Free Throw Setup Play

Instructions

1. 1P1 steps forward from the free throw area with the ball
2. 2SH begins cutting diagonally toward the center from the right side
3. 3P1 delivers a crisp setup pass to SH as they arrive at shooting position
4. 4SH catches and immediately fires a jump shot toward goal center
5. 5GK reacts late as the quick setup leaves minimal time to set

Coaching Points

• Shooter: open your hips toward goal before the ball arrives to enable a fast release
• Catch the pass with soft hands and redirect in one continuous motion
• Passer: put the ball on the shooting hand, not the off hand
• Shooter: scan the goal on your approach so you know your target before receiving
• The faster the setup combination, the less time the GK has to set

Common Mistakes

• Passer delivers the ball to the non-shooting hand, forcing an extra adjustment
• Shooter faces the passer instead of opening hips toward goal before receiving
• Setup pass is too slow, giving the goalkeeper time to read and reposition
• Shooter catches the ball, stops, and then begins the shooting motion from scratch
• Lack of communication between passer and shooter on timing and angle