The Importance of Free Throws in Basketball: Key Reasons and Improvement Tips

Free throws are one of the most crucial parts of the game of basketball. There are numerous reasons why they are so important. Here are a few key points:

1. They Provide Points

Free throws provide points for your team in key scenarios. Anytime in the game, a “free basket” can always help the team. Consistently making free throws can be the difference between winning and losing.

2. Helps Control the Pace of Play

Free throws help control the pace of play. This allows your team to set up on defense and provides a quick break when the play is stopped. Controlling the tempo is essential for strategic gameplay.

3. Higher Free Throw Percentage Correlates with Winning

A known fact within the basketball community is that the team with more free throws tends to win the game. Free throws contribute significantly to the final score, and a higher free throw percentage often correlates with a higher chance of victory.

4. Exploiting Opponents’ Weaknesses

On the opposite side of the spectrum, if the team you are playing for isn’t great at free throws, you can have an advantage in that area. This will allow you to win more games. The quote “No easy baskets” will reign true, emphasizing the importance of free-throw shooting.

Drills to Improve Free Throw Skills

If you want to improve your free throw shooting, here are a few drills that Athletes Untapped coaches recommend:

  • Practice Often: As the adage goes, “practice makes perfect.” If you are willing to practice free throws every day for 10–20 minutes, this will increase your skill. If you want to master this skill, stay in the gym until you have made 100 free throws daily. For perfection, stay in the gym until you make free throws until you can’t miss.
  • Create Pressure: AU coaches often preach practicing like a game. Coaches will often try to emulate game pressure by encouraging sprints or other punishments on the line to create more motivation and simulate game conditions.

Athletes Untapped coaches will show you the ropes on how to master techniques in order to become a great free-throw shooter. With this newfound knowledge, go out today and make 100 free throws on your own! Mastering free throws requires hard work and determination, principles we emphasize at Athletes Untapped. With the right coaches guiding you step by step, you can develop these essential skills and gain a competitive edge on the court. Staying dedicated and motivated will yield results through private coaching.

To find a private basketball coach near you, visit our site: Athletes Untapped.

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