. “Ames High School Basketball Free Throw” prompt, Canva, Magic Media, 23 Feb. 2024.
Free throw shots can determine the outcome of a game and serve an important role. Why do skilled basketball players sometimes miss, if all they practice is taking shots. Well, It’s a stressful task. First, get in the right position; Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, facing the hoop. Align your shooting hand with the center of the rim. Next, find your rhythm. Develop a regular routine before shooting. This could be a few dribbles, a deep breath, or a specific hand placement on the ball. Find what works for you and stick to it. Focus on your form, Start with a relaxed grip on the ball. As you bring the ball up, keep your elbow directly under the ball and your shooting hand in line with the rim. Use your legs to generate power and aim for a high release. Visualize success, Imagine the ball going through the net before you shoot. Visualization is important because if you believe in yourself it’s more likely to happen. It’s also important to focus not on what’s going on around you and just the shot.
Even if the crowd is being loud or distracting. The more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll become with your shooting technique. Stay calm and confident; Free throws can be stressful, but try to stay relaxed and focused. Take a deep breath, clear your mind, and trust in your abilities.
When I talked to Cameron Strawhacker, Number 32 a forward for the 16-6 Ames High Little Cyclones. A former Iowa 4A basketball state Champion, He leads the team with a 75% from the free throw line on all free throw shots this season. He said “Practice makes perfect, to be a consistent free throw shooter you need to work on it over and over again. It’s all about the routine, you want to keep it the same every time so you feel comfortable when it comes to high pressure in game scenarios”. It is this repeated practice and steps that have made Cameron so successful on the line.