I am 16 year old. I have a really good ball handle, good mid range, good jump shots, and defense. But the problem is, when every time I practice on my FT, my shooting always hits the front of the rim or airball. My shooting form is fine but when I am standing and ready to set my shot, I feel like i have to push the ball. I will be playing my 2nd year as Jr Varsity. My first year, my position was Shooting guard, averaged 4 points per game, 3 rbs, 2 assists. So I have practiced so much on my shooting and ball handling this summer. My coach told me that if I push myself to good kind of work, good things will happen. My coach even wants me to be in PG position because the former PG was transferred to Varsity. So, I still do want to improve my FT shooting. P.S. I have practiced over 100+ everyday on my FT. Most of the shots were hit the rim. I did analyze all the shots i charted, comparing them day to day. I have improved only at 2%. My Percentage in FT is 39% so far. Sorry if I talked a lot, but I really want to improve, NO MATTER HOW LONG IT TAKES, As long IT CAN HELP ME MAKE MY SHOT easier. Thank you.\r
PG,SG 5\'5\", Sag Smith ****Thank you!!!****\r
Low Percentage Free Throw
8/2/2010 20:18
8/2/2010 20:48
The first thing I will ask you is... HOW is your form? Do you do some form shooting before you start your workouts? IF not, then you need to do this.
It sounds like your shot is very flat and without being able to see it, I would say that your shot is flat..... and its either in your release point or you aren't using you legs.
So, try to describe your shot to us... and then we can give you some solid advice.
1- As you release the ball your elbow on your shooting hand should be just above your eye giving you a window to see through.......
2- You need to bend your knees and as you come up, end up on your toes as you shoot the ball and follow through.
It sounds like your shot is very flat and without being able to see it, I would say that your shot is flat..... and its either in your release point or you aren't using you legs.
So, try to describe your shot to us... and then we can give you some solid advice.
1- As you release the ball your elbow on your shooting hand should be just above your eye giving you a window to see through.......
2- You need to bend your knees and as you come up, end up on your toes as you shoot the ball and follow through.
8/2/2010 21:20
Yeah, if there's any way you can upload video you shooting free throws that would make it much easier to give you advice. If you have a little flip recorder or something and upload to youtube that would help.
It sounds like you need to make serious changed to your mechanics. Practicing with bad form every day won't help. What is your shooting percentage for a normal game shot?
It sounds like you need to make serious changed to your mechanics. Practicing with bad form every day won't help. What is your shooting percentage for a normal game shot?
8/6/2010 17:45
I don't have any video camera but i can desbribe it...
My shooting in a game % is 63% But practicing during FT makes a lot of air ball and hits the back rim.
When I am ready to shoot. I stand with my feet, my right foot near the foul line and while my left foot is about 2 inches away from the line.
I bent my knee about 45 degree. My shooting form is almost like an "L" is a little over 90 degree. When I am about to shoot, I start at my belly then bringing my knees and shooting arm up at the same time.The ball goes about 1 inches from my forehead. Then flicking the basketball with my arm straight. Yes I do let go of my guide hand off before my shooting hand goes. That's how i shoot.
My shooting in a game % is 63% But practicing during FT makes a lot of air ball and hits the back rim.
When I am ready to shoot. I stand with my feet, my right foot near the foul line and while my left foot is about 2 inches away from the line.
I bent my knee about 45 degree. My shooting form is almost like an "L" is a little over 90 degree. When I am about to shoot, I start at my belly then bringing my knees and shooting arm up at the same time.The ball goes about 1 inches from my forehead. Then flicking the basketball with my arm straight. Yes I do let go of my guide hand off before my shooting hand goes. That's how i shoot.
8/6/2010 19:18
Lets see if I have this right - you bring the ball up and are releasing it one inch above your forhead? Correct?
Thats why your shot is flat or air balling it. The elbow on your shooting hand should be just above your eye as you go to release it. Try using your shooting hand only and work on the form.
Thats why your shot is flat or air balling it. The elbow on your shooting hand should be just above your eye as you go to release it. Try using your shooting hand only and work on the form.
8/7/2010 02:30
Yes, thats right. I wonder what do you mean by flat? I'm bit confused that how shooting makes my FT flat?
8/7/2010 02:41
If you are releasing the ball 1 inch above your forehead and your hand is going straight out to the basket..... your shot will be flat... unless I am not imagining this correctly. Your ELBOW needss to be above your eye on the release of the ball so you have the proper arc on your shot.
Bend your knees and as you come up, end up on your toes as you follow thru. I wish we could see your shot... this would be a lot easier to help you.
