Take Two: Before-and-After Video on the Free Throw

In groups at each basket, students film their free throw, choose one fix using a four-point checklist and film again to compare both takes. It builds shooting technique and uses video as a learning tool, with nothing posted anywhere.

How to play

1. Warm-up shots close to the rim and review of the filming rules: consent, side-on angle, nothing gets posted (5 min).
2. Take A: each student shoots three free throws while a partner films from the side (7 min).
3. Review with the four-point checklist (feet, elbow under the ball, extension, wrist follow-through) and pick a single fix (6 min).
4. Practice that fix without filming, with help from the group (5 min).
5. Take B and side-by-side comparison of both takes: can you see the change? (5 min).
6. Note the change on the sheet and delete the videos (2 min).

Rules

• Only film students who have given permission, and only on school tablets.
• The person filming stands outside the rebound area.
• Rebound and roll the ball back; never throw it at the shooter.
• Technique feedback starts with something done well.

Variations

Adaptations

• Wheelchair users: shoot from the chair at a lower basket if available, with the same checklist adapted.
• Deaf or hard-of-hearing students: the checklist includes a drawing of each technique point.
• Students who don't want to be on video: act as observers, and their partner gives them live feedback with the checklist.

Learning goals

• Improve free-throw mechanics.
• Analyze their own technique from video.
• Choose and apply one specific fix.

Equipment for a class of 25

• basketballs: 12
• tablets: 6
• observation sheets: 6

Teacher tip

Six tablets are enough with groups of four or five per basket. Common mistake: trying to fix everything at once; limit it to one fix per student.

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