Are granny shots legal in basketball?
The short answer is – absolutely! Shooting free throws using the underhand "granny shot" technique is 100% legal at all levels of competitive basketball. Despite evidence that it can greatly improve shooting percentage for poor foul shooters, it remains rare in today‘s game. Let‘s take a deep dive on the fascinating history of the granny shot.
What Exactly is the Granny Shot?
The granny shot, sometimes called the "underhand free throw", involves holding the basketball with both hands straight out in front of the body with arms extended downward. The player then uses an underhand tossing motion, as if gently bowling the ball towards the hoop.
Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Stand facing the basket with feet shoulder-width apart
- Grip ball with both hands in front of body, arms fully extended downward
- Bend knees slightly while keeping back straight
- Thrust ball gently towards hoop using underhand motion
- Follow through straight towards the target
When done correctly, an underarm free throw is very accurate since it has less variables than a traditional overhand shot. The ball lands more vertically into the basket, similar to a bowling ball knocking down pins.
The Curious History of the Granny Shot
Inventor: While underhand shots existed earlier, one of the first truly successful adopters was NBA legend Wilt Chamberlain. Frustrated by his perennial struggles at the free throw line, Chamberlain switched to granny style during the 1961-62 season and his scoring took off!
Master: The granny shot is forever linked with Hall of Famer Rick Barry. He used it throughout high school, college and the NBA, leading the league in free throw percentage each time. Barry shot over 90% in some seasons despite attempting hundreds of free throws.
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As the table shows, despite its quirky look the granny shot has worked for those daring enough to try it. So why did it fade from popularity?
The Downfall of Basketball‘s Most Accurate Shot
Quite simply – ego and fear of embarrassment kept players from adopting an unorthodox style that actually improved results.
Legends like Wilt Chamberlain and Shaquille O‘Neal famously struggled for years at the foul line, yet refused to ever use a granny shot in games despite evidence it could boost their scoring by several points a night.
"I felt silly shooting that way. I know I should have shot my free throws underhanded instead of overhanded. But I couldn‘t do it." – Wilt Chamberlain
Today most coaches would happily let players shoot any style they wanted…if it went in! Rick Barry himself offered to work with the likes of Dwight Howard and DeAndre Jordan to improve their foul shooting numbers, but was always rejected.
In basketball, personal image seems to matter more than winning. Who cares how it looks if the ball keeps swishing through?
Could the Granny Shot Make an NBA Comeback?
The "Hack-a-Shaq" strategy of intentionally fouling poor free throw shooters is still utilized today against the likes of Joel Embiid, Andre Drummond and Ben Simmons. So in theory, struggling players should be open to any solution – even long forgotten techniques!
Sports scientists have published studies showing underhand shots provide better accuracy due to increased arc, reduced variables and optimal backspin. Physiologically, the motion puts less strain on muscles and ligaments as well.
If a few brave NBA stars started shooting granny style and getting results – perhaps the next generation would feel more comfortable breaking traditional molds? We saw the skyhook shot fade away despite Kareem Abdul Jabbar absolutely dominating with it for 15+ seasons. Why not bring back the bizarre yet effective tricks that work?
The legend Rick Barry once predicted in frustration:
"It will be another decade or two before it comes back into vogue because the macho athlete doesn‘t want to look henpecked shooting the ball like a granny."
We shall see! I for one hope some franchises finally put science and success ahead of outdated stigma. The results could be legendary!
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As the above table demonstrates clearly, free throw shooting percentage has not really improved substantially despite modern focus on analytics and biomechanics. Perhaps the old school granny shot could play a role in the next basketball evolution?
Now you know the full history on why granny shots remain completely legal but rarely used in basketball. Do you agree it‘s time to bring them back? Let me know in the comments!
