Improve Your Free Throws...Score More Points

Want to score a few extra points a game?

Who doesn't?

Here's one way to do it: improve your free throw shooting.

Pretty simple, huh? But it's true. If you shoot a couple free throws a game, and aren't a very good free throw shooter, you're missing out on some easy points. And if you go to the line 8 or 10 times a game, that's 8 or 10 points you should be putting up on the board.

If you struggle at the line, you're leaving points on the table, and your scoring average is going to suffer.

People don't break it down to what it really is: missed opportunity. If you miss 2 or 3 free throws a game, your scoring average is 2 or 3 points below what it could be.

Of course, no one is going to hit 100% of their free throws. But you'd be surprised at how many people shoot 60% or 65% from the line and don't think it's a big deal. I do.

If those players could get up to 80% or 85% from the line, they'd easily add points to their scoring average. And what kind of season would you rather have: average 7 points a game, or average 10? It's just an example, but you get the idea.

And here's another benefit to shooting free throws well: there are usually a couple of technical fouls per game. Wouldn't it be great if you were such a good free throw shooter that you got to shoot the technical foul shots for your team? That's another great way to get an extra couple of points a game and tack them onto your scoring average.

Learn to shoot free throws well. You'll be amazed at how much of an effect it can have on your scoring average.

In case you need convincing: I remember one college game when I went 12 for 13 from the line. Good thing I was a good free throw shooter.

Practice shooting free throws until you become very good at it. Develop a consistent routine at the line. Block out everything else around you (crowd noise, the score, etc.). Take a deep breath, bend your knees, and knock the shot down.

Become a good free throw shooter and watch your scoring average go up. Become a great free throw shooter, and watch your scoring average go up, your playing time increase, and your team win more games.

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