FREE THROW TECHNIQUE
Focus/Vision
• Eyes focused on the basket, aiming just over the front of the rim (or in front of the back of rim)
Stance/Body Balance
• Feet Shoulder width apart
• Shooting foot slightly forward
• Shooting foot in line with the middle of the basket
• Back foot aligned with the mid-point of the front foot
• Toes of both feet pointing forward
• Knees are bent
• Back is straight
• Hips and shoulders square to the basket
• Head erect and over feet
Elbow and Hand Position
• Elbow pointing to the ground and directly under the ball
• Forearm is on a 90 degree angle to the ground
• Ball resting on finger pads, above the palm
• Fingers spread comfortably apart, thumb not over extended.
The Motion
• Ankles, Knees, Hips extend
• Elbow is then lifted
• Forearm extends upwards
• As the arm is reaching full extension (upwards) and the elbow locks, the wrist snaps forward
• The off hand should only steady the ball from the side
The Release
• Ball should be released while body is still on the “UP” but almost at the peak of extension.
• As the wrist snaps forward the index and middle fingers roll under the ball to create the backspin
• The shooting motion should start at the feet and should continue to the point of release in a smooth, flowing manner.
The Follow Through
• The follow through, index and middle finger should be pointing toward the basket with a limp wrist