Using 3D computer simulations of basketball free throw trajectories, Chau Tran and Larry Silverberg of North Carolina State University (USA) have discovered how to shoot the ball with the highest hit rate. First, the engineers state that players must throw the ball in such a way that it takes three laps back before reaching the rim . When the ball turns backwards and bounces against the backboard, it is more likely to hit the basket than if it does not turn or turns forward, they say.
As for where to aim, Tran and Silverberg recommend looking at the back of the hoop , leaving approximately 2 inches between the ball and the ring. If we throw to the center of the basket, they say, the chances of success are reduced by 3%.
Finally, engineers recommend throwing the ball at a 52-degree tilt in front of an imaginary horizontal line, and releasing the ball as far off the ground as possible to optimize speed. "A little physics and a lot of practice can make anyone a better free-throw shooter," they explain.
