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You've probably heard it since you first picked up a basketball; Being able to hit shots from the charity stripe can be (and in a lot of cases is) the difference between a W and an L. Take this conference title game for example:

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My team, the Semi-Pros, is a little bit outmatched on the stat line and the ratings (note my average ID defending his strong IS), but not on the scoreboard. But how is this the case?

The Legends got 5 rebounds for every 4 of the Semi-Pros', and the legends got slightly more steals and blocks, making up for my 13-10 advantage in fouls. The Legends shot at a higher percentage, but I got more threes, so if only FGs were counted, the final score would have been 95-94 for the Legends. So what is the only real advantage I have? The foul line.

My team reached the line 14 times to the Legends' 13. The key is that my team, the Semi-Pros, made 11 of those baskets, while the Legends made a dismal FOUR. That 7 point difference turned the game from a scraped-out home victory for Indiana to a road upset for me. Foul shots matter in BB, too, people, and my team is a perfect example of that.

My team averages a +16 point differential this season, and I make 13.77 free throws a game... Most of my success comes from the fact I'm taking advantage of something others rarely do. Those extra couple points a game can be the difference between a win and a loss, or a blowout and a heart-attack performance, if they're hit at the right time.

One issue with BB is that it is hard to squeeze in Free Throw training without falling behind in other training. As a result, many very good, fairly cheap players have low FT. But FT is still important in winning. One of my players poor FT caused me to irrationally rage quit this game a few seasons ago.

You are right

No, FT is important, but not as important as other skills in terms of productivity and value.

I had a C with great FT once (I think 15 or 16). His IS was 2 skills lower than my PF's. But many times my C took more shots because if fouled, he had greater chance to score. So great (not good, but great) FT skill could make a player to shoot more despite being surrounder by better shooters.

Last edited by Koperboy at 6/6/2013 2:31:39 AM

FT matter, but their training could change a bit. You can't have a player with JS 16 and FT 2, it's unrealistic. Apart from team training in FT, maybe when training JS or IS could add something in FT for the players that are trained only.

Here is an idea. .. with the thought that FT shooting is important. .. once your trained players are capped and cannot pop the way they used to. . Don't immediately find new players to train again. ... why not for a season or two train exclusively FT shooting. It is truly a worth while investment. I have had many games where the FT line was the difference.
And you can really parlay that with inside offenses that can take you to the foul line over 20 sometimes 30+ a game.
Free points, why would you not train that?

Apart from team training in FT, maybe when training JS or IS could add something in FT for the players that are trained only.

And JR

I had a C with great FT once (I think 15 or 16). His IS was 2 skills lower than my PF's. But many times my C took more shots because if fouled, he had greater chance to score. So great (not good, but great) FT skill could make a player to shoot more despite being surrounder by better shooters.

That's a really interesting theory, thoght I've never had a player with more than 11 free throws.
Maybe your C was a physical player and the high lvl of FT was the perfect combo.