Most experienced basketball players love a trip to the free throw line. It offers a higher-percentage chance of scoring than shooting from the field, because there is no defense and the shot is taken head-on, 15 feet from the basketball hoop. Shooters also have more time to get comfortable, settle in at the line and take a shot. Foul shooting should be a daily part of any aspiring basketball player's training regimen, and it's the perfect place to practice your shooting form.
Develop a Routine
Many basketball players use a routine prior to their foul shots to help get themselves into a rhythm as they bring the ball up to shoot. This can be dribbling the ball beforehand--possibly for a set number of times--or spinning the ball in your hands, or a combination of both. Take your time and figure out what makes you most comfortable. The more at ease you are at the line, the better your chances of scoring consistently.
Bend Your Knees
Don't make the mistake of shooting from your elbow. Start your shooting motion with your knees. Bend them as you go through your pre-shot routine, and use them to start your shooting motion. If you spring yourself up from your knees, it'll improve the arc on your shot, thus improving your chances of scoring.
Lead With Your Toes
Place your foot on the same side as your shooting hand directly in front of the hoop, with those toes about an inch farther forward than the toes on your other foot. This aligns your shooting arm with the hoop and makes it easier than if you have to bring your hand and arm even slightly across your body to make the shot.
Practice Makes Perfect
It's an old cliche, but free throw shooting can only improve with repetition. Many professional basketball players also claim that the best way to improve your shot while you're in a shooting slump is to shoot repeatedly from the free throw line. This gives you an opportunity to practice your mechanics, and it also gets you more comfortable at the foul line--don't give up those "free" points.
Develop a Routine
Many basketball players use a routine prior to their foul shots to help get themselves into a rhythm as they bring the ball up to shoot. This can be dribbling the ball beforehand--possibly for a set number of times--or spinning the ball in your hands, or a combination of both. Take your time and figure out what makes you most comfortable. The more at ease you are at the line, the better your chances of scoring consistently.
Bend Your Knees
Don't make the mistake of shooting from your elbow. Start your shooting motion with your knees. Bend them as you go through your pre-shot routine, and use them to start your shooting motion. If you spring yourself up from your knees, it'll improve the arc on your shot, thus improving your chances of scoring.
Lead With Your Toes
Place your foot on the same side as your shooting hand directly in front of the hoop, with those toes about an inch farther forward than the toes on your other foot. This aligns your shooting arm with the hoop and makes it easier than if you have to bring your hand and arm even slightly across your body to make the shot.
Practice Makes Perfect
It's an old cliche, but free throw shooting can only improve with repetition. Many professional basketball players also claim that the best way to improve your shot while you're in a shooting slump is to shoot repeatedly from the free throw line. This gives you an opportunity to practice your mechanics, and it also gets you more comfortable at the foul line--don't give up those "free" points.
