The Secret To Shooting Free Throws

Check out SOLID SHOT HERE: solidshot.com
Coach Nick got on the court with NCAA champion/European Pro Scooter Barry to discuss some of the keys to shooting free throws. Rhythm is one of the least talked about components to the shot, and they explain how to generate and maintain it.
Find out more about Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks, CA by clicking here: sportsacademy.us
Download our APP here: iPhone: apple.co/1IT3a2p
Droid: bit.ly/1RcjttR
SUBSCRIBE HERE FOR MORE: bit.ly/BBallSub
We're not a channel, we're a conversation. Join in via the comments below or on Twitter and Facebook!
TWITTER: bit.ly/BBallTweets
FACEBOOK: bit.ly/BBallFB
WEBSITE: bit.ly/BBallWeb
ABOUT BBALLBREAKDOWN
BBallBreakdown is devoted to deep-dive analysis of NBA basketball gameplay. Giving fans a taste of a pro coach's film session, host Coach Nick breaks down fundamentals, play calling, offense, defense, shooting form, officiating, and everything else basketball. In addition, see exclusive interviews with NBA players and coaches, from active super stars to retired legends.

[@0-Elias-0]

Markelle Fultz' shooting sleeve self-destructs after twelve shots.

[@ScottiePimpinOnGod]

I've been playing basketball for 12 years, I can nail 3s, mids whatever, but not free throws...until yesterday. It took me 12 years of experimenting to find my form. I don't miss now, like, at all. I'm a guard so I tried imitating the form of elite NBA point guards because I couldn't get results with my own form at the line. This didn't work, until one day I was just shooting around taking some silly shots and I jokingly tried to imitate the form of my favourite player, Nikola Jokic. It was amazing, I made my first 18 free throws, something I could never sniff before. I don't know, something about this form was built for me, and I wanted to share this bizarre story. I learned that bad free throw shooters don't exist, they just haven't found their form yet.

[@absolutenonfactoronthecourt]

Chauncey Trillups I gotta try that

[@supremegaming1152]

Chauncey Trillups LoL I started 2 weeks ago and I have like 60/100 for free throw shots lol I can nail 3’s to I’m 11 btw

[@gtprodz5673]

I got a good middy but no free throw and 3

[@TheVideoChain]

this dude sounds like he ate Bill Simmons for breakfast

[@akgardner5]

lmfao

[@ThePrufessa]

hahaaaaaa

[@TheVideoChain]

so it's not just me. .. good

[@kj_sh604]

Hahaha

[@moniquewrites9046]

You ain't right ! 😂😆😆😂

[@AbracadabraFC]

5:07 nice layup on the background court there.

[@h2lo704]

I found that the mind game is also important in shooting free throw. I have coached some horrible free throw shooters before. The first thing I tell them is to visualize how the ball is being shot, how he should move his hands, his body and the whole shooting mechanics before shooting the ball. This apparently helped in improving their free throw... of course the shooting form is important. But with shooters that have the right form but still missing during game, the problem is mental more than mechanics.

[@lalos9782]

After watching this I'm now the best free throw shooter EVER. Thanks coach!! (Great vid btw nick)

[@Beleven]

...

[@bballbreakdown]

+eduardo serrano awesome!

[@concepciion4758]

Oh yeah yeah

[@oliverhumphries1840]

Anyone else just watching the guys playing the background?

[@Kk-lt1hs]

Uhhhh..... I’m just watching a little.... Way do you have to expose me?

[@jonabohm5026]

Now I am 😂😂

[@ulisesmartinez251]

Drummond and Jordan need that sleeve ASP

[@Blackice70009]

tru

[@IXIGamesrulesIXI]

No rondo needs it the most

[@hunyango2k]

you read my thoughts...

[@Dragonblazeromega]

+Seb Fi (Taco) Drummond needs it way more

[@jamesblackman253]

Also Dwight Howard...

[@scottdadika4720]

Outstanding, Great Stuff. Been teaching this way for years and glad too see a member of the one of the best basketball families demo this. Being a ProShot fan and teacher of those mechanics, this is awesome!!!

[@0401412740]

no secret coach. it just 300 free throws everyday consistently. same form. 5 days a week.

[@dizziedylan]

Thank you so much my free throws have dropped like 10-20% this is gonna be super helpful

[@bballbreakdown]

+dizziedylan keep me updated!

