Free-throw shooters should also release the ball as high above the ground as possible, without adversely affecting the consistency of the shot; release the ball so it follows the imaginary line joining the player and the basket; and release the ball with a smooth body motion to get a consistent release speed. "Our recommendations might make even the worst free-throw shooters -- you know who you are, Shaquille O'Neal and Ben Wallace -- break 60 percent from the free-throw line ... A little bit of physics and a lot of practice can make everyone a better shooter from the free-throw line." The engineers used a men's basketball for the study; it is heavier and a bit larger than basketballs used in women's games. Full Article at Science Daily