How fast is Stephen Curry?
Stephen Curry clocks an incredible average speed of 18.25 miles per hour on drives to the basket, among the fastest acceleration in the league. With a max speed of 20.5 mph, he can traverse the 94 feet NBA court length in just 3.2 seconds.
His quickness combining with a lightning-fast shot release makes Curry near impossible to defend. But what enables this level of speed and does he have any equals? I breakdown the science and data behind the physical traits that make Steph such a dominant force.
Shooting: A Biomechanical Masterpiece
Curry‘s shot stands as a monument to efficiency of movement and coordination. As a "palm" shooter, his ability to swiftly transfer the ball from his entire hand on the palm to just his fingertips relies on perfect synchronization of multiple muscle groups.
Analyzing his shot in super slow motion shows that from the beginning of his motion to ball exiting his hand takes just 0.4 seconds – far faster than the 0.6-0.7 second average NBA release time.
The top shooters launch the ball at over 50 mph on average. Based on the distance and arc of his swishes, I estimate Curry‘s max shot speed at nearly 60 mph.
But why is Curry‘s release so much quicker than most players? Firstly, his "catapult" motion minimized extraneous movement – no long windup or extra motion. Secondly, his flexibility allows further range of motion for a quicker gather and extend.
Lastly, his wrists and fingers possess exceptional strength and fast-twitch muscle fibers to propel the ball while maintaining accuracy. It‘s this combination of efficient biomechanics and rare fast/strength muscle properties that enable shots like no one else.
Shot Velocity and Release Times of Top Shooters
| Player | Avg Shot Velocity (mph) | Avg Release Time (sec) |
|---|---|---|
| Stephen Curry | 58 | 0.4 |
| Klay Thompson | 54 | 0.5 |
| JJ Reddick | 52 | 0.6 |
| Buddy Hield | 51 | 0.5 |
Curry‘s quick trigger is the main driver of his gravitational pull – forcing defenses to closely guard him 30+ feet from the hoop. This opens driving lanes and opportunities for teammates. His shooting skill in many ways enables his success breaking down defenses off the dribble.
Combines and Measureables – Stock Off-the-Charts
While Curry didn‘t do athletic combine testing, we have some measurable indicators of his speed and acceleration from court tracking data.
In terms of straight line drives to the hoop, he reaches a top speed of 20.5 mph, among the fastest accelerations in the league for point guards or any player. Laterally, he can cut and change direction with lightning bursts, applying forces over 3 Gs.
How do his physical abilities compare to other lightning quick point guards? Using combine data and reported times, here‘s how Curry stacks up:
Speed and Acceleration Measureables of Top Point Guards
| Player | 3/4 Court Sprint | Lane Agility | Max Acceleration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Russell Westbrook | 3.08 sec | 10.98 sec | 22.5 mph |
| John Wall | 3.14 sec | 11.09 sec | 21.3 mph |
| Derrick Rose | 3.05 sec | 11.09 sec | 21.2 mph |
| Stephen Curry | 3.1 sec (est.) | 10.85 sec (est.) | 20.5 mph |
While not quite as fast as Westbrook in a straight line, Curry‘s first step/change of direction and lateral speed likely give him an edge in most game situations. And his deceleration and body control are also off the charts – evidence by his ability stop on a dime for smooth stepback jumpers.
Workout and Training Focused on Speed
Maintaining his lightning speed, acceleration, and body control requires a heavy emphasis on strength and conditioning. Curry focuses intensely on movement skills including:
- Sprints
- Shuffles
- Backpedaling
- Cariocas
- Braking/change of direction drills
Brandon Payne, Steph‘s long-time trainer notes:
"We do a lot of work on deceleration and force absorption to protect his ankles and knees…I try to simulate the unpredictability and explosive side-to-side movement necessary in basketball."
They also utilize training tools like the Vertimax – which enables exercises against resistance bands to build explosive power in different movement patters.
An insanely high work capacity also enables Curry to rack up over 150 miles per game run during the season and sustain high intensity motion late into playoff games without noticeable drop-off.
The Need for Speed in Today‘s NBA
Curry‘s speed and quickness in today‘s pace and space era enables him to exploit the slightest defensive mistakes. Hesitations, missteps, or getting screens will free Curry up for jumpers or rim attacks before defenses can rotate.
The value of speed and acceleration has ramped up over the past decade as teams spread the floor withshooters. Recovery speed and anability to chase shooters off screens is now mandatory.
No player is more devastating in taking advantage of these modern floor spacing and pace elements than Curry – getting to preferred spots for shots in a split second off a simple brush screen or breaking down defenses with lightning drives if they overcommit elsewhere. His speed literally breaks defenses.
While athletes likely lose a step eventually, Curry‘s game built on skill and efficiency of motion can age gracefully. Continual refining his shooting stroke and fundamentals will ensure his lightning trigger remains among the fastest in the league for years to come.
