Should Ben Simmons shoot underhanded free throws as Rick Barry did.

[Harry Garris]

Ben doesn't have a soft enough touch imo. He's too rigid.

Yeah, that's because he shoots with his non-dominant hand. He's said he's ambidextrous... but he's still right hand dominant. Why he shoots with his left is beyond me and makes no sense.

[DCasey91]

He should

He should also try with his right hand

But there’s more of chance of Ben licking his elbow then actually doing it.

[DCasey91]

Ben doesn't have a soft enough touch imo. He's too rigid.

Yeah, that's because he shoots with his non-dominant hand. He's said he's ambidextrous... but he's still right hand dominant. Why he shoots with his left is beyond me and makes no sense.

His dad made him do it. I’m surprised he doesn’t have a stutter must be the writing thing only. He’s most likely a righty not a leftie.

Always keep the natural shooting hand you started with it’s very wrong to change it. I’m 100% sure he started off as a righty.

[BK_2020]

He should shoot blindfolded so there's no pressure. He can't possibly do worse.

[IllMagic04]

I never understood how shoting them underhand makes it easier. Looking at how Rick Berry shot it looks harder then shoting regular. How silly would it look to shot them that way and still miss? One day I gotta go to a court and try it cause I dont see why a bad shooter would shot better this way

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[sikma42]

I never understood how shoting them underhand makes it easier. Looking at how Rick Berry shot it looks harder then shoting regular. How silly would it look to shot them that way and still miss? One day I gotta go to a court and try it cause I dont see why a bad shooter would shot better this way

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The angle, spin and focus on legs make it an easier shot.

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[DCasey91]

I never understood how shoting them underhand makes it easier. Looking at how Rick Berry shot it looks harder then shoting regular. How silly would it look to shot them that way and still miss? One day I gotta go to a court and try it cause I dont see why a bad shooter would shot better this way

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It works, less shifting parts to it that’s the main aspect. Once you get it you can hit 7-8/10 on the regular without much skill.

Even the best shooters have slumps mechanics wise.

I believe an underarm throw is easier and more natural then a first unnatural movement of shooting the ball. That’s the key difference. As kid you chucked the ball or flinged it.

Shooting in of itself is very detailed. Granny style isnt, aim for the top middle rectangle and chuck spin on it easy peasy.

[Freighttrain]

It was only a matter of time before this kind of thread was made. To your question, no he shouldn't. It's more mental if anything. His shooting form may not be great, but it's better than other players. Simmons had a 61% free throw percentage in the regular season and dipped to 32% at this point. That says more than enough about the mental struggles he seems to face when going to the free-throw line.

I disagree, shooting free throws underhanded would help him get over the mental struggle as well. If the dude was comfortable enough to look stupid shooting free throws underhanded in front of 20,000 people in a playoff atmosphere then that's a clear sign of confidence.

Which Ben severely lacks, so I don't see why he would shoot those better. Again, it's a mental block, not a physical one. He barely shoots in general because he has such a lack of confidence in his overall jumper, this isn't just his free throw shooting. If he at least tried some overall jumpers and he clucked them of the backboard you could point at his form or elbows not being tucked in etc,.. And make a case for underhanded free throws. But the matter of the fact is that once he feels comfortable shooting in general, his ft shooting will also improve. He needs to see Nash or Kidd or guys that had bad ft% shooting that went on to be a good one such as Duncan. Not just for the technique but more so how to gain confidence in his overall shooting.

[DCasey91]

Actually anyone that has a sub 60% career FT should shoot underarm granny style. That’s goes for everybody in the NBA. if you can’t hit 6/10 your jump-shot is broken.

Might look weird but the results work it’s very simple an effective method.

I mean 70% Ben at the FT is a damn good player again.

He can literally learn this in a month.

Bend knees, backspin aim for middle top rectangle, Star fingers pointing towards the rectangle like he’s Superman as the follow through.

Bang done 70%+ at minimum.

[BK_2020]

If Ben Simmons tried to purposely miss, would he make 60% of his free throws?
It's worth trying.

[My Main Man]

I don’t understand what’s embarrassing about underhanded free throws. Are finger rolls embarrassing too because they’re slightly daintier than a regular layup?

[xdrta+]

On my high school team if you couldn't shoot 90% from the FT line, you had to shoot underhand. It paid off, too.

[KyRo23]

I don’t understand what’s embarrassing about underhanded free throws. Are finger rolls embarrassing too because they’re slightly daintier than a regular layup?

A finger roll is finesse and stylish. Nothing stylish about an underhand FT lol there's a reason they're called a granny shot.

[Karate Diop]

Ben doesn't have a soft enough touch imo. He's too rigid.

Yeah, that's because he shoots with his non-dominant hand. He's said he's ambidextrous... but he's still right hand dominant. Why he shoots with his left is beyond me and makes no sense.

Nothing about Ben Simmons' shooting makes sense

[dWadeOwnzYou]

I'm all for it, if that will help him. Nothing embarrassing about it. My oldest son tried that technique during his 12th grade recreational basketball league and it has improved his percentage greatly. Ben probably thinks he's too cool for that and wouldn't give it a chance.