How To Shoot a Free Throw

Step 1

Get a basketball, find a hoop, and have some patience. (Get a buddy/girl to tag along so someone can rebound for you)

Step 2

Find the free throw line, if marked on the court, stand at it. If it is not marked, start underneath the hoop and pace out about 15ft.

Step 3

Practice aligning yourself up with the center of the rim, right against the marked line. (If on an indoor court, there should be a small nail driven into the wood). If outdoors, use your best judgement to align. You cannot cross this line before your shot hits the rim. (Violation)

Step 4

Next, develop a routine. Every free throw shooter has a routine. It can be short, fast, slow, you could dribble a bunch of times, or just shoot it. As long as you shoot the ball before 10 seconds, (time limit in games).

Step 5

Practice your routine, even if you're not shooting free throws! You can get a rhythm down that relaxes you

Step 6

Stay Relaxed! Whether it is a big game or just you at a park, you need to be calm while shooting your free throw

Step 7

Once you have your routine down, you should approach the free throw line with the ball in your hands

Step 8

Align yourself with the center of the rim and take a deep breath to relax your body. (If in a competitive game, take a few seconds to catch your breath)

Step 9

Execute your pre-shot routine

Step 10

Shoot the ball!! (To increase your chances of making it, shoot the ball the same way you would shoot a jump shot, jumping is optional. Caution** DO NOT CROSS THE LINE!!)

Step 11

Practice, practice, and some more practice. The best way to improve your free throw percentage is to shoot more free throws.