Even great players need a mulligan. Teams win and lose championships based on free throw shooting. It works for and against us. Have a "matrix" of techniques.
I was never an elite free throw shooter like James Pauley and other readers. I did make a hundred consecutive twice with my best 144. I won the Sam Jones camp free throw shooting contest by strategy. Go first and make ten. Too much pressure for other kids to do that, plus it shortens the competition for a lot of "one and done" competition. My protege Cecilia finished second twice in the Massachusetts Elks Hoop Shoot.
1. "21" you know the game. One point for a free throw and two for a score off your opponent's miss. Game to 21.
2. "Swish" or miss. Only count swishes among each ten shots.
3. Track 100. This isn't the best because nobody takes a hundred consecutive in a game.
4. Plus 4, minus 4. Play as group or individual where each round starts with zero and scores one for a make and minus two for a miss. The team "wins" by getting to 4 and loses at minus 4.
5. "Haywood" challenges the shooter to make fifteen consecutive to earn a scholarship as Spencer Haywood did at Detroit.
6. Personal Best. Challenge yourself to equal or defeat your personal best. Keep raising the bar when tracking free throws.
7. "Family." My identical twin daughters and I would alternate to see how many consecutive we could make as a family alternating one shot at a time. The record was thirty-three.
8. "Confirm victory." Require a scrimmage, drill, or small-sided game winner to "confirm" victory with a made free throw.
9. 4 x 10s. During practice, have each pair take four sets of ten free throws. Track and award a daily winner.
10. Take 3, Run 1. Make three free throws and run either to the baseline or sideline and back. Interrupt shots with running.
11. PRESSURE. Groups of two shoot. The rebounder can harass the shooter in any way but cannot touch or obstruct the shooter. Imagine what teenage boys say to each other.
12. COMBO REST. Use three to five free throws to 'rest' during other shooting drills.
Combine 'catch-and-shoot' practice (e.g. elbow to sideline, elbow to elbow) with conditioning and the free throws provide realistic rest.
Lagniappe. Winnacunnet required players to make 2 apiece to end practice (every player)... 22 in a row. Most teams would never get off the court.
Lagniappe 2.
My tips?
- Don't freeze at the line. Wait for the ball then step to the line.
- Line up with the nail. I align the inside of my right foot.
- Word (e.g. Draper) on the orange plate. (I used to aim at the center of the four bolts holding the goal to the backboard).
- Breath out and shoot.