[@jorizsarmiento6820]

+BBALLBREAKDOWN shut d fuck up

[@jabaarivisbaloz7669]

+Joriz Sarmiento get the fuck out stop hating boi

[@jorizsarmiento6820]

+Boyd Robertson puta edi wow

[@karmanbhela7978]

@@bballbreakdown still using this video after 5 years

[@daviddidenko8779]

Is that zlatan with a 360 lay up at 5:08

[@greenhilll831]

sure is XD

[@shlomomodelevsky6930]

5:22 "three dribbles" does 2 dribbles

[@zacharyddrzipac]

Hi coach! I just want to share my free throw techniques here. For the past 5 years I've been shooting my shots with he ball right in front of my head, and while I was a very good shooter, I struggled with free throws that way due to the inability to jump on my shot. I also didn't have enough arc on my shot and I don't follow the flight of the ball. However when I put my hand a little to the side of my face, I was able to shoot with a form similar to Klay Thompson's and it was way easier for me to get enough arc. Now I only shoot with this traditional side form with 3 pointers because I am not strong/tall enough to shoot with with my normal form behind nba 3 point lines. I also rarely miss free throws this way.

[@6ix750]

the only place i've played basketball is in 2k... dont know what am doing here

[@6ix750]

still subscribed though

[@jordylont1879]

Lol

[@febbra2]

Beware of playing real Bball, you might injure yourself

[@linhe6729]

I play basketball a lot and I can see how this sleeve can be very helpful

[@bballbreakdown]

+Lin He awesome.

[@GG-lr3gv]

And this coach, is WHAT THEY NEED!!!

[@TheMinecraftJones]

anyone else watching the kids in the background?

[@shedinja_88]

yes lmao

[@samd5922]

I was lookin' at them chairs bruh

[@kylekaeshafonseca6846]

QQ

[@eyadtamer7399]

That's the guy from i love basketball

[@jjawil494]

Yuh

[@tormentor91]

Started doing this a while ago and it's a lot more consistent. It kind of makes sense to teach it the other way initially, just because you can focus on the form a lot better, but at some point you have tto take the next step.

[@bballbreakdown]

+tormentor91 I hear ya, if that works for you.

[@zansereni1034]

Thanks so much!!! I'm a shooting guard I could drive and shoot very well, but can't hit free throws. My coach on my school team makes me shoot a hundred a day and right after this video my average went up wonders. In these few days my average of the past 6 days is 84 percent, coming from a 64 percent. In games I'm hitting them now.

[@chinobuba]

Damn , beautiful courts. Wish we had something like this in Guatemala :(

[@theheebs100]

Thanks for this video. I've always been a good mid-range shooter, and hitting from the line has been a sweet spot. I've never been a good free throw shooter though. I never really noticed until watching this that I position my feet incorrectly when setting for free throws. When I get a chance I'll work on it and see if I make improvements.

[@bballbreakdown]

+theheebs100 keep me updated!

[@goodman5836]

Any improvement?

[@theheebs100]

life has been busy. moved to other side of the world, got married, started a new job. think I will have a chance to play some this weekend though

[@goodman5836]

happy for you man

[@ChillerSession]

I think the aspect of psychology was not covered well. Pro Shot Shooting recommended to think about the mechanics all the time. They cover the mechanics in depth as well. Pro Shot Shooting really is the way to go. Every other shooting advice like this seems to lack compared to them.

[@kagejuunin774]

Great video coach nick! can you please do some more history of the nba videos? maybe 1974 celtics - suns triple overtime game?

[@bballbreakdown]

+Senna Parish thanks! And I've got this game all set... Stay tuned!

[@conorfisher6290]

This channel is actually amazing

[@bballbreakdown]

+Conor Fisher thanks!!

[@ThePrufessa]

I noticed that when I stand on my tip toes a little bit my free throws are much more accurate.

[@ThePrufessa]

+Khali Williams actually that is what I meant by tip toe. it actually is the balls of my feet and not my tip toes. since I'm from Detroit I noticed that Drummond stands totally flatfoot during his shots. I'm willing to bet that if he lifted to the balls of his feet he would see at least a 20% uptick. I know when I finally noticed the difference the shot percentage was drastically changed. and I'm not even a serious player. I was just out shooting around one day and had a free throw shooting contest (no money involved). it seems like Jordan and Drummond don't even try to tweak their mechanics.

[@tyler8447]

hyperarch

[@ThePrufessa]

JaMario Fantasia what are you talking about

[@greatkhali2000]

+ThePrufessa yeah thats definitely a solid observation, shooting flat footed is really calling for inconsistency.

[@tyler8447]

Look it up. That's what Khali Williams is talking about.

