What is a Granny Shot in Basketball?

The granny shot, also known as the underhand free throw, has a unique place in the world of basketball. While it is not a popular method in the modern game, its history and effectiveness make it worth exploring. The technique involves shooting the ball from a low point, close to the player’s waist, in a fluid, underhand motion.

Hall of Fame forward Rick Barry popularized this method after his father, a semi-pro player and high school coach, taught him the shot. Although it might not be as visually appealing as the more common overhand free throw, the granny shot has been scientifically proven to be an optimal technique for converting free throws. The underhand motion generates a soft touch and a more controlled release, which can potentially result in a higher shooting percentage.

Despite its effectiveness, the granny shot has faced criticism for the way it looks. Some players, like Wilt Chamberlain, avoided using it because they thought it made them look “silly” or “like a sissy.” Nevertheless, the technique maintains a small yet dedicated group of proponents, indicating that the underhand free throw may not be as outdated as it seems.

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Understanding the Granny Shot

Origin and Definition

The Granny Shot, also known as the underhand free-throw, is a basketball shooting technique that has seen a decline in popularity over the years. This method was popularized by basketball legend Rick Barry, who maintained a remarkable free-throw shooting percentage (~90%) throughout his career. Despite its effectiveness, other players were hesitant to adopt the Granny Shot, as many felt it appeared unorthodox or even “silly.”

Mechanics and Execution

The Granny Shot involves a unique set of mechanics compared to the standard overhand free-throw technique. Here are the key aspects of executing a Granny Shot:

Stance: Position yourself a bit closer to the free-throw line than you would for a regular shot, with your feet shoulder-width apart.
Grip: Hold the ball with both hands, with your dominant hand below the ball and your other hand supporting it from the side.
Release: Keep your arms relatively straight and use your wrist and arm motion to propel the ball upward.
Follow-through: Maintain a gentle follow-through motion, allowing the ball to leave your hands in a smooth and controlled manner.

Recent scientific research has shown that the Granny Shot, despite its unconventional appearance, is a more optimal method for shooting free-throws. This is due to its more predictable trajectory and reduced reliance on accuracy.

Despite its effectiveness, few players have been willing to adopt the Granny Shot in modern basketball. Some notable players, such as Wilt Chamberlain and Shaquille O’Neal, have experienced free-throw shooting struggles but have been unwilling to consider utilizing the Granny Shot.

The Granny Shot in Professional Basketball

Notable Players and History

The granny shot, also known as the underhand shot, has been a part of basketball for many decades. It involves shooting the ball with an underhand technique, which is believed to have originated from players with limited skill. Nevertheless, some professional basketball players have gained success with the granny shot, especially in free-throw situations. One of the most prominent players to have used this technique was Hall of Famer Rick Barry, who boasted an impressive 90% free-throw accuracy during his career. Barry was introduced to the granny shot by his father, a semi-pro player in Elizabeth, New Jersey.

Another notable player who adopted the granny shot is Canyon Barry, the son of Rick Barry. Following in his father’s footsteps, Canyon Barry used the underhand technique in both college and professional basketball, garnering attention and praise for his distinct shooting style.

Popularity and Controversy

Though the granny shot has a storied history in basketball, its popularity has waned over the years. Many modern players have opted for traditional overhand free-throw shooting techniques, relegating the granny shot mainly to casual games of H-O-R-S-E. Despite this decline in popularity, some players and coaches still believe in the potential benefits of the technique, such as improved accuracy and a smoother release.

The granny shot has also faced its share of criticism and controversy. For instance, basketball legend Wilt Chamberlain once used the technique but stopped, citing concerns about looking “silly” and “like a sissy.” These perceptions contributed to the granny shot’s dwindling popularity among professional players, who may have avoided the technique to maintain a tough image on the court.

Despite the mixed opinions, the granny shot remains an interesting and unique aspect of basketball history. The technique has roots in the sport’s early days and has been employed by some notable players, proving it can still be effective in the right hands.