BEST OF FIVE OR TEN SHOTS

This is an excellent drill for habit forming. Allow the man to retain
his position on the line for the entire number of throws if he feels free
and comfortable. He may compete with a team-mate or with an entire
group.

It is especially beneficial in the early season to use this drill and allow
the man to maintain his position on the line. Later as he has fixed his
“habits” and the action of the throw has become more or less automatic,
he should move back from the line and reestablish his position after each
throw.

In the early season do not allow the men to line up in regular positions
along the lanes. Later in the season after habits are formed, always have
men in position.

SEASON RECORD PLAN

Many coaches keep a running record of the free throws made by their
players in practice and in games. These statistics are kept on a large
chart in the dressing room or coach’s office where the players may keep
themselves informed of their progress.

The virtue of this plan is that the players are shooting in competition
each time they attempt their throws. It is also possible under this plan for
the coach to establish a definite rating of his men in this fundamental.
There is an element of danger of players being under the competitive
strain so strongly that they do not use the loose, free, muscular action neces-
sary in the correct technique and will show little or no improvement.

DRILL WITH EYES CLOSED

The player shoots five shots from the free throw line, paying special
attention to the proper swing and lift of the ball. He then steps back
from the line and attempts five shots with his eyes being closed after he
has assumed his position.

The purpose of the drill is to show him that the action of the free throw
is a mechanical one and that once the proper habits are mastered, the
percentage of “makes” will increase. The drill is only used occasionally and
usually in early season.

 

TEAM COMPETITION PLAN

The players are divided into two
squads of as near equal skill as group-
ing makes possible. The players of
each squad alternate shooting free
throws, each man shooting his at-
tempt and then resuming his place in
the line or on the free throw lane as
desired. The team shooting a total of
25 successful shots is the winner.

This drill has been used by the
writer for a number of years and has
been very valuable in the practice of
this very important phase of the
game.

28

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