How to Perfect Free Throws

Free throws come into play quite a bit during a basketball game.  Being good at free throws is beneficial to your team, and every player should work to be good at them.  Choosing who makes the free throws is not always going to be an option.  Being able to make free throws is something that every player must know how to do.

Free throws are often overlooked in the beginning when players are learning the sport, but as skill levels advance they become very important.  It never hurts to begin practicing them as soon as possible. There’s no excuse to not practice, as there are outdoor goals in parks in virtually every city or town.

A free throw is a great way to earn extra and easy points.  The following gives you three tips to becoming a master of the free throw.

Tip 1: Line Up

One of the greatest things about a free throw is that you are allowed time to set up the shot and really focus.  You do not have to worry about any other players and you can really just be in the shot.

You should start out your free throw by lining up the shot.  You want to make sure your lead foot (whatever hand you shoot with is your lead hand and thus that side is your lead foot) is lined up with the center of the basket.  On many courts there is a mark that indicates this spot.  You want to point your foot at the basket.

Also stand tall, yet loose, and set up your arms in position. 

Tip 2: Set a Routine

When you are practicing you should have a routine you follow when making free throws.  Having a routine will help you to relax and get into the groove to make the shot.  You can do whatever makes you feel comfortable.  You have 10 seconds to get prepared, so use those 10 seconds to relax and limber up.  Also make sure you set up your shot in a routine manner.

Having a routine allows you to be ready for a free throw any time.

Tip 3: Concentrate

You have to concentrate during your free throw.  It is important for you to focus when making a free throw.  While you do not have the worry of opposing players in your face, blocking you, you will have a lot of noise from fans and your teammates. 

You have to be able to relax under the pressure and just follow your routine.  You have to be able to let your moves flow and allow yourself to be in the moment.

These 3 tips will allow you to become more comfortable and effective with free throws.  They will allow you to be able to approach a free throw situation without a lot of stress and to be able to pull off the shot.

Free throws are important, but if you give into the pressure and forget your form then you will only let everyone down by missing the shot.  You have to be composed and ready when your time comes to make that free throw shot.

Now go find a basketball hoop system and start practicing your shot!