The nail

[ucp990411]

I feel dumb asking this question but where on the court do they mean when the speak of the “nail?”

 

[ibleedhuskyblue]

I feel dumb asking this question but where on the court do they mean when the speak of the “nail?”

Right at the center of the free throw line. There is literally a nail pounded into courts in that spot.

 

[husky429]

I feel dumb asking this question but where on the court do they mean when the speak of the “nail?”

To add... the reason why the nail is there is because back in the day, they nailed in a piece of twine and rotated around it to make the perfect circle.

It doesn't really serve a purpose any more except it's helpful for FT shooting. You'll see a lot of players line up their shooting side big toe on the nail.

 

[ibleedhuskyblue]

To add... the reason why the nail is there is because back in the day, they nailed in a piece of twine and rotated around it to make the perfect circle.

It doesn't really serve a purpose any more except it's helpful for FT shooting. You'll see a lot of players line up their shooting side big toe on the nail.

I didnt know about the twine. I always assumed it was just there to help free throw shooters line themselves up.

 

[husky429]

I didnt know about the twine. I always assumed it was just there to help free throw shooters line themselves up.

My grandfather was a custodian at Holy Cross circa 1950 and claimed that is how they drew lines. He wasn't known for honesty, so don't quote me lol

 

[uh-no]

It's not usually a nail anymore, just a dot or small line in the center of the stripe

 

[NEforceUConn]

It's not usually a nail anymore, just a dot or small line in the center of the stripe

Except at that Durham school where it’s probably a D

 

[ucp990411]

Thanks guys. I coached high school for 11 years in the early 2000’s and never used or heard the term.

 

[ibleedhuskyblue]

Thanks guys. I coached high school for 11 years in the early 2000’s and never used or heard the term.

Honestly, im not sure i ever heard anyone use the term until about 5 years ago.

 

[T-Squared]

Alumni Court in the old field house had nail holes in the “nail” position of the free throw line.

 

[Dove]

Right at the center of the free throw line. There is literally a nail pounded into courts in that spot.

View attachment 94403

 

[Palatine]

They should call it the laser range finder.