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How to shoot free
throws:
Note: These instructions are for a right-handed
person.
1. Stand as close to the free throw line as
possible.
2. Your right foot should be straight and point
directly to the center of the rim.
3. Your left foot should be spread about one
foot apart, about two inches back from the line and slightly pointed to the
left. Try to find a comfortable
position.
4. Knees should be flexed but not bent too
much.
Warning: Don’t be stiff or tense. Relax – shooting free throws is easy.
Warning: Most players bend their knees too much and
it throws off the shot.
5. Hold ball in your right hand – the
basketball seams should be horizontal.
6. Spread your thumb and fingers to a
comfortable position.
7. The ball should sit in your thumb and
fingertips. It should not touch your
palm.
Comment: This is the primary reason Shaq cannot shoot
free throws. He holds the ball in his
palm and throws it up there like a baseball.
He has no feel or control.
8. Hold the ball at eye level. Look at your elbow. Where is it pointing? It should be pointing directly in front of
your right foot.
Warning: Most people’s elbow will point out to the
right (like a chicken wing) and this is the primary reason they cannot shoot
the ball straight.
9. Okay.
You should be about ready to shoot the ball now. But, not quite – You need a little routine
to get yourself ready every time you shoot a free throw.
10. Get in position. Flex you knees a couple of times. Bounce the ball 2 or 3 times.
Visualize the flight
of the ball going through the rim without touching it. Bring the ball up into position just above
eye level, pause for a second and then shoot it in one smooth motion. Your follow-through will bring you up on
your toes a little bit but never cross the line. Hold follow-through (with fingers pointed at the rim) until the
ball goes in.
Tip: Shooting a basketball is mostly done with
your wrist and fingers.
11. Just before releasing the ball, bend your
wrist back and use just enough arm action to get ball to the rim. Mostly, use your wrist action to shoot the
ball.
12. The arch of the ball should not be too flat
and it should not be too high.
Tip: Aim at the center of the rim. You want to touch only net on your shot.
13. When you release the ball, your fingertips
will put a “gentle” backspin on the ball.
Tip: You want the ball to go up there as softly
as possible. This way, even if you are
a little off, the ball will still go in.
Comment: This is Shaq’s other problem. He throws it up there too fast and the ball
hits like a brick.
14. That’s it!!
Easy. The free throw is the
easiest shot in basketball. Nobody is
guarding you.
15. Oh, there is one more little thing. Practice.
I used to shoot 100 free throws a day.
If you shoot 50 free throws 3 or 4 times a week, that should be enough
to get good.
16. One final thought. All good shooters have 3 things in common:
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They have good shooting techniques
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They practice a lot
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They are confident