Critical analysis and solutions to McGrady's FT shooting problems

I agree with this and Nitro's observations.

Having watched Mac since his Orlando days, I can tell you his form in general is alot more mechanical now than it was. In fact, go back to the '04-'05 season (his first as a Rocket) and now, and you will spot the differences. In terms of arc on his shot, his is very noticeably flatter now than in the past. In terms of FT shooting, his stance is more rigid, his release more methodical and oftentimes seem like he's pushing the ball rather than stroking it. Again, he did not do this a couple of years back.

I don't know if it's the back injuries that have affect his shooting stroke or what, but I don't think back injuries should have anything to do with how one shoots a set shot.

The only reason that I can attribute it to is lack of practice really. And Tmac has always had spotty concentration from the line.

 

In the examples you give, marion & luther have decent form. They have a shot pocket, they use their whole bodies to shoot, they have good arm motion. Marion also doesn't have any side to side motion with his shot--less motion means less can go wrong. The only draw backs to Marion's shot is release point. He shoots like he is still 12. He does have a quick trigger which helps him. Hopefully you can see this.

Again, Hayes should not practice. He should learn form. He's been practicing for years and look what happened. He needs to think. Watch video of good shooting and himself. I would bring a video camera to practice. He doesn't know the why. He straightens his legs and falls backwards before shooting. If it hasn't been explained to him why you don't do that, the words just haven't sunk in. If someone taught him the form he has, it is one of the best practical jokes I've ever seen...

Now back to T-mac. He has good mechanics. All I'm saying is people miss for a reason. Sometimes knowing your form can help you put yourself back together.

 

It's Yao's fault for not tutoring him. I think ANY NBA player who shoots less than a 75% from the free throw line is just pathetic! At the very least, just hit the back board! That should get them around a 90% accuracy. These players are just too damn lazy, period. They are paid millions to just play ball and work on their game. That's it! Nothing else! They have all sorts of training facilities, coaches, personnel, at their disposal to help them with their weaknesses. And they can't even do that?!

 

Free throw in my opinion is 60% mental an 40% mechanics.

Proof? Look at Tmac the man himself:

His regular season career FT% average: 74.8%

Playoffs FT% average (32 games): 78.1%
-including above 80% in 3 out of the six playoff series

Plus, Tmac, contrary to bandwagoners' popular belief, he is clutch free throw shooter.

 

he's shooting better the last few games.

but i don't think the problems are just with tmac. scola is worse than i thought he would be. and rafer AND battier also. battier usually should be good but he's only 71% this yr. rafer is worse than tmac.

 

His base is good or he wouldn't be so good on defense. He just has over-learned shooting. He needs to go back to basics. He needs to go to a teacher that isn't into practical jokes. I blame the teacher because Chuck looks like he's a hard worker...