. When you shoot the basketball, you want there to be a nice back-spin to the ball. This not only gives you a smooth sailing ball, but aids the possible roll in case you are slightly off with your trajectory. Make sure that you line up your hands on the ball so that you feel most comfortable, and then flick your wrist in the shooting motion. This step should come very easy if you have been practicing shooting straight up.
Know Where Your Feet Are at the Free Throw LineEveryone has a slightly different way to stand at the free throw line, and you have to do what works best for you. What you want though, is a stance that will allow you to bend at the knees and waist very easily, and which will give you some momentum as you are arcing up to make the shot. Also make sure that your shoulders are square with the basket, as it will help you get the energy behind the ball that is necessary. Keeping your feet in the same place every time you shoot a free throw will help you develop a rhythm that your brain will start to remember. You will start to develop a muscle memory for what you are doing, and it will suddenly become second nature.
Develop a Routine at the Free Throw LineJust about anyone who has played college or NBA basketball has developed a routine to help them on the free throw line. This might be choosing to take a deep breath, bouncing the ball a couple of times, or even spinning it in your hands before taking the show. You don't want to do anything that will take you out of the moment, but this is the best time for freedom of expression when it comes to shooting. You also want to choose something that will clear your thoughts so that you are just focused on the shooting the free throw. Once you have that routine, you won't even think about what you are doing each time you are at the line.
Practice Makes Perfect - Work Hard at Practicing Your Free ThrowsShooting free throws is one of the easiest things in any sport to do by yourself. You don't need help on the court, you don't need anyone to compete with you, and it is something you can do in your spare time. It is important to practice shooting free throws a lot, because your brain and muscles develop a memory when it comes to your free throw routine. You will suddenly be able to go straight to the line, prepare yourself, and sink shot after shot if you put in the hard work. Starting out, it may seem like shooting free throws is the hardest thing in the world, but as your practices slide on by, you will suddenly find yourself getting better at it.
How To Shoot a Free Throw - Putting It All TogetherWhen you have all the building blocks to shooting a free throw, it is going to seem like the easiest thing in the world. In the best case scenario, you get fouled, and you go to the free throw line for two shots. You take the ball, measure it, and begin your routine of preparation on the line. Then you bend your knees, square your shoulders to the basket, arc up and forward, and let the ball just slide off your finger tips towards the basket. That swishing sound you will hear is what you have been working hard to achieve through all those late night practices in the drive way.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ac-6996954
