October 07, 2021 | Tagged Coaching
Eliminate Fear at the Free-throw Line
Overcoming the need to base your self-worth on how you play basketball.
Eliminating fear of missing or mistakes on the free throw line is crucial for success.
Your mind is the gateway for fear. Fear increases your heart rate, reduces your sensitivity and feel and restricts your muscles. Here are 7 ways to eliminate fear at the line:
- Plan your free throw routine out ahead of time.
- Practice before the season by disciplining your thoughts at the line.
- Focus on key words. Speak your routine in your mind. "Dribble twice, spin the ball, line up seams, exhale, nice follow-through, swish."
- When practicing, try and increase the pressure to make the shot. Put something as a consequence if you miss such as having to run a quick down and back, or you don't get to eat sugar for a day. Make it something that would increase your pressure to make the shot.
- Have a parent or friend try and distract you when you are at the line.
- Learn to eliminate all other thoughts except your free-throw routine
- Spend 5 to 10 minutes before falling asleep going through your freethrow routine. Imagine the shot going through the hoop. Imagine feeling perfectly calm.
Preparing to win is what will help you succeed at the line and you will have a tougher, stronger mind set when it really counts this season.
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