So often overlooked in terms of fundamentals, so often the deciding factor in close games down the stretch, even good shooters struggle to make free throws, especially in pressure situations. As the name implies, free throws are expected to be free points. In other words, a player goes to the line, he knocks down both shots with little to no exertion, then continues on his merry way. Unfortunately, the process rarely works so simplistically, even in youth leagues. Whether a competitive or church league, no matter how seemingly insignificant the game might appear to much of the world, all close games matter to the players in it, making free throws an incredibly nerve racking ordeal across all skill levels. These suggestions to be implemented in practice, will help to boost your free throw percentage come game time.

Implement Free Throw Shooting Drills at the Beginning and End Over the course of a game, legs begin to wear down, meaning less loft and/or power behind a player’s shot. Shooting free throws when players are fresh and when players are tired will help them to be cognizant of the difference and make mental/physical adjustments accordingly.

Shoot Free Throws During Scrimmages A lot of teams won’t take the time to shoot free throws during inner-squad scrimmages, instead awarding the ball out of bounds in the event of a foul. Scrimmages are the closest practice comes to live games simulation, and though they may not count in any standings, will ultimately matter to competitive players. This will help provide a better frame of reference at the free throw line than simple free throw shooting drills. (more…)

Aside from straight street ball, there are a few fundamental basketball plays that can be easily incorporated even in a beginner game scenario. For more advanced players, these timeless maneuvers can easily free up an uncontested look at the basket. Surely experienced basketball enthusiasts will recognize these two classics from their first few practices while newcomers to the sport should use these as building blocks for understanding player movement with/without the ball and basic basketball offense.Pick & Roll The pick and roll is designed to create space for the ball handler and an open lane to the basket for the pick setter. Player 1 dribbles the ball while facing the basket. Player 2 assumes a stationary position to either the left or right of Player 1′s defender, shielding his movement towards that side. Player 1 then moves in the direction in which the pick is set at which point the pick-setter turns and makes a cut towards the basket. If no defender follows the pick-setter, Player 1 can pass the ball in for an easy layup. If Player 2 is well-covered, then Player 1 can simply use the space created to take a jump shot. (more…)