WANT BETTER FT's?

One of the easiest things to work on over the Summer is FT's. Yet few players take the time to do so and it usually shows during the regular season. Whether it's at the gym or in your driveway, try and shoot 25 made FT's a day this summer and watch your FT% skyrocket.

Think deep

Don’t focus on just clearing the lip of the hoop. Aim about four inches past the center of it so the ball ends up a couple of inches from the back of the rim.

Get high

Shooting from a low position will make you chuck the ball, increasing potential for error. Release the ball as far from the ground as you comfortably can. But don't jump, as this is harder to practice in exactly the same way every time. A free throw is taken from a standing position.

Rainbow it

You want a gentle arc, launched at a about a 50-degree angle. At the peak of its trajectory, the ball should be about 2 inches below the top of the backboard.

Arc is in the knees

Bending your knees, crouching slightly before you shoot, and then using the knees as fluid springs to launch your shot gives your shot the consistent gentle arc. Adjust your knee springs to increase or decrease distance and to perfect the arc of your shot.

Control the orbit

Backspin is your friend. To deaden the rock on impact, go for about three full revolutions.

The shooting hand

On your shooting hand, try using the index and middle finger spread across the center back of the ball. These two fingers are the last contact with the ball as it leaves the hand. This allows a more consistent launch and left-right aim. Bring the ball up near your nose and sight between the two fingers over the ball. Whether you use two or three fingers, or have more palm launch, find what works for you, and then be conscious of this and consistent.

(Thanks e-wiki)