[@thebestfreethrowcoach6123]

Good video.

[@Ddong923]

The secret is to shoot free throws like Rick Barry! He shot 89% free throws using underhand

[@treythewise5937]

Nahhhh steph curry

[@GG-vr7qt]

Great video coach

[@bballbreakdown]

+Boris Gjotev thanks!

[@GG-vr7qt]

+BBALLBREAKDOWN and i put these little details in my free throw,thansk

[@TheMinecraftJones]

Sweet kicks coach!

[@bballbreakdown]

+TheAFKGamer 👍🏀👊

[@batsquad2046]

good vid

[@meanmachine99999]

Wouldn't granny style free throws be one of the best methods

[@seanjones2090]

lol. At first I didn't get it, then remembered that his dad shot free throws like that.

[@Ddong923]

Natnael Tilaye it is tho, why was rick Barry the third over free throw shooter

[@fuckboi_factory8876]

The only issue is that it would be hard for your team to grab the rebound on it as it either goes out or lightly off the rim to the guy on the low post (which is an opponent)

[@brady.widlake]

Only Rick Barry could pull that off

[@doppel6785]

Joakin Noah should Watch this video

[@carlosboozer1760]

Someone tell DJ about this channel

[@jamesiu1234567]

new look bulls breakdown please!

[@steverliu1886]

Hi Coach Nick and Scooter, do you also endorse the "Steve Nash" free throw warmup shot without the ball as taught by Fake Fundamentals Brian McCormick? Very interesting insight into the differences between the first and the second free throw.

[@bballbreakdown]

+Stever Liu I like that too!

[@monkas6077]

well i need that!

[@seanandre2736]

where is that gym at????

[@gullo1049]

2019 anyone?

[@dawsonbrown4489]

can we buy these

[@_Maxten]

i shoot a 2 motion shot so forcing myself to not jump during a 1 motion free throw feels weird, like its not fluid. i used to be an 80% ft shooter but then i realized that my FT form had a lower set point than my normal jumpshot because i was making myself shoot quicker so im trying to change it but its weird

[@lubu1270]

what are those points on his arm sleeve?

[@pezzypiff8375]

I'm already a pretty good free throw shooter, but I want to get better. Hopefully this video can help!

[@bballbreakdown]

+SplashBrosv2 I was a really good ft shooter and I did it 2 motion. When I adjusted to 1 Motion, I still make them but it's SO much easier!

[@ClearReception]

Pretty sweet.

[@SuperSaiyanMatthew1]

Skips to the end to see if hes in.

[@SuperAgolding]

Coach, what impact do you think the size of your hand has on shooting free throws or just shooting in general? I find that when i practice the ball tends to slide off different positions on my finger tips... creating a great deal of inconsistency. I feel like if i had Kawai Leonard hands it would make shooting/life so much easier. Thoughts?

[@SuperAgolding]

Secondly, what kind of finger formation would you advise? Ive watched a ton of videos, all kind of suggesting a "Y" formation, using your index and middle finger to control the path of the ball as you're flicking your wrist. But then others have found success with a "W" type formation, using more the ring and middle finger to direct while the index becomes more of a supporting finger. Sorry we're getting into the finite details here. Forgive me if this is a irrelevant!

[@bballbreakdown]

+Ali Golding I don't think it matters. With good practice, your hand can figure out how to get a consistent release regardless of size.

[@bballbreakdown]

+Ali Golding I believe the index finger is most important. I've also heard all sorts of things about hand placement on the ball itself. If you use the index finger, then it makes sense to me to have that finger aligned to middle of the ball. For fun, try this: tuck your ring and pinkie fingers in and just shoot with thumb, index and middle finger. See if that even changes anything...

[@SuperAgolding]

Awesome!! Thanks for the response :) Will give that a try and see if I can gain any strides in the consistency department (y) Love the videos and analysis by the way. Looking forward to another NBA season - Keep it up! Shoutout from Cape Town, South Africa !

[@leonmudri6683]

can someone give me some tips or link a video for free throws because I have always been a great mid range shooter but I miss every single free throw although my coach says that I did everything right

[@leonmudri6683]

also I am a 12 year old kid and I jump a little bit on free throws

[@Dragonblazeromega]

Does this also help with regular shots, like 3pt shot?

[@bballbreakdown]

+Greatness Demands Everything the rhythm we talked about absolutely is crucial to 3 point shots.

