3 Keys to Increase Foul Shooting Percentage
I was an excellent foul shooter and i can still shoot them pretty well. My record for consecutive made is 178 straight and I’m proud of that because it isn’t easy at all. It always came natural to me because I had some great teachers and always had good shot form. I’ve taught these to a number of people but since foul shooting is something everyone should do well I figured I’d go into my strategy.
1. Rhythm and Routine: Get into a rhythm and routine when shooting foul shots and don’t waiver. I don’t sit there and hold the ball for ten seconds and then go into a quick shot. I get the ball and dribble once, set my feet and shoot. I believe that if I focus on the routine that I forget about the pressure or stress of the shot and it works. You’ve heard it a hundred times, but do the same thing each time you shoot the ball. Get in a rhythm.
2. Clear your mind: This one is overlooked and not really talked about, but clear your mind by getting rid of negative feelings. Take a second once you get the ball to take a deep breath and clear out feelings about being fouled or missing a previous shot or a turnover. Take the breath and put it all behind you. I once heard Michael Jordan talk about how important it was for him to clear his mind before a foul shot because he got fouled hard a lot and had a lot of pressure so he used the foul shot to put everything behind him that had happened already and be done with it. Great strategy.
3. Understand basic shooting principles: A few basics will make all the difference in the world here. If your elbow is straight the ball will travel straight. If you are lined up straight on the foul line then the issue becomes short or long and that’s always the best way to go. Second, point your toe where you want the ball to go. Your feet help align your shoulders so if your feet are pointed straight then it helps the ball stay on a straight course. These sound simple but they must be practiced. Players that are good foul shooters practice foul shots until they are great foul shooters.
I tell players all the time that your feet should point the way you are aiming your shot. So if your feet are pointed away from the hoop then that’s really where your body is trying to aim. This is a key for shooters who want distance on their shot as well if you are a 3 point shooter because when your feet are pointed correctly and when they aren’t you shoot against your body and it limits your range and makes your shot flat. There are times I can play defense on someone and tell if they are going to make a shot or miss it based solely on the position of their elbow and feet when they shoot a ball.
Examples of good foul shooters : Jose Calderon of the Raptors
Examples of what not to do: Tim Duncan…He hits in the 60’s but he violates everything I teach young players about the art of the foul shot. His feet are pointed in, he holds the ball too long and goes right into his shot and it looks rushed. He hasn’t improved over the years either like most players do.