Bend your knees and as you come up, end up on your toes as you follow thru. I wish we could see your shot... this would be a lot easier to help you.
8/7/2010 08:20
Hey! Thanks, you makes it more sense, my shooting is flat because my elbow is about my nose level! THANKS! Now I'll practice with my elbow above my eyes level. Again. Thank you!!!
8/7/2010 16:03
Let us know how that goes.... and good luck.
8/10/2010 13:15
saydud,
Coach Sar is correct, sounds like you have a "flat" shot, no arc. You probably have a good arc on your regular shots because you are bending your knees more prior to the release and you are jumping which gives you power and elevation which gives the ball a nice arc.
With free throws, you are NOT jumping. Which takes away from your power and high release so you need to make up for that lack of leg power by bending knees and "finishing high".
Finishing high means what Coach Sar says...elbow above eyes....I tell my players, "elbow to ear"....same difference.
From the side view of your FT shot, your arm extension angle should be 60 to 75 degrees from horizontal. If your extension angle is less then you will have a flat shot and it will hit the front rim.
Remember to bend those knees and finish on your tippy-toes.
Good Luck son!!
Coach A
Coach Sar is correct, sounds like you have a "flat" shot, no arc. You probably have a good arc on your regular shots because you are bending your knees more prior to the release and you are jumping which gives you power and elevation which gives the ball a nice arc.
With free throws, you are NOT jumping. Which takes away from your power and high release so you need to make up for that lack of leg power by bending knees and "finishing high".
Finishing high means what Coach Sar says...elbow above eyes....I tell my players, "elbow to ear"....same difference.
From the side view of your FT shot, your arm extension angle should be 60 to 75 degrees from horizontal. If your extension angle is less then you will have a flat shot and it will hit the front rim.
Remember to bend those knees and finish on your tippy-toes.
Good Luck son!!
Coach A
8/11/2010 08:03
I tried it for couple days. It does still hit the front rim. I did bend my knees then bring up my shot up to my eyes to elbow.
It feels weak but i did the form right.
It feels weak but i did the form right.
8/11/2010 12:23
I get the feeling that as you bring the ball up and your elbow is around your eye that your hand is reaching straight out to the basket rather than getting some arc on your shot.
Think about dropping the ball in the rim and how easy it would be if we could do that, well, thats the kind of arc that you need on your shot. What do you use as your target? Front - back of the rim? My target was thinking about a spot just over the rim... that worked for me, find a spot that works for you.
Lets go back to the beginning by doing what we called BEEF check B- balance E- elbow under the ball E- eye on the target and F- follow thru.
Start on one block, go to the middle and then to the other block -- take one dribble, bring the ball up with one hand and shoot it... by being that close you will be forced to put more arc on your shot AND make sure that your form is correct.
Then move back a few feet and do the same thing... keep doing this until you get comfortable with your form and the shot. The closer you are to the basket the more arc you will need on your shot. When you get to the free throw line you will need your legs in the shot and like coach A said, end up on your toes.
Try this and let us know how that is going. Here is a video from Tom Nordland and this kid can really shoot it.
1) Here is video footage of 14-year-old “Swish” shooter, recorded three years after learning the Swish Method from Tom in Maryland. To this day he and his dad continue using the tools and methods they learned, and Gavin here brilliantly demonstrates the technique. Look at the beauty of his shooting!
http://go.webvideoplayer.com/view/RHZhKYJ0tiD4Ec9CTkaW23246
Think about dropping the ball in the rim and how easy it would be if we could do that, well, thats the kind of arc that you need on your shot. What do you use as your target? Front - back of the rim? My target was thinking about a spot just over the rim... that worked for me, find a spot that works for you.
Lets go back to the beginning by doing what we called BEEF check B- balance E- elbow under the ball E- eye on the target and F- follow thru.
Start on one block, go to the middle and then to the other block -- take one dribble, bring the ball up with one hand and shoot it... by being that close you will be forced to put more arc on your shot AND make sure that your form is correct.
Then move back a few feet and do the same thing... keep doing this until you get comfortable with your form and the shot. The closer you are to the basket the more arc you will need on your shot. When you get to the free throw line you will need your legs in the shot and like coach A said, end up on your toes.
Try this and let us know how that is going. Here is a video from Tom Nordland and this kid can really shoot it.
