Two Shots! Top Five Interesting Free Throw Routines

Only worth one point, the free throw shot can make or break a team's success to win a game.

The ability to make two or three free shots, whether in a tense or ease situation, is a huge contribution to a team's wins and losses.

And although the free throw shot looks easy, many components are essential in order for the shot to swish through the hoop.

In every basketball player's long history of learning to play the game, coaches or friends might of gave the suggestion to create a routine that helps them concentrate and make their free throws.

Bend the knees, dribble the ball, and even picturing the ball going through the hoop are some routines that help players concentrate and focus at the task at hand.

Aside from the "normal" stuff, there are also some very interesting ones in the NBA.

Here are the top five interesting and unique free throw routines ever in the NBA.

No. 5 - Jerry Stackhouse

Jerry went down, and his numbers went up.

When practicing free throws as a child, Jerry Stackhouse received constant reminders, from his mother, to bend his knees. He took her advice into account and his 78 percent from the free throw line in the 1997-1998 season propelled into 85 percent from the line the following year.

His hard work would pay off during the 2007-2008 season. Jerry Stackhouse had the highest free throw percentage on his team, shooting 89 percent from the charity stripe for the Dallas Mavericks.

The knee bends he performs when taking a free throw shot not only question fans and new spectators, but also teammates and other individuals in the NBA. Players around the association are still in awe about Jerry's shooting technique.

Up and at 'em Jerry!

No. 4 - Jason Kidd

A kiss to his wife is the focal substance to his routine.

Jason Kidd used to incorporate a kiss to his wife, Joumana, every time at the free throw line.

But as some know, the relationship between the two individuals headed downhill in 2007, and by early October, Jason Kidd filed for divorce against his wife. Loads of abuse complaints were laid on the table and the situation ended in a huge mess for the family.

As of now, you can Jason kiss the hand and whipe it on the back of his shorts; eliminating the personal element from his routine. And if the kiss to hand is not spotted, then he has resorted to the traditional dribble, dribble, dribble, shoot.

Either way, the 82 percent he averaged during last season is not bothering anyone.

No. 3 - Doug Christie

It didn't matter if he was in Los Angeles or New York. Toronto or Sacramento. Orlando or Dallas. Doug Christie produced anywhere he went.

Whether it was scoring, rebounding, stealing, or getting to the basket, Doug was your man. But for Doug, shooting free throws are not as hard when you have someone to turn towards.

Doug Christie's free throw routine consisted of him pointing to rafters, of any arena, in salute to his wife.

When fouled, his routine would be well scouted before stepping up to the line; fans automatically knew what to do.

Although Doug was not known to be a very steady free throw shooter, his highest percentage can be tracked back to his 2004-2005 season with the Orlando Magic (shooting 91 percent from the line).

In the end, having a player like Doug Christie is a huge bonus for any team.

No. 2 - Karl Malone

Talking to yourself does not only cause attention and make yourself look like a complete bafoon, but it can also be used to stimulate the mind and help one concentrate on shooting free throws.

This was the case for forward Karl Malone. Instead of focusing on the knees and hand placement, Karl would say a prayer every time he stepped to the stripe.

Karl Malone is one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History with a career average of 25.0 points per game and 10.1 rebounds per game. In addition to such compelling statistics, he shot a respectable 74 percent free throw percentage for his career.

The Mailman quite simply delivers every time!

No. 1 - Jeff Hornacek

Only three strokes to the side of his face and it was guaranteed that the shot would go through the hoop.

Jeff Hornacek's free throw routine was based on communication with his three children. The 14-year veteran out of Iowa State used to stroke the side of his face three times to diffusely say "hello" to his three children during a game.

Throughout his 14 seasons in the league, Jeff Hornacek holds a career free throw percentage of 87.7, twelfth highest in NBA History.

Along with his career free throw percentage, John also averaged 14.5 ppg and 4.9 apg for his career.

Other Notables

G - Richard Hamilton

One of the most recognized routines in recent history, Richard Hamilton's two bounces forward and one to side is copied by teenagers worldwide. His 85 percent from the line can be living proof of his free throw success.

G - Gilbert Arenas

In my opinion, too much movement during a free throw routine can take away a player's concentration. For Gilbert Arenas, it is the complete opposite. Behind the back three times is just a support beam for his career free throw average of 81 percent.

G - Nick Van Exel

Stepping two feet behind the free throw line might seem difficult, but Nick Van Exel sees it as a "comfort zone."

F - Chuck Hayes

His shot his just awful. I mean if you decide to watch it after this, bring a nice big bowl just in case you decide to vomit.