Running head: observation guide for free throw foul shots 1
observation guide for free throw foul shots 8
Observation Guide for Free Throw Foul Shots in Basketball
Joshua K. A. Wolfe
Valdosta State University
Abstract
This project was a beneficial opportunity for developing a more inclusive and detailed approach to observing and analyzing individuals during the execution of skills/activities that I may be inclined to coach in the future. As a coach, formulating an observation guide will enable me to better analyze, correct, and develop orientation and processes of skills necessary for an athlete’s success. Outlining and rating critical aspects of a student’s skill promotes a clear image of areas that need greater development as well as highlighting fundamentals which are weak or strong.
Keywords: Basketball, foul shots, body orientation, skill aspects
The rubric I have created contains specifics involved with the skill of shooting free throws, an essential skill pertaining to sport of basketball. Free throw foul shots are critical to a basketball team’s score. They are the only component under total control of the offensive individual. No attention or movement for defensive measures or range adjustment is involved, therefore there is no presence of hinderance when shooting the basket. Free throw foul shooting can be perfected and repeated to successfully execute every opportunity. Foul shots are awarded to offensive players when a foul is made on a player attempting to shoot the basketball. If the foul occurs inside the court arc, two shots are awarded. A foul outside the arc results in the fouled player receiving three shot opportunities. Shots are still awarded even if the fouled player makes the interrupted shot. Free throws are shot from the foul line which lies fifteen feet in front of the backboard at all levels.
For this project, I used the observation rubric I developed to assess and instruct my girlfriend. She is a 21-year-old female with little to no prior experience with basketball. She is at the beginner level of development of any skills involved with basketball. I used the details in the observation guide to first lay out the basics and fundamentals. From there, we were able to target problematic body areas and specific action aspects.
The following rubric is a tri-phase execution observation aid for aspects of shooting foul shots from the free throw line in the sport of basketball.
Observation Rubric for Free Throw Foul Shots
Phase One: Preparation Execution Rating
1. Mental Focus – Control breathing and narrow focus to the goal 1 2 3 4 5
2. Feet – Assume the individualized comfort zone for goal alignment 1 2 3 4 5
3. Knees – Bend slightly at knees 1 2 3 4 5
4. Arms – Bend arms with ball in front of chest 1 2 3 4 5
5. Hands – Maintain control of ball 1 2 3 4 5
6. Torso – Engage core for shot stability 1 2 3 4 5
Phase Two: Action
1. Knees – Deepen the bend 1 2 3 4 5
2. Arms – Begin extension upward toward goal 1 2 3 4 5
3. Legs – Stabilize/continue extension upward toward goal 1 2 3 4 5
4. Mental Focus – Exhale and maintain continuous visual of goal 1 2 3 4 5
5. Hands – Continued maintenance of ball control 1 2 3 4 5
6. Torso – Engaged core for motion control and stability 1 2 3 4 5
Phase Three: Follow Through
1. Hands – Flick wrist for ball release when arms are overhead 1 2 3 4 5
2. Mental Focus – Remain visually engaged with goal 1 2 3 4 5
3. Knees – Fully extend to elevate trunk and arms upward 1 2 3 4 5
4. Arms – Fully extend overhead upward and forward toward goal 1 2 3 4 5
5. Legs – Engage calves and quads for extension and height elevation 1 2 3 4 5
References
Basic Rules. (n.d.). Retrieved April 12, 2019, from http://www.fiba.basketball/basic-rules
Court Lines & Markings. (2018). Retrieved April 12, 2019, from https://hooptactics.com/Basketball_Basics_Court_Lines_&_Markings
Kelbick, D. (n.d.). Basketball Fundamentals - Free Throw Shooting. Retrieved April 12, 2019, from http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/fundamentals/foulshooting.htm
By affixing my signature hereto, I promise that this assignment represents original work by me, that it is submitted as an original copy, and that it neither has been used by me in another course nor written by anyone but me. I understand that failure to do so will result in a failing grade in this class.
Valdosta________04_/12___2019___;
________Joshua Wolfe_______
