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Why don't the Dwight Howards, DeAndre Jordans, Tristan Thompsons try the underhand FT?

Discussion in 'NBA Dish' started by sinobball, Jun 25, 2016.

  1. sinobball

    sinobball Member

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    Was just listening to This American Life radio program and Rick Barry was talking about how

    *Wilt Chamberlain shot 60% from FT over-the-head, and 80% underhanded
    *Barry's teammate George Johnson shot 40-50% the first 2 years from the FT, and improved to ~70% after trying the underhand method

    From a physics standpoint, the underhanded FT results in lower velocity when the ball hits the rim, resulting in greater probability of the ball sinking in

    I'm not suggesting Steph Curry should try it, but people who shoot ~50% from the charity stripe, I don't understand why they don't at least try it, I can't see how it would be even lower than what they are shooting now, I mean Tristan Thompson tried both the left and right hand and neither works
     
  2. sinobball

    sinobball Member

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    <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zZX_FynSrUQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
     
  3. RasaqBoi

    RasaqBoi Member

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    you will love CHINANU ONUAKU
     
  4. Caesar

    Caesar Member

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    I've said this for years how selfish it is for poor FT shooters to not even attempt the underhand FT probably due to looking funny or lame and being made fun of on TNT and social media. Shaq flat out laughed Rick Barry's offer in the face.
     
  5. bobrek

    bobrek Politics belong in the D & D

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    There is more than one Dwight Howard?
     
  6. heypartner

    heypartner Contributing Member

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    But Dwight shoots 80% in practice.
     
  7. OTMax

    OTMax Member

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    Ego clearly, do not care enough to win.
     
  8. Liberon

    Liberon Rookie

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    It's much harder and in game situations ..... Most forget to line up their dominant side shoe with the rim and from there you got to condition your stroke.
     
  9. ISOBall

    ISOBall Member

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    Dwight Howard has 8 baby mommas
     
  10. the shark

    the shark Member

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    Before Dwight tries it he may want to do one thing.

    QUIT PUTTING FREAKIN STICKUM ON YOUR HANDS!!!!

    No wonder you can't shoot. :eek:
     
  11. Jontro

    Jontro Member

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    I've tried shooting underhand before. A lot more difficult than it looks.
     
  12. FTW Rockets FTW

    FTW Rockets FTW Contributing Member

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    When you hit the faps, how far do you shoot using underhand grip vs overhand?
     
  13. Air Langhi

    Air Langhi Contributing Member

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    Underhanded free throws are not easy especially when you learn to shoot with the overhand motion. I don't even know how its an easier shot since you shoot it from a lower point which need a higher launch angle.
     
  14. Jontro

    Jontro Member

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    Laying down facing the wall, it could go quite a distance. Won't go into details, don't want to get the brehs jealous. I can go either way for the faps tho, I'm quite amphibious.
     
  15. Jturbofuel

    Jturbofuel Member

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    Rick Barry was a great shooter and shot free throws underhanded his entire career. I wouldn't argue with a guy who shot 90% at the line for his career.
     
  16. Houstunna

    Houstunna The Most Unbiased Fan
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    Pride.... it looks weak to underhand.
     
  17. Invisible Fan

    Invisible Fan Contributing Member

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    They don't want to look like a ****
     
  18. TheRealAllpro

    TheRealAllpro Morey only fan

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    This ones easy...EGO. They are Jocks after all. It's not most progressive subculture around.
     
  19. rocketsballin

    rocketsballin Member

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    in jus tone game they'd be crying themselves to sleep after hearing all the jokes
     
  20. giddyup

    giddyup Contributing Member

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    I heard that same bit on local public radio. Couldn't find a link to it but found this one:

    http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2014/08...ers-dont-shoot-free-throws-underhanded-audio/

    What a bunch of fragile and selfish egos! Is it better to stand there clanging them time after time-- knowing you are going to get hacked at critical junctures because you are so unreliable or try something to help you perform better?
     

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