Free Throw Arc: High, Medium or Flat with a Guide Rope

A rope stretched between two poles at different heights in front of the basket forces students to shoot free throws over it, and they compare their shooting percentage with flat, medium and high arcs. They connect the parabola, entry angle and the usable size of the rim.

How to play

1. Use a sketch to show that the more vertically the ball comes in, the bigger the usable area of the rim, but the more force the shot takes (4 min).
2. At each basket, two students hold a rope tied between two poles 1.5 m in front of the line, at rim height; the others shoot 10 free throws over it and record makes (6 min).
3. Raise the rope half a meter above the rim and shoot 10 more; then one meter above (8 min).
4. Each student calculates their percentage for each arc and picks theirs; then they shoot 10 more without the rope using that arc (5 min).
5. Compare group percentages and discuss which arc worked best and why (2 min).

Rules

• Rope holders stand to the side, out of the rebound path.
• Poles are held upright and never leaned on anyone.
• Get the rebound only after your teammate has finished the shot.
• Switch rope holders every 10 shots.

Variations

Adaptations

• Wheelchair user: shoot from the chair at a lower basket or from closer, with the same relative rope heights.
• Visual impairment: a partner taps the rim before the shot for orientation and says whether the ball went over the rope.
• Low arm strength: use a size 5 or youth basketball.

Learning goals

• Relate the parabolic path to shooting success.
• Choose the most effective shooting arc for oneself based on evidence.
• Record and compare shooting data under different conditions.

Equipment for a class of 25

• balls: 12
• ropes: 6
• poles: 12
• worksheets: 28

Teacher tip

Many students shoot too flat; the rope gives them an instant visual cue. If baskets are limited, also use hoops hung on the wall bars.

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