How to make free throw

To shoot free throw correctly, let's look at some facts first

The free throw line is 15 feet from the rim. You have 10 seconds to shoot and there is no one guarding you. In theory, it should be the easiest shot. However, inside the real game, although you are physically unguarded, the pressure and stress keep disturbing you and it can easily ruin you, especially when a bunch of clamorous spectators are booing you and waving their balloons to distract you.

The free throw is all about consistently executing a proper technique. And you know how they say practice makes perfect. The mechanics are the same for all types of shooting. So everything I have discussed previously in shooting will work here.

Sometimes your genetic makeup might not be as great as your opponent. You know why Boykins can start for Denver for quite a while? It is because he can draw the foul and make the free-throws. Hence, free throw is a great equalizer. With enough practice, you can beat anybody else in this important aspect of the game. The take-home message is: Free throws take 3Cs - Confidence, Coordination, Consistency and these 3Cs can be acquired by relentlessly practicing.

Steps of shooting a free throw:

Free-throws basically have no time pressure. Therefore, we must optimize our shooting by fixing our shooting stance that gives us the most accurate shot. We must also minimize the amount of movement that may induce inconsistency (in other words, minimal movement: the less movement, the less discrepancy). In order to do so, we will approach it by setting up a squared up posture with the ball, minimize the arm movement and use our legs to propel the basketball towards the basketball hoop.



  1. (Assume right-handed) position your legs (right leg forward) so that the invisible line joining the toes roughly makes a 30 degrees angle with the free-throw line.

  2. Hold your right hand in the 90-90-90 position with the ball on your finger tips

  3. Place your left hand on the side to support the basketball

  4. Take a deep-breath now, and bend your knees without moving your arms

  5. Hold the semi-squat position for 1 second until everything is stabilized

  6. Exhale slowly and extend your knees by 90% (i.e.: don't hyperextend them)
As soon as you feel that you are just before hyperextending your knees, propel your right hand forward only along with the ball, flick your wrist gently as the ball leaves
In this way, the vertical force is provided by solely by the legs, thereby minimizing inconsistency

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How to make bank shot

What is a bank shot in basketball shooting?
 
When someone calls "bank!" after he shoots the basketball, he is saying that he is aiming at the backboard right off the bat.  A bank shot in basketball shooting is a basketball shot using the backboard as a deflecting tool that directs the basketball into the basketball hoop.
 
What does it take to do a bank shot in basketball shooting
 
You do not need much for a bank shot because it can be done in a set shot or a jump shot manner.  The only thing that is important to a bank shot is a soft touch in your basketball shooting and a good control of the wrist power.  A soft touch enables the basketball to bounce into the hoop instead of bouncing off the glass hard and back into the basketball court.
Most importantly, when you are doing a bank shot, it is also important adjust the strength with which you shoot the basketball so that the basketball makes contact with the backboard on its way down.  The basketball will bounce off the glass with a much better angle.  This can be ignored if you are right underneath the basketball hoop.  "Gently kiss it off the glass" is the golden rule to shooting a basketball bank shot.
 
When do I use a bank shot
 
Ever had a bad shooting day when you cannot seem to find the rim?  That is when you should use the bank shot because as long as you don't bounce the ball off the backboard too hard, it can usually get in.  Another requirement of using the bank shot when shooting a basketball is that you should be in the bank-shot zone
Also, when you are right under the basketball hoop, it is a good idea to use the bank shot because it opens up a way bigger angle for shooting the basketball.
 
General step-by-step guide to doing a bank shot
  1.  Hold the ball as high as your shooting hand is accustomed to
  2. Adjust your strength so that the ball hits the board on the downward flight
  3. Elevate and release the ball without too much arc
Some players refrain from using the bank shot because people has categorized this basketball shooting move as an ugly shot or a lucky shot.  These are just excuses that defenders who just got their beaten to a pulp to make themselves feel better.  I don't know if they make them feel better but they sure make those defenders look uglier.

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