Free throws are an important part of playing basketball. To be a good free throw shooter, you have to make sure that you've mastered certain techniques. This page will instruct you in the best methods to learn how to shoot a free throw. When you're done, visit Mahalo's comprehensive guide on playing basketball like a pro.

In basketball, a free throw is awarded to a player that has been fouled.NBA.com: RULE NO.9-FREE THROW The free-throw line is 15 feet from the basket and as the player attempts the shot, the defenders are not allowed to block the shot.NBA.com: RULE NO.9-FREE THROW The free throw is worth one point, unlike a field goal, which is worth two or three, depending on the distance from the basket. Pro players like Rick Barry and Karl Malone gained reputations as great free throw artists. NBA.com: Art of the Free Throw

• Getting ready to shoot the free throw will increase your chances for an accurate shot.

1. Line your feet up along the free throw line.Inside Hoops: Free Throws
2. Position your lead foot—right for right-handed shooters, left for left-handed—directly in front of the basket.Inside Hoops: Free Throws
3. Square your shoulders to the hoop. Marie Claire: Basketball Free Throw
4. Make sure your shooting elbow is pointed toward the basket and in a 90-degree position. Marie Claire: Basketball Free Throw
5. Place the ball on your fingertips. Youth Basketball Tips: Free Throw The palm of your shooting hand should be facing the basket.
6. Cradle and balance the ball with your non-shooting hand. Youth Basketball Tips: Free Throw

• Do not underestimate the mental aspect of shooting a free throw.

1. Relax and clear your mind before you prepare to shoot.Inside Hoops: Free Throws
2. Bounce the ball several times or devise some other routine to help you time your shot.Inside Hoops: Free Throws
3. Visualize the shot going over the rim and through the hoop. BBC: The Mental Aspects of Free Throw Shooting It may sound far-fetched, but it works.

• If you've done the above preparation, the rest is simple.

1. Bend your knees and use a down and up motion in the legs to provide momentum. BBC: The Mental Aspects of Free Throw Shooting
2. Aim toward the front of the rim. Active: Shoot Free Throws Like a Pro
3. Extend and straighten your knees and shoot in one fluid motion. Youth Basketball Tips: Free Throw
4. Follow through. This involves an exaggerated motion of your shooting hand following the ball as you flick your wrist and propel it toward the rim. Youth Basketball Tips: Free Throw

• Shooting a free throw correctly one time is fine. But learn to do it correctly over and over and you are on your way to the NBA.

1. Repetition of your free-throw shooting routine results in muscle memory, which means your arms, hands and wrists will automatically go through the same motions that result in the correct form. BBC: The Mental Aspects of Free Throw Shooting
2. Practice visualizing your shots by shooting free throws with your eyes closed. Power Basketball: Using Imagery to Improve Free Throw Shooting
3. In addition, shooting under different simulated game circumstances will help you to expect the unexpected. BBC: The Mental Aspects of Free Throw Shooting

• By following the above steps and concentrating on correct technique, you are sure to become the kind of player nobody will foul—your free throws will always go in!