When shooting free throws, the feet and the shoulder should be wide apart and parallel with each other. You should be standing just a bit behind the line, figure the position where you have balance and you could target the shot. Bend your knees a bit and shift your weight at the balls of your feet. Handle the ball with your non-shooting hand. There are three kinds of basketballs, those made of leather, synthetic and rubber. Leather made basketballs are best for indoor games, synthetic basketballs for outdoor games and rubber for children. Of course, the basketball hoop is important and there are different kinds of backboards to choose from. Aside from these, here are some safety measures you can do before and during playing basketball: Visit your doctor or health care provider. This is quite ideal if a person has a history of illness or has been diagnosed with special conditions. Since some team sports specifically basketball can be extreme, a general assessment and approval of your doctor will ensure that you won't be experiencing any further complications once you play the sport. It is important for athletes and basketball players to have a meal plan. This would ensure that the athletes are eating properly and what they are consuming is what their body needs. Meal plans would not only include main meals but also snacks like cereal bars, fruits and yogurts. Following the meal plan would be easy, especially if you would be eating at home. Aside from conditioning the heart and lungs, playing basketball can also help control the body s fat along with proper diet and strength training, increase the body s resistance to fatigue resulting to the supply of extra energy, helps achieve toned muscles and could increase a person s body mass, prevents stress, vital to good sleep and can generally the person s stamina. No matter which one you choose, rest assured that you can benefit from it once used in moderation. Aside from delivering essential vitamins and minerals and increasing energy, the following are other benefits of health drinks when you are playing basketball: It satisfies the hunger and gives a sense of fullness.