How to Make More Free Throws: Basketball Shooting Tips

Summary

In this video, Coach Colin Castell from Shot Mechanics Basketball shares practical tips to improve free throw shooting. He covers key techniques such as aligning with the nail on the court, adjusting hip and foot position to reduce shoulder tension, lowering the shot pocket for better momentum, and controlling breathing to steady the body. These simple but effective strategies aim to increase free throw accuracy by focusing on alignment, technique, and mental focus. Coach Castell emphasizes how these adjustments can lead to a noticeable improvement in performance, with potential percentage increases in free throw success.

Takeaways

• 😀 Free throws are crucial for increasing your scoring average as they provide 'free' points that many players overlook.
• 😀 Finding the nail at the center of the free throw line helps align your shot with the center of the rim, improving accuracy.
• 😀 Positioning your dominant foot just inside the nail (about an inch) can significantly improve your shot alignment.
• 😀 Misaligning your body with the free throw line by placing your feet directly in the middle can negatively affect your shooting.
• 😀 Turning your feet slightly (depending on whether you're right- or left-handed) helps align your hips with the basket and reduces shoulder tension.
• 😀 A slight foot turn helps with smoother shooting mechanics and prevents unnecessary tension in your shoulders during the free throw.
• 😀 Lowering your shot pocket to waist or thigh height, rather than keeping it high, allows for a more fluid shot with upward momentum.
• 😀 Pausing the ball too high in the chest or chin area during your free throw can make the shot feel more strenuous, particularly without jumping.
• 😀 Controlling your breathing by taking deep breaths before shooting helps steady your body and heart rate, improving shot consistency.
• 😀 By exhaling slowly during the shot process, you can reduce nervousness and boost your free throw percentage by 5-10%.

Q & A

Why are free throws important in basketball?

Free throws are essential because they provide easy, uncontested points. Players like James Harden, Steph Curry, and Kevin Durant excel at free throws, which significantly contributes to their scoring averages.

How can aligning with the nail help improve free throw accuracy?

The nail on the court aligns with the center of the rim. By positioning the dominant foot just inside the nail, the shooter ensures better body alignment, leading to a straighter shot and improved accuracy.

What is the impact of placing the dominant foot on the nail?

Placing the dominant foot just inside the nail ensures that the shot is more aligned with the center of the hoop. This small adjustment can increase a player's free throw percentage by up to 10-20%.

Why is hip alignment important during free throws?

Proper hip alignment helps reduce shoulder tension and ensures that the elbow stays underneath the ball. This creates a more natural, relaxed shooting motion, which is crucial for accuracy.

How should players adjust their foot positioning for better free throws?

Instead of positioning both feet squarely on the line, players should slightly turn their feet. Right-handed shooters should angle their feet to the left, while left-handed shooters should tilt their feet to the right.

What is the recommended height for the ball during the free throw?

The ball should be loaded lower, around the waist or thigh, rather than high by the chin or chest. This helps generate upward momentum and makes the shot feel more natural.

How does lowering the shot pocket improve free throw shooting?

Lowering the shot pocket helps generate more upward momentum, allowing the arms to provide the necessary force for the shot. This reduces the reliance on leg power, making the free throw smoother and more effortless.

What is the significance of controlling breathing during free throws?

Breathing control helps stabilize the body and calm the nervous system. By focusing on deep, steady breaths, players can reduce anxiety and increase focus, resulting in more accurate free throws.

How does the sniper breathing technique apply to free throws?

Similar to snipers controlling their breathing before taking a shot, players can use controlled breaths to steady their body. Taking three deep breaths before shooting and exhaling slowly helps to relax and focus on the basket.

What is the benefit of taking three deep breaths before shooting?

Taking three deep breaths helps lower the heart rate, stabilize breathing, and clear the mind. This can enhance focus and calmness, increasing the chances of making the free throw.