Free throws are typically awarded to players following fouls called on opponents and can be game-changing if executed correctly. The successful completion of a free throw results in counting worth one point for the shooting team. When an opposition player commits a very egregious foul, the referee may give two or three free throws instead of the usual one. It involves shooting the ball from 15 feet away from the basket at high speed. Good hand-eye coordination, accurate timing, and control are key elements for successful basketball players attempting a free throw shot.

Remember the acronym BEEF when practicing your free throws - Balance, Elbow, Eye, and Follow. First, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart when lining up a shot. For most people, that's about a shoulder-width distance, but you may feel more balanced with a slightly wider or narrower stance. Plant your feet firmly on the ground before beginning.

Angle your body, so your dominant arm is closer to the hoop than your non-dominant side. This will give you more powerful accuracy when shooting a free throw shot and reduce fatigue from having too much strain on one side of your body when shooting for an extended period.

How you grip the ball is essential to successful free throw shooting. Hold the basketball with your non-dominant hand, with your fingers pointing straight up. The key is to avoid pushing the ball forward with this hand by placing it lightly on the side of the basketball and making sure your fingers don't wrap around either end. Doing this will make you less likely to have an off-center or angled shot.

One of the most important things when shooting a free throw is to bend your knees slightly. By doing so, you'll be able to preserve your balance and steadiness while shooting the ball. You should be able to make a 45-degree angle between your dominant knee and the basket when shooting. In addition, a tiny forward tilt of the weight will force the shot and prevent the weapon from tipping over in case of a miss.

When shooting a free throw, it's important to relax before taking the shot. You don't want any tension in your body, which can prevent your arm from moving smoothly. Take some deep breaths, focus on keeping your body loose, and move slowly into position.

You want to focus on the rim's center rather than the ball. Keep your gaze focused on that spot, and don't look away when it's time for you to shoot. Visualizing your shot going into the basket can help give you confidence before the ball is even released. During this process, avoid looking at other players, the crowd, or distractions around you.

To make a clean shot, you should do it by extending your shooting arm and legs. Extend your elbows entirely and press down on your toes. Once they are, quickly snap your wrist forward to move the ball toward where you want it to go. Maintain your follow-through position as the ball flies through the air before relaxing after it lands.

You need to put in a lot of practice time to improve at making free throws. If you're serious about playing basketball, you should spend at least two hours every week shooting free throws or about 250 free throws a week. Nevertheless, if you're a beginner, an excellent way to start is with 30 free throws after some other ball exercise, and you'll be good to go for the next 10 minutes. Additionally, getting a shooting partner can reduce your practice time and make it more enjoyable.