Lost art of FT shooting

In the ongoing PBA Philippine Cup, seven of 12 teams are shooting less than 70 percent from the free throw line. Magnolia leads the league at 77.5 percent, meaning no team is hitting at least 80 percent. In the NBA this past regular season, all 30 teams shot at least 70 percent and four at least 80. Oklahoma City topped the standings at 81.3 percent and it’s no surprise as shooting doctor Chip Engelland is in the coaching staff.

Free throw shooting can make the difference between winning or losing. Take Meralco’s 105-104 win over NorthPort last May 9. The Batang Pier missed 18 free throws, shooting 45.5 percent, and lost by a single point. If NorthPort shot even 50 percent from the stripe, the Bolts would’ve lost. In the UAAP eliminations last season, no team hit at least 70 percent. Champion UP shot 60.7 percent and runner-up La Salle, 62.9. In the title-clinching Game 3 of the Finals, the Archers missed 16 free throws and lost by four.

For some reason, free throw shooting is a lost art in local basketball. It’s almost automatic when Korean, Japanese and Taipei players shoot free throws but with Filipinos, the struggle for consistency is a concern. Developing a smooth free throw stroke should start from the formative years. It should be a priority with coaches to make foul shooting a distinct specialty. Back in the day, big men were traditionally poor foul shooters because they were raised to post up, score layups, dunk, drop step and hoist jump hooks. But now, more and more centers are taking threes and perimeter jumpers like Jokic, Porzingis and Towns.

There are many styles to shoot free throws. Wilt Chamberlain tried at least five ways, including shooting underhanded like Rick Barry. Dion Waiters and Michael Adams shot from an angle away from center. NBA legend Hal Greer took free throws like a jump shot. Beau Belga and Cliff Hodge shoot with one hand like Don Nelson used to. Some players bank their shots from the window. Nick Van Exel flipped free throws about two feet from the line. In the NBA, a player has 10 seconds to shoot a free throw. In the PBA, it’s eight and in FIBA, five.

Here are 10 tips to improve foul shooting.

First, bend the knees. The extra push from the legs could help especially when you’re tired. Second, shuffle the shoulders. It loosens muscles and lessens tension. Third, put a spin and high arc to create a shooter’s bounce if it’s not a flawless swish. Fourth, shoot the ball with the wrist from the tips of the fingers, not push off the palm. Fifth, practice makes perfect for muscle memory.

Sixth, set sights on the goal, visualize the ball going in, don’t be distracted and stay focused. Seventh, shoot with confidence, don’t doubt yourself. Eighth, find a regular spot at the line, don’t vary, develop a routine or habit to make you comfortable. Jason Kidd blew a kiss before a shot to compose himself. Ninth, feel the grooves of the ball with your fingers for a suitable hold. Lastly, take a deep breath, be calm before releasing. Some coaches tend to deemphasize free throw shooting in their drills because players can do it on their own but should realize technique, shooting skills and mental focus are things that can be learned with guidance.