[@lvrlark]

Not me watching a basketball video for virtual school when I don't even know how to dribble

[@A.N.Suldan]

still don't get why guys like Drummond,howard etc can't learn to make their free throws,considering how long they've been playing the game and the resources available to them.I guess I've underestimated the mental part of it,but just weird how these guys get paid a lot of money but don't show improvement year to year.

[@Ziamangry]

It's not that. The reason they're bad is because they're just too strong. Many big men can't shoot because they over do it. They can't make that precision accuracy, but there is definitely some work ethic issues.

[@MinecraftTheGod]

Dwight has improved his shooting amazingly this offseason, he should make around 70%.

[@A.N.Suldan]

Adrian Grant Dwight has always been good in practice but chokes up in game time pressure

[@A.N.Suldan]

Ziamangry those guys are lazy,i remember Lebron when he has a bad free throw night,he always works on it that night and shoots better the next game.

[@MinecraftTheGod]

Chaos or Anarchy He's worked on his form, mindset and free throw routine.

[@lyan9923]

Hey Coach! sorry for posting the question here but please allow me. :) How does NBA manage the game time? with news of Tim Duncan retiring, videos of D. Fisher's 0.4 seconds game winning shot surfaces as well. So in situations where only milliseconds remaining in game time, how is this critical aspect of the game addressed? thanks a lot!

[@bballbreakdown]

+Lyan Villacorta if there are less than 0.3 secs on clock, you cannot do anything but tip the ball

[@lyan9923]

but how about Derek Fisher? adding 0.1 seems nothing marginally from tipping the ball with 0.3 secs vs. Receiving the ball, half-turning, and lifting the ball, and ultimately shooting it.

[@kennethc.2921]

Can he do the Rick Barry overhand free-throw lol

[@deyvi9995]

man i was just thinking about the idea of developing a shooting sleeve like this lmao man just ruined my dreams lol

[@hustlewestbrook4118]

well NBA players won't need to worry because NBA took away hack a shaq

[@derrickrose96]

No, they didnt. Teams are still gonna be able to do it for the First 10 minutes of each quarter

[@necatiozyakup9058]

How much

[@Mo-mw4it]

Wow been watching your videos for years, can't believe I haven't been subscribed. lol oops

[@FideTheProducer]

Im waitin for the day coach goes "You In?" and one of his guest say "Nah b"

[@jmaj0315]

please send one to Andre Drummond. for the whole state of michigan

[@jamariiion]

They at Jordan rec

[@mhballer93]

You don't have to start really low by your feet necessarily. Look up Ellena delle donne's free throw. She brings it up, pauses and then shoots with 93% highest out of all pros!

[@roryscottish8053]

I have a great idea What about a World Cup of basketball free throws Like a penalty shoot out with 5 players each Take a penalty shoot out style game Many teams play in an event in the same day Multiple teams play each other on the same day Internationals or club sides Held over a day or two days in a group stage trophy with the best teams qualifying for a play off round then a final It would be cool😎👍

[@ReCharredSigh]

if it's that important to sync your legs up with your shooting arm when shooting free throws, you would think some of these companies would also invent a knee sleeve with lights on it to go with that special shooting sleeve. also, since scooter is a barry, i expected him at some point in the video to explain how to shoot underhanded like rick barry.

[@bballbreakdown]

+ReCharredSigh that is interesting. I think it can measure vertical distance moved, which would get the knee bend. I'll pass this along.

[@7PacCJ]

I saw that guy selling that thing at Summer League

[@bballbreakdown]

+Ghost Vortekz 👊🏀👍👍

[@jordylont1879]

This is just an add for that sleeve thing

[@bballbreakdown]

+Jordy Lont nope. Tons of important information here.

[@xshibly]

+BBALLBREAKDOWN sellout

[@frtz8609]

stop that. How you call someone sell out that deliveres amazing informations, tons of analysis and stuff others don't even think about for free? name one place where you can find better data for less money. Exactly, this is already free, so you won't. Have you ever thought about how much time it takes to make these videos?! and you call someone a sellout that dosen´t even have a product name or link in the video. keep it up Coach!

[@Wangste002]

I would love to just watch a 7 minute video of this guy shooting fts over and over again.

[@finnishattherim3530]

Someone please figure out how many is too many shots. when do u start to not be effective out there. Sometimes I feel that less can be more with that flo state psych stuff

[@reedpddy]

Coach Nick the type of guy guy to wear curry 2 lows to play

[@zuffyg4772]

Someone should link Deandre Jordan and Drummond

[@GunterJPN]

Should have had his dad there. He knows the REAL solid shot from the free throw line! But I guess Solid Shot and Dot Shot would be competitors...

