Putting on the pressure

Are last-second free throws the most pressure packed action in sports?

While some would argue for kicking a field goal with three seconds left down by two or standing with the tying and winning runs on base with two outs in the bottom of the ninth, it’s hard to argue against the last-second free throw, because once the referee hands you the ball, it’s just you and the basket, 15 feet away.

The NCAA’s Double-A Zone focuses on how this simple act can be suddenly less than simple and uses a fairly topical reference in the process. Say, a pair of free throws from Sunday’s games. Lot of Division III fans over there.

One thought on “Putting on the pressure

  1. I said it on Hoopsville last night and I will say it here, Cameron Smith was done before he even got the ball in his hand for the second free throw. I was watching the video broadcast of the game and during the timeout, Wash U ended early and Cameron headed to the line. He then stood there… and paced… and stood there… and stared at the floor… and stood there… and still stood there. Rochester was taking the entire time they were alloated… while Cameron seemed to just simmer on the line.

    I would never want to second-guess Coach Edwards, but at the time I was saying, “get him off the line! He’s thinking about it too much! Distract him; do something; don’t let him just stand there!” If Cameron was standing on the sideline distracted with what the coach needed to tell him or his teammates, I think he buries the second free throw.

    But who knows… two free throws to tie or win the game is probably the most stressful thing to do in sports!

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