1) Here is video footage of 14-year-old “Swish” shooter, recorded three years after learning the Swish Method from Tom in Maryland. To this day he and his dad continue using the tools and methods they learned, and Gavin here brilliantly demonstrates the technique. Look at the beauty of his shooting!
http://go.webvideoplayer.com/view/RHZhKYJ0tiD4Ec9CTkaW23246
8/11/2010 13:15
If you still are hitting front rim it still comes down to two factors:
1) Proper Arm extension(finishing high) 60-75 degrees
2) Not enuff power from legs
Next time you shoot, focus on your follow thru..don't even look to see if ball goes in or not....see exactly where you finish...how high is
your follow thru....elbow to ear?
You really need to generate more power from legs so bend knees even more....now begin your shooting motion. The entire shooting motion should be smooth and fluid...no pauses or hesitations...
Lastly, maybe at 5'5", you might have to jump a bit. Not recommended at the high school level but I have seen it. Maybe that 1 to 2 inch little jump will get you more arc.
Out,
Coach A
1) Proper Arm extension(finishing high) 60-75 degrees
2) Not enuff power from legs
Next time you shoot, focus on your follow thru..don't even look to see if ball goes in or not....see exactly where you finish...how high is
your follow thru....elbow to ear?
You really need to generate more power from legs so bend knees even more....now begin your shooting motion. The entire shooting motion should be smooth and fluid...no pauses or hesitations...
Lastly, maybe at 5'5", you might have to jump a bit. Not recommended at the high school level but I have seen it. Maybe that 1 to 2 inch little jump will get you more arc.
Out,
Coach A
8/12/2010 08:14
Guess what, i found out that my shooting is poor because I am not tired, so if every time i
run 2 laps full court with ball then stand at FT, my shot is made in, no airball or hit the front rim. What you told me to
do was right, but i need to get tired to make my shots better. I think getting tired on my shots is good. what you think?
run 2 laps full court with ball then stand at FT, my shot is made in, no airball or hit the front rim. What you told me to
do was right, but i need to get tired to make my shots better. I think getting tired on my shots is good. what you think?
8/12/2010 12:50
Well, think about it this way, how often do you go to the free throw line in a game where you haven't been running?
BUT, I'm not so sure that was your problem...... BUT, IF that works for you, who am I to say its wrong? Why don't you try it both ways and have someone watch you and tell you IF they can see any difference. Do you shoot with someone when you are working out? Give this a try too... shoot with your eyes closed - have a contest with someone.... I think you will suprise yourself with how well you can shoot that way, it forces you to concentrate on your form, visualizing the shot. (and while it will help you with muscle memory its fun too )
I'm glad that you have found something to help you improve your shot.
By the way, our players always shot after a few hard drills.
BUT, I'm not so sure that was your problem...... BUT, IF that works for you, who am I to say its wrong? Why don't you try it both ways and have someone watch you and tell you IF they can see any difference. Do you shoot with someone when you are working out? Give this a try too... shoot with your eyes closed - have a contest with someone.... I think you will suprise yourself with how well you can shoot that way, it forces you to concentrate on your form, visualizing the shot. (and while it will help you with muscle memory its fun too )
I'm glad that you have found something to help you improve your shot.
By the way, our players always shot after a few hard drills.
8/13/2010 07:25
I don't often go to FT in a game. I usually does about 2 times per game, well i don't really know.
I wasn't a pretty much experienced basketball player. I have played or practice basketball just for fun since i was little, but never
know a lot in a game, like vocabulary, plays, defense, and serious. My first time i ever made my 7th grade basketball was not
a good season, i played about 1 minute per game, don't really shoot much, bad defense, and it was really hard. Then my 8th grade year, i try out the team again because i wanted to step up, understand more, turns out i didn't make the team. So i worked so hard in the summer to make 9th grade JV team. I made it, so my early season I played 3 mpg, then my coaches made me understand so, so much about almost every thing, even they taught me how do to a lay up and jump stop which i never knew.(i know crazy)Anyways, I kept going, i don't shoot much but i have the strong defense, i was really active, like a cat. When season is almost over, I played 11mpg, it was awesome. I was named "Most Improved Player of the year."
That sounds cool. I work out alone, but i have help but my uncle don't know some small details in basketball.
I actually never had a break for a long time, but i did like 2 weeks break after school finished then working on my basketball 4-6 times a week. I work out on my ball handling more than my shooting. Anyways, do you have any FT drills that i could maybe use?
plus, i am planning to take 1 month break when school starts.
