Abstract: Free throw is an important way to get points in the basketball match. Analysis of the optimal release parameters provides guidance to enhance the hit rate in the free throw process. In this study, a free flight model considering gravity, air buoyancy and air resistance as well as a friction oblique collision model based on the recovery coefficient and Whittaker’s assumption is proposed. The total shot ranges and swish shot ranges are obtained, and the discontinuity of the total shot ranges against the release speed is explained as well. We also interprete the advantages of increasing release height and obtain an optimal releasing angle of 62.5°.