CFA Basketball Throw

jm1223

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Aug 26, 2020
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Hello, over the past few months I have been practicing to take the CFA. For the basketball throw, I started by throwing the basketball around 30 ft by throwing overhand. I then looked on youtube for tips because my score was so far behind. I found a couple of videos that stressed using the sidearm technique. I have been practicing using that for the past few months and now my BBthrow is around 44 (above the average :)). I was talking with a friend a few days ago and she said that I may not be able to do sidearm because the directions specify that it must be overhead. Is this correct? or can I do sidearm?
 
Hello, over the past few months I have been practicing to take the CFA. For the basketball throw, I started by throwing the basketball around 30 ft by throwing overhand. I then looked on youtube for tips because my score was so far behind. I found a couple of videos that stressed using the sidearm technique. I have been practicing using that for the past few months and now my BBthrow is around 44 (above the average :)). I was talking with a friend a few days ago and she said that I may not be able to do sidearm because the directions specify that it must be overhead. Is this correct? or can I do sidearm?
Research the primary source yourself, far more authentic than an anonymous Internet forum. The CFA is described in detail on all SA sites that use it.

I just checked USNA. See link.

And - the USNA Live Chat link is up and running right now at 1024 East Coast time. If I had been you, I could jump right into the chat and ask, get an official answer.


Good progress on your throw!
 
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I had the same question and asked my FFR. He confirmed that it was an acceptable technique to use. I also searched up SLE videos that showed people doing the basketball throw. Most of them used the grenade technique as well.
 
Big fan of the grenade technique! My DS was resistant to it and was throwing about 72 feet overhand. He decided to give it a try when he saw his dad (me) hurl it 74 feet as an old(ash) man using the grenade technique because I have smaller hands and don't want to mess up my rugby and mountain biking damaged shoulders. He matched his 72 feet with the grenade technique but I think if he tried it exclusively for 2 more weeks he would have gone much further. I think that's a really smart approach unless you have very big hands.

I saw other kids (boys and girls) use the grenade technique at his CFA and no one had an issue with it.
 
What written and what's allowed don't always match up. My DD tried the sidearm/grenade/trebuchet technique at Summer Seminar and was told "no go". She had to switch to the traditional throw right there on the spot without any practice.
 
Regardless of technique you use (e.g. grenade, baseball, howitzer, water balloon, etc.), remember that your core holds the key. (Yet another reason to do planks and sit-ups.) Twisting your trunk to initiate and then power the arm is absolutely critical. If you’re not twisting your trunk as you throw, you’re leaving points on the table.
 
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