Free throws

[HuskyNan]

I’ve seen some mentions of free throws in another thread. Overall, the team is making its free throws, except Aaliyah (normally excellent from the line), Nika, and KK. I would like to see the designated sniper, Ashlynn, get to the charity stripe more - something to work on in the future.

 

[Centerstream]

Even though she has a small sampling, Ice could be added to the "except" list - 3 for 8, .375.
I believe that I posted in Louisville post game thread that the Huskies needed to find out the methods of the Cardinal's FT coach. Watching the game live, it seemed to me that every one of their FTs were nothing but net. However, after seeing the game stats, they weren't perfect from the charity stripe.

 

[Blond D.]

Free throws are something you can work on in your own time. Better to do it after a workout when youre tired.

 

[and one]

I, along with every basketball coach on the planet, find the ability or lack thereof to make foul shots mystifying. Dispite foul shots being unguarded medium range shots that often are the difference between a W or an L, too many players are just not very good at it. And these are people who are gym rats that have been shooting a basketball since they were in grade school. It is the one thing in basketball that a short slow 15 year old can compete head to head with a pro, and can add significantly to a players scoring average, yet still is a skill too many players lack.

Excepting a few bigs that don't venture far from the paint, my cut off point for what is acceptable is 80%. Of the four UConn players who have enough attempts to make statistics meaningful, only Aubrey makes the grade at 82%. Paige at 79% is puzzling. KK at 66% is criminal. AE is at a bad 68%; she seems to cycle through periods when she hits 85% and periods when she shoots 50%. I doubt Geno or AE could say why.

 

[Rowdy831]

I, along with every basketball coach on the planet, find the ability or lack thereof to make foul shots mystifying. Dispite foul shots being unguarded medium range shots that often are the difference between a W or an L, too many players are just not very good at it. And these are people who are gym rats that have been shooting a basketball since they were in grade school. It is the one thing in basketball that a short slow 15 year old can compete head to head with a pro, and can add significantly to a players scoring average, yet still is a skill too many players lack.

Excepting a few bigs that don't venture far from the paint, my cut off point for what is acceptable is 80%. Of the four UConn players who have enough attempts to make statistics meaningful, only Aubrey makes the grade at 82%. Paige at 79% is puzzling. KK at 66% is criminal. AE is at a bad 68%; she seems to cycle through periods when she hits 85% and periods when she shoots 50%. I doubt Geno or AE could say why.

My take on AE is she is playing a lot of manual labor minutes and free throw shooting goes down when you are tired. When you have a guard who penetrates shooting mid 60s that is the bigger issue for me. Paige at less than 70% is also puzzling since she should be 90% with her shot and focus.

Maybe they should practice their freethrows with mens BB in practice. Make the rim seem bigger when in the game.

 

[JellyBean]

Free throws are something you can work on in your own time. Better to do it after a workout when youre tired.

And with shooting machines in every gym, sometimes several shooting machines, really no excuse why you can't get 40-100 free-throws in within 30 minutes. Plus, you don't have to chase after your own rebound!

 

[Inthepaint]

They’re called “free throws” for a reason

 

[MilfordHusky]

I agree that the team needs to improve. It may make a difference in some games.

Nika was terrible 2 years ago, and solid last year. She doesnt get enough shots to find a rhythm. The same is true for Ice. She's generally a solid shooter, but has been off from everywhere all season. I have a feeling that KK may improve. Liya was really good for most of last year. I think she'll gradually improve. I think that Paige is also underperforming. She should be close to 85-90%.

 

[and one]

They’re called “free throws” for a reason

Free throw or foul shot, what do you call it? I tend to hear free throw more but I still call them foul shots. That "throw" in free throw sounds as if the the term was introduced in the early days of bball. But kind of spt for those only making 60% of them

 

[OldSchooler]

Who's old enough to remember underhand foul-shooting? Rick Barry and Paul Arizin come to mind. Chamberlain tried it for a time, but he tried all kinds of ways, and was lousy at them all, although the night he scored 100 points against the Knicks, he went 28/32 from the line.

Even though she shoots right-handed, is it possible that Paige's left thumb injury is hindering her free-throwing this year?

 

[Blond D.]

Who's old enough to remember underhand foul-shooting? Rick Barry and Paul Arizin come to mind. Chamberlain tried it for a time, but he tried all kinds of ways, and was lousy at them all, although the night he scored 100 points against the Knicks, he went 28/32 from the line.

Even though she shoots right-handed, is it possible that Paige's left thumb injury is hindering her free-throwing this year?

Pretty doubtful since shes making all kinds of other shots. It seems to me the 3 point shot would be more effected shot but even that is mostly the right hand and wrist action. She did make a left handed layup so the thumb seems to be ok.

 

[Blond D.]

And with shooting machines in every gym, sometimes several shooting machines, really no excuse why you can't get 40-100 free-throws in within 30 minutes. Plus, you don't have to chase after your own rebound!

Having to chase down your own rebound is more incentive to make it. lol