I think it would be interesting to systematically check which teams have opponents shoot the highest free-throw percentage again.

Questions: Are some buildings more conducive to free-throw shooting over the years? I suspect that rims are a common tightness around the league, and replaced regularly. What else could cause a difference?

Is there a difference in how likely a free throw is to go in if it’s a 3pt play, 4pt play, or if the shooter is shooting 1, 2 (or 3) free throws? I suspect shooting three free throws has the highest percentage, as it’s almost always only outside shooters shooting those free throws, then 1-shot attempts (either a guy selected for a technical shot, or the end of an “and-1” situation, likely to be an offensive player and more likely to have some star clout), then 2-shot attempts (everything else).
 - Do some teams give a lot of +1’s? Alot of fouling jump shooters?

Noise was found to be much more effective than motion. And highly irregular motion like waves was better than all that back and forth with the sticks, which just creates a fuzzy but not very irregular background for the shooter.

then, if everyone fanned them at the same time toward the shooter, he’d be dealing with a draft that would not only mess with his eyes, but also mess up the trajectory of the shot.

Let’s do that one.

Playing ‘Who Are You?’ during the visiting team’s introductions would be great.

coordinate the entire arena to be as loud as possible then everybody be silent at the same time.

“YAHAAHAHAHHHAHAHAHA………………………….brick”

We definitely should NOT chant “defense, defense…” in rhythm because it doesn’t bother anyone when anything is a consistent tone…we should designate someone to body surf while the other team shoots a free throw…there will be no rhyme or rhythm but definitely a distraction.

I know that I used to shoot very well on the playground when you “shoot for teams”. I’d have guys yelling in my ear, pulling my shirt, shaking the standard. They’d do it to everyone.

Attach a flat screen behind the back board, and show them a movie of how they miss the free throws, when they are at the line.

I’m always commenting when I see those things waving behind the backboard that they make shooting EASIER. Look at the hoop when the thundersticks are in motion: it’s wonderfully highlighted against all that white motion behind. A shooter couldn’t ASK for a more perfect shooting background. What a remarkably dumb idea!!

Now, if the fans would WAIT so that their sound & motion began just as the shooter was about to release his shot, that’d be different. But no: that would be too intelligent.

Incidentally, the same principle applies in golf. You know how golfers get all upset if someone moves or makes any sound while they’re putting? That’s because that motion or sound usually comes suddenly & unexpectedly—breaking the complete stillness & silence—just as they’re starting their putting motion. This is startling and EXTREMELY distracting. By contrast, if the sound or motion were constant, it would hardly bother the putter at all.