I see where the Gators still have trouble making free throws. Which raises the question in my mind every time I see a missed shot. Why don't basketball players bank free throws into the basket? Problem solved. I don't know much about basketball, but I think I know it's much easier to hit the backboard, so that the ball rebounds into the basket, than try to shoot the ball precisely into the basket. So why in the world don't they do this?
We are trained from day one to try and swish free throws. It would take a lot to change up the philosophy. As a basketball player I’d find it difficult and awkward to start banking free throws all of a sudden. I also use free throws to “re-calibrate” my shot if I notice I’m off on my in-game shooting. It helps to get my form and sight-picture reset to accurate. Not sure if other guys do it also, but basically, I wouldn’t mess with banking free throws. It isn’t easier, per se, and it isn’t necessary to start hitting them. If you hit that backboard wrong it’s gonna clank badly. Not a great idea, IMO.
To me, it seems that we don’t relax, catch our breath, then line up the basket, look at the front lip, keep your eyes focus, release the ball with a slight backspin. Mainly catch your breath and take your time. Guys get up there and let it fly, we miss a lot of them. I believe even Walter missed two in a row. Condon last night didn’t waste any time when he goes to the line and he missed some in the first half when we couldn’t score at all. He later kept letting it fly quick, but he found a rhythm. All I want is for them to take their time and let their teammates catch their breath. Helps two ways.
Now that I think about the bank shot, I would rather them put both hands on the ball and underhand it up to the basket like Rick Barry used to do. Steadies your aim and even if it is too long, it still banks in most times. Fyi
I think free throws are about rhythm. Going through the same routine whether fresh or dog tired until it is not even a thought process, just muscle memory. Good arc, backspin and same release every time. Like putting in golf, you expect to make every one.
I will go to my pat answer: You don't "shoot" free throws, you "execute" them. It is plainly obvious that basketball players think it is the same as shooting and that is WRONG. What needs to be taught is to think of them as free points...as long as you go into "that mode". And that mode is to break the tangibles (all the moving parts) into simple and easily structured movements. If that means shooting it underhand, are are going to tell me your ego is more important than making all of the free shots? Not that any team will do this, but that IS what needs to happen.
Haugh is now shooting 37% from the line. He's much too good a shooter to be stuck at that level, so I expect him to start hitting at a better rate. You can make 37% blindfolded. I also expect Clayton (who is at 74%) to start creeping that percentage up into the mid-80s shortly.
The bank FT is a lot more difficult than it appears. I sucked at FTs in HS and tried it and the window for a bank FT is not very large. The margin of error for a bank might be smaller than a swish.
Most college basketball players of today would rather bank their NIL money and not bank a free throw.
Some people can’t get a high percentage of foul shots, no matter how much they practice. These are the ones the under two handed shot could help.
This is for the kids shooting a very low percentage and as an better option that trying to bank it in.
Trajectory - it's lower for a bank shot than a swish. Lowering the trajectory decreases the probability of penetrating the cylinder.
Yeah, I don't think a bankshot from that range is high-percentage. The keys to free throw success are, first, lining it up directly to the centerline of the hoop. A couple of inches left or right and the percentage goes way down. Next, shoot it softly with enough arc to drop DOWN into the hoop (I'm lookin' at you, Zyon). Next, get a nice backspin on the ball so it takes velocity off the ball if it hits iron. Rinse and repeat 1,000 times.
All I know is, if I was a head coach, I would make all of my players bank their free throws. I would tell them, "You want to bank NIL money? Then bank your throws. Those NIL collectives won't pay you to clang the damn rim. You want to swish your free throws? Then go swish yourself through the transfer portal." As a coach, watching players trying to swish throws and missing would be enough to make me start throwing chairs.
One problem is that most kids when practicing on their own are practicing things that work in pick up games. Free throws only occur in games with referees. Or before a real game they are practicing exotic dunk shots. I laugh at the guys doing that in warm-ups. I give a nod to guys taking reps at the free throw line.
Speaking of bank shots they are pretty good when about 45 degrees to the backboard and a bit closer than what would be considered mid-range. Hook shots and lay-us.
