Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Making Free Throws - A Few Tips Of The Basics Of Shooting On The Foul Line

By Jorge Joe Moreno



Professionals have their own methods and strategies to clinch free throws through the net. But, beginners or amateurs should build their shooting form on specific basics when shooting from the free throw line.

Free throw shooting is very important and should be consistently trained. First, it can often be the difference between a victory or loss for a team, especially if the opponents commit a foul in the late seconds of the game. And second, improving free throw skillfulness can offer to further develop other shooting techniques.

Here are some free throw tips to remember when shooting foul shots:

Start in a comfortable position. The feet should be parallel to each other and shoulder-wide apart. One should stand slightly behind the line and well balanced to be able to completely focus on the shot.

Afterwords, on should bend the knees a bit and shift the weight to the balls of the feet.

The shooting hand should be at the seams of the ball. The thumb should provide support on the ball but the force should come from the finger and hand pads of the shooting hand. The other hand should support the shooting hand by providing balance for the ball.

At this point, it is important that the shooter concentrate and visualize the target.

The foot on the side of the shooting hand, shooting elbow and shooting forefinger should all be aligned with the center of the rim.

The elbows should be bent at a 90 degree angle. Release the ball from the fingertips. You would have a good follow through if your fingers are still pointing to the target.

The ball should be shot with a good arc. This is because a higher trajectory or flight of the ball will increase the possibility of hitting the wide area of the hoop.

One should never rush into shooting while at the foul line. Instead, it is better to be relaxed and completely focused on hitting the target.

A pre-shot ritual is very common amongst many players. This routine may serve to allow them to relax and concentrate. Some dribble and spin the ball. Others mimic a shot and some even close their eyes and take a deep breath.

The pre-shot routine should be comfortable. The routine is more than just a set of movements. Instead, while on the free throw line and performing the routine, these set of movements initiates shooting using "muscle memory." Many feel this consistency associated with a specific routine on the foul line, serves to ease the tension which makes making the basket. This ritual helps to teach the muscles to react in the same way, every time, while on the foul line.

One should also remember that in a game, making or shooting free throws is often done in a noisy and high-pressure environment. To prepare for this challenge, one should practice shooting free throws with distractions and pressure. This rehearsal may offer to help keep one focused during those game breaking moments in the game.

In the end, the best way to improve on the foul line is to practice them often and to enlist the help of a good shooting coach. Basketball is not only about natural skill and talent. Instead, success on the court is achieved only through practice, patience, determination and excellent teaching.

Jorge Moreno is a basketball coach in the Southeast Regional Basketball League in Germany. Coach Moreno reflects a strong commitment to individual development and success in basketball.

To read the latest tips to improve your basketball game, visit: Coach Moreno's Sites


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jorge_Joe_Moreno



Grab The Bookmarketer For Your Site

0 comments:

Post a Comment