Free Throw Percentage (FT%)
The percentage of free throw attempts that are successfully made.
Free Throw Percentage (FT%) is one of the simplest shooting stats to track and understand. It measures how often a player converts their free throw opportunities.
How to Calculate
FT% = Free Throws Made / Free Throws Attempted x 100
Why Free Throws Matter
Free throws are uncontested shots worth one point each. Games at every level are frequently decided by free throw shooting. A team that shoots 75% from the line instead of 55% can easily gain 4-6 extra points per game, which is often the margin between winning and losing.
Developing Free Throw Shooters
Free throw percentage is one of the stats most directly improved through practice. Unlike contested field goals, free throws can be practiced in isolation. Coaches should track FT% over time and set individual improvement goals for each player.
Game Strategy Implications
Knowing your players' FT% helps with end-of-game decisions. Which players should be on the court during late-game free throw situations? Which opponents should you foul intentionally if they are poor free throw shooters?
Related Terms
Track these stats automatically by tagging game footage with CourtSide Stats.
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