Let me explain. During play while the action is fast and continuous, you are acting and reacting to your teammates and opponents. Most all of the mental energy creating these actions is coming through subconscious mind. This is where the neuromuscular memory takes place and you do things automatically without consciously thinking about them. But when a player steps to the free-throw line, all the action has stopped and there is now a chance that the player will  allow the conscious mind to take over with unproductive thoughts such as “what's the score”, ‘how much time is left”, “boy I really need to make these shots”, “what would everyone think if I miss”, “I'll be the hero tomorrow if I make the shots”. If you are consciously thinking any one of these thoughts while at the free-throw line, you are much more likely to miss.

The true secret to excellence in free throw shooting

is being able to stay in your subconscious mind

as you step to the line and use your

neuromuscular memory to make every shot.