Skip to main content

Granny-shot approach helps Tennessee Tech's Courtney Alexander improve free throws


play
Show Caption

Courtney Alexander II knew his free-throw shooting had to improve when he stepped into a more prominent role two years ago as a full-time starter on Tennessee Tech's basketball team.

Everything else about his game was exceptional. He was a 6-foot-8 forward capable of posting up, bringing the ball down the floor and scoring a number of different ways.

Except from the foul line.

In his freshman and sophomore seasons combined, Alexander made only 34.5 percent (20 of 58) of his free throws.

"I was struggling and really needed to do something different," Alexander said.

After telling Tech coach Steve Payne how determined he was to get better from the foul line, Payne suggested he change his shot, in a radical fashion.

Payne is old enough to remember the success Hall of Famers Rick Barry and Wilt Chamberlain had in the 1970s by going from shooting overhand to shooting underhand and between their legs at the free-throw line. It's called a granny-style shot, and Alexander was willing to give it a try.

"I was all for it because I'm all about getting better and increasing my percentages no matter what it takes," Alexander said. "I had seen it shot here and there."

Alexander saw an immediate improvement after he started shooting granny-style.

His free-throw shooting went up from 41.7 percent (15 of 36) as a sophomore to 51.6 percent (66 of 128) as a junior.

He has slipped a bit this season but is still making 44.8 percent (39 of 87).

Payne has been impressed by Alexander's commitment to perfect the unique style. Alexander shoots at least 100 free throws every day.

"It was strictly his decision to start shooting his free throws this way; it was not me at all," Payne said. "He's tried to learn and he's studied and he's talked with people and he's watched videos."

Alexander has developed his own style. He begins by holding the ball out in front of himself about knee level. He then goes forward with it a few inches before going back again and then swinging his arms in the direction of the goal for the shot.

"I get my hands on the laces and then, just like a regular shot, get my legs underneath me, and then go up with it from there," Alexander said.

Alexander averages 7.6 points per game and is Tech's leading rebounder (8.0).

His underhand free throw naturally attracts attention from opposing fans who often tease him about it.

"It doesn't really faze me anymore," Alexander said. "When I first started shooting it in those first couple of games, (the fans) got to me a little bit. But now I'm like, 'Whatever.' I don't even hear it really."

Reach Mike Organ at 615-259-8021 or on Twitter @MikeOrganWriter.