I wasn't a pretty much experienced basketball player. I have played or practice basketball just for fun since i was little, but never
know a lot in a game, like vocabulary, plays, defense, and serious. My first time i ever made my 7th grade basketball was not
a good season, i played about 1 minute per game, don't really shoot much, bad defense, and it was really hard. Then my 8th grade year, i try out the team again because i wanted to step up, understand more, turns out i didn't make the team. So i worked so hard in the summer to make 9th grade JV team. I made it, so my early season I played 3 mpg, then my coaches made me understand so, so much about almost every thing, even they taught me how do to a lay up and jump stop which i never knew.(i know crazy)Anyways, I kept going, i don't shoot much but i have the strong defense, i was really active, like a cat. When season is almost over, I played 11mpg, it was awesome. I was named "Most Improved Player of the year."
That sounds cool. I work out alone, but i have help but my uncle don't know some small details in basketball.
I actually never had a break for a long time, but i did like 2 weeks break after school finished then working on my basketball 4-6 times a week. I work out on my ball handling more than my shooting. Anyways, do you have any FT drills that i could maybe use?
plus, i am planning to take 1 month break when school starts.
8/13/2010 12:36
Only shoot free throws well after you're tired? It sounds like you may be thinking too much. When you're tired, you're too tired to think.
Go to the the free throw line. Clear your mind. Take a deep breath and exhale.
Do your routine, then shoot. Repetition. Repetition. Repetition.
Go to the the free throw line. Clear your mind. Take a deep breath and exhale.
Do your routine, then shoot. Repetition. Repetition. Repetition.
8/13/2010 12:37
There is always room for a " shut down defender " on a team.... so keep working at that.... it seems like you are beginning to understand the game better, so hang in there.
Shooting is all muscle memory .... so make sure that your FORM is correct or you will be reinforcing bad habits. Find someone who understands how to shoot to help you... as for FT shooting drills.... just shoot.... 1&1s. 5 or 10 at a time doesn't make any difference... as long as your form is good. Had one player shoot 1,000 a day every morning one summer, 10 at a time. His form was perfect and his shooting percentage was excellent that season.
As for taking some time off when school starts... not sure that is a good idea... cut back on your workouts but don't stop, especially shooting. Take a week off to give yourself a breather, but a month is a long time.
The breathing technique that Joe has suggested is great... it helps to relax the muscles and I used that with my players too.
Good luck.
Check out this video for form-
1) Here is video footage of 14-year-old “Swish” shooter, recorded three years after learning the Swish Method from Tom in Maryland. To this day he and his dad continue using the tools and methods they learned, and Gavin here brilliantly demonstrates the technique. Look at the beauty of his shooting!
http://go.webvideoplayer.com/view/RHZhKYJ0tiD4Ec9CTkaW23246
Shooting is all muscle memory .... so make sure that your FORM is correct or you will be reinforcing bad habits. Find someone who understands how to shoot to help you... as for FT shooting drills.... just shoot.... 1&1s. 5 or 10 at a time doesn't make any difference... as long as your form is good. Had one player shoot 1,000 a day every morning one summer, 10 at a time. His form was perfect and his shooting percentage was excellent that season.
As for taking some time off when school starts... not sure that is a good idea... cut back on your workouts but don't stop, especially shooting. Take a week off to give yourself a breather, but a month is a long time.
The breathing technique that Joe has suggested is great... it helps to relax the muscles and I used that with my players too.
Good luck.
Check out this video for form-
1) Here is video footage of 14-year-old “Swish” shooter, recorded three years after learning the Swish Method from Tom in Maryland. To this day he and his dad continue using the tools and methods they learned, and Gavin here brilliantly demonstrates the technique. Look at the beauty of his shooting!
http://go.webvideoplayer.com/view/RHZhKYJ0tiD4Ec9CTkaW23246
8/13/2010 12:41
Jeez, Coach Sars. That's a quick trigger. Hope you enjoyed Hawaii!
8/13/2010 12:48
I might be old, but my reflexes are still pretty good...... you stepped on my toes - as I clicked submit, you were answering so I had to wait - but I got it in quickly, great advice Joe.
Hawaii was great... the Aloha spirit is alive and well, I met Coach Chic Hess and is wife on Oahu, nice people. Hawaii is like paradise on earth..... I hope everyone gets a chance to go there. Oahu means the "gathering place" How true..... 80% of the population lives there and a lot of people go there to visit.... everyone HAS to see Pearl Harbor, the Arizona Memorial, the Missouri an Bow Fin and Diamond Head to name a few.
Hawaii was great... the Aloha spirit is alive and well, I met Coach Chic Hess and is wife on Oahu, nice people. Hawaii is like paradise on earth..... I hope everyone gets a chance to go there. Oahu means the "gathering place" How true..... 80% of the population lives there and a lot of people go there to visit.... everyone HAS to see Pearl Harbor, the Arizona Memorial, the Missouri an Bow Fin and Diamond Head to name a few.
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