The free throw

Many games are won and lost at the free-throw line.

Mental pressure is real from the charity strip. The opposing coach may call a time-out right before the shot. Other players might taunt or shout madly at the fans behind the basket. All of this should not matter. All of these distractions should be used to a player’s advantage. Don’t let the fans get in the way, great shooters know that all they have to focus on is the backboard and the rim.

Focus

The key is to focus on the correct target, which is the back of your rim. Shooters are taught by coaches to aim for the front, and then to place the ball over the front. Why focus on the target and try to miss it? If you have a target in mind, you should aim to hit it immediately.

You will rarely overshoot if you focus on the back of your rim and maintain a proper arc on it. You can also focus on the back of your rim and see through the hoop.

Position

You should spread your feet just enough apart. Relaxed, agile stance. Your right foot should be pointed straight at the middle of rim for a right-hander.

It is important to do the exact same thing each time you visit the line.

Grip

As you shoot, always hold the ball gently. As close a game is, the shot can be fragile. Many shots have gone through the net that didn’t swish, but still made it through. This can be influenced by your grip. Your touch will affect how slow the ball approaches the basket. This will make it stay on the rim for longer. The better chance of it rolling in is the longer it stays on the rim.

You will be shooting a one-handed shot. Simply grip the ball with your index finger at the center of its plane. The shooting hand’s thumb should be at a 60 degree angle to the index finger. The supporting hand should be to the side of the ball with the thumb and finger fully extended.

The Knees

Don’t overbend. It is okay to bend slightly. Your chances of missing your shot are increased if you make excessive body movements. Your foul shot should be fluid and simple. All unnecessary movements are eliminated.

Your heels will leave the ground as you shoot while your toes stay in contact.

Follow-through and Release

You should make the entire shot from the beginning to the follow-through fluidly. This should be done even if accuracy drops. It is essential to have a soft touch.

Release the ball only when the shooting hand, wrist, or fingers are fully extended. The wrist should snap smoothly and slowly, not in a fast, jerking fashion.

After completing a thorough follow-through, your arm, wrist, and hand should look like a gooseneck. After the ball has left your fingers, pause for a second.

Don’t drop your arms right away after shooting. Instead, keep them in the air until you see the ball hit the rim. This cue should not be shortened. You will get jerky shots and miss baskets.

Arc

Ideal shot should be between three and a quarter to four feet above the rim at its highest point.

Restore your vision

Remember your focus point. While the ball is flying, your eyes should be focused on the back of it. You should not be looking at the ball as it can cause jerky movements and even target recalibration.

Rotation

One to one and a half turns to move the ball from your fingertips to basket.

Confidence

You will most likely miss the free throw if you’re unsure whether or not you are going to make it. Expect to make the shot. Surprised when you don’t?

Art of Shooting