How to Execute a Horse Free Throw Takeoff Shot

Playing Basketball H-O-R-S-E is a great neighborhood game. If you want to beat everyone in the neighborhood you should know some good trick shots to eliminate the competition. Here I will focus on the Free Throw Takeoff. If you practice this shot and become proficient, you can WOW your competitors.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Basketball
• Basketball Hoop

1. Stand at the free-throw line with ball in hand and look at the basket. For showman effect, wet your finger and put it in the air to judge which direction the wind is coming from. Michael Jordan did this in a dunk contest and it was awesome!

2. Turn with your back to the basket and take 10 long paces straight out towards the half-court line.

3. Turn and face the basket and focus on the rim.

4. Dribble straight towards the free-thow line being aware of when you will be reaching the free-throw line. This should be about 10 steps as you strided it out in an earlier step.

5. When you approach the free-throw line in full motion, pick up your dribble while planting your left foot (plant your right foot if you are left handed).

6. Jump towards the basket and extend your arm out as far as possible.

7. When you reach the height of your jump, release the ball for a long-distance layup.

Tips & Warnings

• When practicing this shot, try going off the backboard and straight in—see which one you are more comfortable with.
• This shot gets easier the more often you do it—it is a great surprise shot for an opponent who has never tried it, because it takes several attempts to get used to doing it.