FREE THROW SHOOTING MENTALITY

Players always ask me what they should think about at the free throw line, something to make them forget the pressure, block out the crowd and the noise and all the distractions. First of all, I can’t give you a made-up thought; it has to be something internal that means something to you. But ideally, I want you thinking about nothing. If you’re truly in the Zone, it’s just you and the ball and the hoop, as if you’re alone on the playground or the driveway or the practice floor. I’d rather have you tell yourself, “it’s just a couple of free throws, not the end of the world either way.” But if you have to go somewhere in your head, go somewhere positive, to your kids or something that’s all about pure relaxation and happiness.

From "Relentless" by Tim Grover