How the Greatest Free Throw Shooters in History Built Their Routine—and How You Can Too
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.
