Fundamental Steps for Free Throw Shooting - Admission/Application Essay Example

Fundamental Steps for Free Throw Shooting The free throw can be considered as the single most important shot in a basketball game as 3 out of 4 games are determined by the results of free throw shooting. In NCAA Division 1 Basketball games, close to 20% are scored from the free throw line[Ale05]. Free throws can then spell the difference between winning and losing. The mechanics of a free throw has 5 fundamental steps that can increase a player’s consistency from the line. The first are preliminary movements that attempt to relax the player and mentally picture the outcome he or she would like to achieve.

While on the free throw line, your right toes must be lined up just to the left of center so that your right arm and ball are leading up to the basket. The left foot must placed back a little but with the shoulders square to the basket. This stance provides the player with a support base that is wide and thus greater balance is achieved. After being squared up, while keeping your back straight, put your weight on your toes. Bend your knees a little to enable your legs to provide you with the power of an “up motion” when you throw the ball.

Some would prefer to be in a standing position with legs straight before dropping down a bit and bending their knees. They straighten their knees again as they go in upward motion for ball release. Next is to establish the balance of the ball while you are holding it. The right hand will be behind the ball with the left on the side to balance it. It would be good if you can take a deep breath and relax your muscles before shooting the ball. Release the ball from your finger tips to get a good backspin or rotation on the ball.

Get the force from using your legs and come up to your toes as you shoot. It is perfectly normal if you need to jump a bit for additional intensity. The release of the basketball must be done with shooting hand on a “goose neck” position. Always remember to follow-through with your shooting hand until the ball goes in the net. A good tip to remember is to always keep your eye on the basket and refrain from looking at the ball or its flight path. This distracts your concentration on where it ought to go.

In conclusion, upon understanding the mechanics of shooting a free throw it is still forthright to keep the right attitude in playing. Partial to constant practice is having the right mindset and a strong belief that points can be made in a consistent manner even in a pressure-filled ballgame. ReferenceAle05: , (Alexander & Way, 2005),