The Mental Aspect of Free Throw Shooting

Basketball is a fast game that often requires quick movements and decisions. However, free throw shooting is another matter entirely. This vital part of the game, which regularly plays a key role in the final outcome, tests both the psychological strength and preparation of the shooter. Some of the best basketball players in the world can easily dunk, block 7-footers and knock down three-point shots. However, when it comes to making two free throws, their Achilles heel is exposed.

While free throws keep the defense at bay, they can still be a very challenging aspect of basketball. Coaches of young athletes can do their part by emphasizing the importance of free throw shooting in practice. They can also offer tips on the mental part of the process through sports team websites. Young athletes tend to over-think when getting set at the line. A few pointers here and there could help a free throw shooter become a reliable contributor from the stripe.

Coping with a racing mind

Gerard Faure-Brac, a sports psychologist at the New South Wales Institute of Sport, said that all players deal with the mental aspect of free throw shooting, according to Phil Star. However, with a focus on balance, vision and follow-through, an athlete can improve their chances of developing real skills at the line.

“We can’t compete without stress,” Faure-Brac told the news source. “It’s a matter of coping with stress. But you’ve got to know where the stress is coming from. Is it the pressure from friends and family watching or the pressure from your school to win if you’re the main man? What’s going through your mind when you set up for a free throw? Stress is normal.”

NBA star deals with free throw issues

Rajon Rondo, point guard for the Dallas Mavericks, has a very impressive skillset. He’s a gifted passer, a strong rebounder and a pesky defender when motivated. He’s also been known to rise to the occasion for a big game. However, despite these strong traits, Rondo has long struggled with free throw shooting.

Gregory Chertok, a player development consultant at Telos Sports Psychology Coaching, told the Boston Globe that Rondo can lessen his free throw woes by finding some stability in the process.

“A return to normalcy is attainable by an athlete identifying the components that were present in his game during normal performance levels,” Chertok told the publication. “That is ‘what was I concentrating on? What was my attitude? Where were my eyes placed while shooting? How about my body posture? My breathing? How was my body feeling?’”