How to Make a Foul Shot

The foul shot in basketball is one of the easier shots to make physically. However, for most players, it's the mental aspect of the shot which gets them into trouble. Everyone is watching you and you control the action of the game. To overcome the intimidation of making foul shots, you must have a good mental attitude.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Pick out a target spot on the goal. Stare at the spot for a few seconds before your shot and picture yourself making a perfect shot. Then, concentrate on the same spot while you're making the shot.
2. Ignore everything else except your target spot. Block out crowd noise, other players and even your coach. Once you have mastered the fundamentals of a foul shot, concentration is what is most important.
3. Dribble the basketball a few times before the shot. This gets you used to the feel of the ball in your hands. Make sure to only dribble a few times because dribbling too many times can be a distraction from your shot.
4. Take a deep breath and exhale. Doing this after dribbling and just before bringing the basketball back for the shot can calm you as well as oxygenate your body.
5. Remain confident. Try not to worry about missing the shot because all basketball players miss foul shots. If you do miss a shot, quickly forget about it and keep your focus on the next shot.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice foul shots regularly. Regular practice not only helps improve your fundamentals, but helps you to feel more confident and at ease with foul shots during a game.