[@baby_pluto0053]

Rick Barry is goat no cap

[@nutsoutformikevi1013]

Lebron Need to watch this bballbreakdown video (I'm a Lbj fan)

[@longjohnsilverthorne7766]

Lebron is 6'8 and benches well over 300 pounds. That is why his percentage is not high, not becuase he doesn't practice.

[@nutsoutformikevi1013]

+LongJohn Silverthorne nooooooo I didn't know he just has magical basketball powers. it was obviously a joke

[@Ryan-yu5kt]

+LongJohn Silverthorne stop making excuses.... also he doesnt weigh 300 let alone "well over"... at most hes probly 245 since he lost weight from his heat days

[@Oshieez]

+LongJohn Silverthorne It doesn't matter how strong you are. You really think the human body can't adapt to that? If he leaned back a bit he would relax his shoulder and have less power on his shot. That's the problem right? he's too strong apparently?

[@Toshino2452]

+Beast Buns he put on his Instagram a couple months ago he weighs 260. No way he weighs at most 245 have you seen his body?

[@noose9081]

I used to make free throws easy then I grew two inches and now I struggle a lot of my mechanics are just the same as before but they just don’t go in

[@kamilerdini9858]

he sounds just like Bones :)

[@Flamangatang]

Elena Delle Donne is the best free throw shooter in basketball and she has a long pause while holding the "L".

[@mr.nobody8181]

I heard this segment on the radio that claimed shooting free throws underhanded was more effective?!?

[@bballbreakdown]

+Life is a Dream I agree! I've got Rick Barry on my podcast coming up!

[@TheMinecraftJones]

5:50 hey coach hate to break it to you but curry flops his wrist like that.. not quite as exaggerated tho

[@MrDiMES123]

He has ugly form

[@nathanjohnson6188]

hey coach can you do a vid on milfs

[@johnbautista4948]

Just focus on making.the shot. Don't worry about the form.

[@pimpmoney909]

2:55 seems device liked the bad shooting form

[@ahhok8683]

Watch and learn shaq

[@MGFishin]

The most important thing with free throws is to stay calm

[@tctaklha]

Skip to 5:06 look at the background. Guy makes a contested spinning layup... Don't ask me how I noticed that.

[@dsgsdgf]

Someone please show this to Andre Drummond

[@teamraiyn7985]

when i shoot i jump forward

[@ruminator3570]

Larry Bird stops his motion unlike scooter.

[@Kinlui1022]

NBA doesn't need this anymore. They just set new rules to favor the bad free throw shooters.

[@Herv3]

Do this with an underhanded free throw shooter.

[@doctorwilly]

Will only buy it If that thing can bring deandre Jordan's ft % to 70+

[@bencline5559]

Give one of those arm things to deandre Jordan

[@sule4364]

3:08 one kid gets exposed

[@reedpddy]

Coach Nick the type of guy guy to wear curry 2 lows

[@gagiga18]

He sounds exactly like Brent

[@zahntalley104]

Bryson Tiller in the beginning

[@_ericplace]

Just curious: Why no likes/dislikes/comments on the Aaron Gordon video? Was it sponsored content (ZTE)? Did viewers object to that? Although parts of the interview did kinda seem a bit pre-screened/scripted, I thought it was a solid interview... and it really wasn't trying to sell me anything... 🤔

[@bballbreakdown]

+Eric Place I don't understand. There are 450 likes and 180 comments on the video. Did u miss those?

[@_ericplace]

+BBALLBREAKDOWN interesting: they didn't show up on mobile the first couple times I loaded the video. Now they're there though! I'm gonna go add a like to the pile ✌🏼

[@bballbreakdown]

+Eric Place 👊👍🏀

[@Loyal2law]

I think -- hear me out -- I think this is a "video response" to the new NBA ruling about the Hack-A-Shaq, and a silent, strong message to the NBA players who have very low free throw %. Kinda like a sandpaper reminder that, it's their flaw for not making free throws, and this is a tutorial for them to learn from so that they can work on it.

[@bballbreakdown]

+Loyal2law haha, okay! Sounds good to me.

[@kambion]

Someone show Kris Dunn.

[@bri888]

coach Nick, did you ask him why he doesn't do underhanded free throws like his dad?

[@bballbreakdown]

+brian espina I didn't and I will!

[@nemesisweb3749]

that was bones shaved right?...right?

[@redhawkin3426]

there is no secret lmao just fuckin practice and make the same movement so its built into your Movement memory

[@SilkyLew]

I'm the glad the finals are over. people we were getting hostile lol