Free throw shooting can make or break a basketball team in a close game. Players who shoot a high percentage can help their team hold onto a narrow lead or pull off a comeback victory. If players struggle to hit foul shots, on the other hand, they can cost their team a win and see their playing time reduced in close games.
Mastering free throw shooting does not happen overnight. It takes extensive work to develop and refine this skill. Still, taking time to become a better free throw shooter is worth the effort.
You can improve your free throw shooting through a few strategies:
Practice shooting
Good free throw shooting involves getting down your timing and rhythm. You need to practice shooting each day, so you can refine how you release the ball, your dribble and other important mechanics. Regular practices will make these mechanics become second nature.
Create a routine
Many players develop a routine they follow before each free throw attempt to help them focus before a noisy crowd. Some players will dribble a specific number of times before raising the ball to shoot. Others will spin the ball in their hands and say an inspirational phrase. Creating a routine can help you calm your nerves when the pressure mounts at the line.
Develop mental toughness
If you miss a free throw, it isn’t the end of the world. No one will hit 100 percent of their free throw attempts. The key is to develop consistency. And consistency starts with developing mental toughness. Don’t think too much. Resist the urge to obsessively tinker with every aspect of your free throw shooting. Find what works best and stick with it.
A good free throw shooter is worth their weight in gold to any basketball team. Developing this skill will go a long way to boosting your playing time and enhancing the confidence of your teammates and coaches in your abilities.