How to Teach Kids to Shoot Foul Shots

Teaching kids how to shoot foul shots is an easy concept, for the most part. However, free throws are often under-rated in terms of importance, as they are the Achilles heel for many Hall of Fame-caliber players, such as Shaquille O'Neal and Wilt Chamberlain, for instance. Fundamentals are important, but having the right mental approach is just as significant, which is why otherwise good shooters can sometimes struggle at the free throw line.

Instructions

    • 1

      Teach the fundamentals of shooting. The kids probably have a general idea of what to do at this point, but have them practice regularly and remind them of the proper mechanics. Their shooting hand should do the work, and their guide hand should do just that: be a guide only. Also, their legs should help with the shooting motion -- they should come down and then up as they release the ball.

    • 2

      Inform the kids about free throw rules. Their body should be in line with the basket, and their toes should be just at the edge of the free throw line. Also, let them know they have only 10 seconds to shoot in most instances.

    • 3

      Tell them that they can shoot closer to the basket at first, if need be. Younger kids may find that the 15-foot distance from the basket to the line may be a bit much for them to accurately practice the fundamentals. At this point, mastering the proper form is more important than shooting from the same distance as the professionals.

    • 4

      Teach the kids to sharpen their mental focus when they're at the free throw line. Granted, elementary or middle school basketball games probably won't feature the same crazy crowd distractions that college and pro players deal with at the line. However, sometimes opposing players may employ subtle distraction techniques such as clapping their hands or coughing when the kid tries to shoot. Tell the kids that no matter how high pressure the situation, they should relax and envision just themselves and the basket, and stick to form.