When Michael Jordan Gave a Lesson on Knocking Down Free Throws with Eyes Closed

Michael Jordan is answerable for among the most unbelievable moments within the historical past of the NBA. His free-throw line dunk, switching fingers mid-air for a layup and the notorious no-look layup over his shoulder are simply a few of his exceptional feats. Worthy of being in that dialog is his means to make free throws along with his eyes closed. As dangerous because it appears, the six-time champion claimed it simply depends upon the precise approach and fundamentals.

He even confirmed followers the right way to do it correctly in a 1999 tutorial video.

On the very begin of the video, MJ says, “The aim I shoot with my eyes closed is as a result of I wish to imagine within the fundamentals that I used to be taught or I’ve been working towards.”

Followers are immediately reminded of the Bulls legend’s eyes closed free throw that he made throughout a sport to taunt Dikembe Mutombo. However MJ disarms his followers by breaking down the steps earlier than you truly shoot the ball.

Jordan goes on to say, “You’re nonetheless 15 ft away from the basket [after you close your eyes], the rim continues to be 10 ft excessive.” The preparation and execution of the free throw doesn’t change.

MJ suggested viewers to go throw the standard ritual and shoot the primary shot with their eyes open. That is to make sure that there’s a rhythm in place earlier than the following free throw.

“Then undergo the identical ritual. Have a look at the goal and proper earlier than you shoot it, shut your eyes,”  Jordan provides earlier than draining his no-look shot. This type of free-throw coaching helped Jordan shoot 83.5% from the free-throw line in his profession. The system is that straightforward.

In 1999, Michael Jordan teamed up with notable figures in sports activities resembling John Elway and Wayne Gretzky to launch an internet site titled mvp.com. The aim of this web site was to function an internet retailer of athletic put on. Nonetheless, MJ launched a collection of basketball classes giving perception to gamers on the right way to enhance their abilities.

One of many key movies amongst them was a tutorial on free-throw capturing, which is the supply of this clip. It gained traction on the Web due to Jordan’s on-court feat.

How Jordan trolled Mutombo with an eyes-closed free throw

Dikembe Mutombo made a reputation for himself as one of many best-shot blockers in NBA historical past. Nonetheless, identical to any participant, he wanted to have his welcome-to-the-NBA second. And Jordan didn’t hesitate to supply him with one.

It didn’t come within the type of a poster dunk, however from the free-throw line as an alternative. Throughout a sport between the Bulls and the Nuggets, MJ made a visit to take a pair of free throws. On the second try he checked out Dikembe and stated, “Hey Mutombo, this one’s for you.” He then proceeded to swish the free throw along with his eyes closed.

Jordan discovered a approach to trash-talk his opponents in any manner he deemed match. It was efficient as a result of he may truly again all of it up on the court docket.