Shooting a Free-throw...While there are many different ways to shoot a free throw one way is definitely more successful than the rest. The underhand or “granny shot” gives you the best chance statistically to make a free throw. When you throw the ball from a point closer to the ground it requires you to put a highertrajectory on ball, giving it a better chance to go in. A regulation ball has a 9.5” diameter and the rim has a diameter of 18”. This gives you an 8.5” margin of error. That only works if you throw the ball so that it goes straight up and straight down. The equation to find the perfect angle to shoot the ball at is actually quite easy.
This shooter uses the standard overhand technique. Steps:
Equation: Sin-1Θ ( 10 ft. – (your height) (Length of red line ) Answer = + 45° ![]() My example:
Sin-1Θ 10 ft.- 6 ft. 10.77ft. Sin-1Θ 21.8° + 45° = 55.9° http://lc3.littlechute.k12.wi.us/High%20School/Academics/Science%20Department/Janssen/Physics%20Of%20Project/projects/danross/The%20Physics%20of%20a%20Free%20Throw.htm |