Free throws make or break champions. In March 1973, Wakefield High School had the final opportunity to exorcise the demons of a Lexington team that had won three consecutive Massachusetts State championships. To send the game into overtime, we would have to go 10-10 from the free-throw line in the fourth quarter on Boston Garden's parquet. I'll explain how that happened (practice) and why we won our school's only Division 1 sectional title in overtime that night. Note the 'cub reporter' who covered the game.
- Each practice we had four rounds of ten free throws for the right to play the coach for the daily title. Usually, you needed 38 or 39 of 40 to earn that chance. Generally, each round of free throws came after an intense activity...press breaking or transition defense for example. If you beat the coach, the team MIGHT have fewer sprints.
- But that's not the worst part. Free throws were shot under verbal and physical pressure. Six hoops, six abuse-a-thons. You could say or do anything that didn't interfere with the shot. What's the worst thing you can say to a high school boy? You said it.
- Where's your target? During high school, I read John McPhee's A Sense of Where You Are about Bill Bradley. "Dollar Bill" discussed aiming for the middle of the four bolts that affixed the rim to the backboard. You can teach players to target the center of the hoop or aim at the writing on the plate apparatus. It works.
- The Winnacunnet, New Hampshire girls' team won five consecutive state championships. Coach Beattie explained that each player on the team had to make a pair of free throws...as in twenty-four consecutive free throws to finish practice.
- You make your habits and your habits define you. Steph Curry finished every practice by SWISHING five free throws.
I have a few "idiosyncratic" beliefs about free throw shooting. Align yourself with the 'nail'. As part of the pre-shot routine, I think you should breathe out before shooting so breathing doesn't affect the shot. I also tell players not to walk to the line until you are ready to get the ball from the official. Standing there waiting might 'freeze' you. I also believe in practicing shooting some free throws with your eyes closed to focus on your mechanics.
