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