HOW TO... NAIL A FREE THROW

It's considered to be the easiest shot in basketball, hence the name. A free throw is unguarded, uncontested and a straight on shot to the goal. Yet in recent years making a free throw has become one of the most difficult parts of the game. So we here at Vype went to the professionals, the Tulsa 66ers of the NBA Development League, to learn just how to make a free throw. Former Booker T. Washington Hornet Ryan Humphrey, who played for Oklahoma before Notre Dame and spent time in the NBA, explained just how to make a free throw. After being fouled and knowing you're going to shoot free throws you have to settle yourself. Before ever stepping to the line the first thing I think is that I can make the shot. Confidence is the key. I've practiced this shot so I know I can make it. Part of that practice is being comfortable with what you're doing and how you're lined up. Every court anywhere has a nail in the floor. That nail is centered and lined with the middle of the goal. I'm a right handed shooter so I put my right foot behind that line so that my shooting hand is lined straight with the basket. Some people like to have the nail in the center of their body; it's really whatever you're comfortable with and what works for you. Now that you're aligned, I as a right handed shooter have my right foot a little in front of my left with my feet spread about shoulder length apart. Different people have different routines whether it is taking dribbles or spinning the ball. I personally take a deep breath, spin the ball, and take two dribbles. The reason for the two dribbles is to develop a rhythm. I take another deep breath after the dribbles. During the two dribbles I focus on the ring on the back of the rim. Some people say to focus on the front of the rim others say the back of the rim. It's really what works for you. I miss shots short so I try to focus on that ring so that I won't miss them short. When you miss a shot short it's usually because you don't have your legs into it. To make sure you get legs you focus on using your whole body to shoot. By dropping your rear end some and coming up in a smooth motion and then shooting out of a telephone booth. By shooting out of a telephone booth you will finish high and release the ball high getting the arc that is desired. Another key in shooting the ball properly is to have your elbow in when shooting the ball and flipping your wrist to get the rotation on the ball. Getting that rotation will give you that shooters touch that you always hear about. The key to nailing a free throw is practice. The more practice and the more comfortable you are with your shot the more free throws you're going to nail.