Stunting from the free-throw line.

When you consider how many basketball games are won or lost by four points or less every year, you can understand why coaches are always looking for a way to pick up those few extra points.

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One of the ways I have been doing this over the years is through a series of stunts off our free throw. Since we cannot make all of them, we are always looking for a way to rebound and score on our misses.

As a high school coach, I ran four different stunts. Due to the limited number of players allowed on the lane in the college game, we had to limit our stunt series to three.

The first and most common stunt is the "Cross." As shown in the diagram, #4 goes first. He cuts across the lane and sets up low in the inside position. #5 cuts right behind him. He tries to gain the other low inside position, but at the worst he will get to the front of the rim, thus covering two out of the three rebounding triangle spots.

"Spin" can pick up some of the long rebounds, but #4 can be put to better use by having him set up the defenders for the "Cross" or "Pick" action. #4 will again go first, spinning to the baseline side, while #5 can either spin to the baseline or crash the middle.

"Press Down" can be effective when you have a big, strong player in the position. He keeps both hands up and steps right into the defender, using his hip and weight to pressure his man down under the board. He must keep his hands up to avoid getting called for pushing.

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#4 can cross to the front of the rim or spin to the baseline.

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"Pick" is an excellent stunt for the high school game, and is often used when you have to intentionally miss a free throw at the end of the game. If used properly during the game, it will develop the skill necessary to score with it at the end of the game.

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#4 screens up the lane on #3's man, while #3 cuts down the lane to the hoop. #5 spins to the basket so that after #4 sets his screen, he can come down the middle.

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Players can enjoy the free-throw stunts because of the challenge they present in "going to get the ball." It also takes a little pressure off the free-thrower, who knows that even though he may miss the shot, his team will still have a chance to score on the possession.

No matter what happens on the stunt, it will always keep our players alert and aggressive.

By Keith Cooper, Head Men's Basketball Coach, Saint Martin's College, Lacey, WA