Free throws are one of the few aspects of basketball that every player can master with practice. The greatest free throw shooters in history didn’t just rely on talent; they developed a rock-solid routine that made their mechanics automatic.
Why a Routine Matters
A great free throw routine is about building muscle memory, focus, and confidence. A consistent routine ensures that every free throw feels the same, whether it’s the first quarter or a game-winning shot in overtime.
Breaking Down the Greats: What Made Them Elite?
Here’s a look at some of the best free throw shooters in history’s routines:
Stephen Curry (NBA Career FT%: ~91%)
-Takes a deep breath before every shot
-Keeps his follow-through high and relaxed
Steve Nash (NBA Career FT%: ~90%)
-Mimicked his shooting motion without the ball before taking each shot to visualize making the shot before shooting
-Dribbled the ball 3 times and then took a deep breath to calm nerves before shooting
Elena Delle Donne (WNBA Career FT%: ~93%)
-Uses simple routine to limit mistakes
-Uses self talk, says “it’s going in” to herself every time
How to Build Your Own Free Throw Routine
Find a Comfortable Dribble Pattern – Some players dribble three times, spin the ball in their hands and others don’t dribble at all. Find what works for you.
Use Breathing to Calm Down – Take a deep breath before every shot to relax. Use personal keywords to maintain positivity (i.e swish, smooth, trust, make)
Keep Your Form the Same – Every free throw should look identical, from stance to follow-through.
Trust Your Routine – Once you develop your process, stick with it, no matter the situation.
Final Thought: By considering the routines of the greatest shooters, you can develop a free throw that’s automatic, consistent, and reliable in high pressure moments.