Are underhand free throws more effective?

Underhanded free throws have proven effective at the highest levels of basketball. He leaves as many as 2.88 points on the floor every night because of missed free throws. During the 2016-17 season, free throws are converted 77.2\% of the time, the highest rate in league history.

Is the granny shot more efficient?

It might invite ridicule, but it gets results. A scientific analysis has concluded that using a “granny style” underarm technique is the optimal way to take a free throw in basketball. Adopting the unorthodox strategy could result in marginal gains for professional players, the research suggests.

Why did Wilt Chamberlain stop shoot free throws underhand?

There were no rational reasons for Wilt Chamberlain to stop shooting underhand free throws, as he wasn’t ignorant to the positive results of the new approach. But despite knowing better, Chamberlain switched back to his old way of shooting. And for the rest of his basketball career, remained a poor free throw shooter.

Is underhand throws allowed in basketball?

In basketball, an underhand motion refers to a type of shooting motion. Also referred to as “granny style,” the motion involves the player shooting the ball from his waist with two hands. The underhanded motion is only practical when shooting free throws as there is no defense to block the shot.

Can you shoot free throws underhand in the NBA?

Rick Barry’s underhand approach He finished his NBA career with a . Barry went on to shoot underhand from the free-throw line throughout his professional days, leading the league seven times in free-throw shooting percentage. He is also the only player to ever lead the NCAA, NBA, and ABA in scoring.

Can Shaq shoot free throws?

Shaquille O’Neal has a career 52.7\% free throw percentage. Some say Shaq could have vastly improved his percentage by shooting underhand or “granny style.” Rick Barry did it, and he wound up the 4th best free throw shooter in NBA history.

Did Wilt Chamberlain dunk his free-throw?

In the 1950s, Jim Pollard and Wilt Chamberlain had both dunked from the free throw line—15 feet from the basket. Chamberlain was able to dunk from the free-throw line without a running start, beginning his forward movement from within the top half of the free-throw circle.

Could Wilt Chamberlain touch the top of the backboard?

On the claim that he was able to touch the backboard, Wilt has said: “I defy anyone to say they took change off the top of the backboard,” Chamberlain said. “I could. Just like dunking, he would have to jump a good bit higher than the height of the backboard to be able to grab the change resting on top.

Did Wilt Chamberlain dunk free throws?

In Chamberlain’s freshman year at Kansas, 1955-56, dunked foul shots would still have been legal. But there is apparently no film, no still photos, no written account confirming that he ever did it in an official game. “He ran to the free-throw line, took off and dunked the ball.”

Which NBA players have used the underhand free throw technique?

There are only a few examples of players who have employed this technique, but every one of them has seen results. Rick Barry has become synonymous with the underhand free throw, making 89.3\% of his career attempts—which was the record when he retired in 1980—and shooting over 90\% from the line seven times in his career.

Who has the best free throw percentage in NBA history?

Rick Barry has become synonymous with the underhand free throw, making 89.3\% of his career attempts—which was the record when he retired in 1980—and shooting over 90\% from the line seven times in his career.

Who is the only NBA player to shoot underhanded?

Chinanu Onuaku brought his underhanded shot to the NBA from Louisville, where it bolstered his shooting percentage from 46.7\% to 58.9\%. As a rookie with the Houston Rockets, Onuaku has made his only two free throw attempts and is the only NBA player to shoot this way. This post may contain sensitive content.

Who is the best free throw shooter of all time?

Rick Barry has become synonymous with the underhand free throw, making 89.3\% of his career attempts—which was the record when he retired in 1980—and shooting over 90\% from the line seven times in his career. Barry is the world’s leading underhanded free throw apologist.