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Underhand free throws
I was very pleased with play of UD last night. Good to see some flashes of brilliance.
The highlight for me however was watching Alexander from Tennessee Tech shoot free throws underhanded. Underhand free throws are like watching knuckleballers in baseball. They are so rare and exotic. Fun to watch.
There seems to be only about one player a year in D1 who still tries it. Of course Rick Barry pushes it and his sons shot that way.
Alexander seemed very unsure. He moved around a lot and his body language showed he was uncomfortable. He missed a lot of attempts. When he shot properly, stayed still spun the ball, he was golden. When he did not grip it right and slid when he shot, he missed. I think most of his misses were due to nerves and confidence. He is not comfortable with the technique yet. Not sure how long he has been doing it.
Late in the game, I was actually hoping he would be fouled so I could see him try it again. The game was not in doubt.
When I was younger I tried the underhand FT, but I never used the Barry technique and quickly gave up. I can see where the Barry technique is actually very, very good.
Barry said most players should try it, but ego gets in their ways. Golfers will do anything to sink a putt and don't care how silly they look.
Basketball is still a game and entertainment.
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