A Hobby That Made History
In 1993, inside a quiet gym in Orange County, California, 71-year-old retired podiatrist Tom Amberry made 2,750 consecutive free throws.
The marathon effort lasted 12 hours, witnessed by just 10 people. It ended only because a janitor needed to lock up. Guinness World Records later recognized the streak as the longest in history. Amberry claimed he could have kept going. “They kicked me out,” he said.
The Doctor in the Gym
Born in Grand Forks, North Dakota, on November 13, 1922, Amberry had played college basketball but chose a medical career over a professional contract with the Minneapolis Lakers.
He opened a podiatry practice in Long Beach in 1951 and worked there until retiring in 1991. Searching for something to do in retirement, he returned to basketball — specifically, to the free-throw line. He practiced daily, excluding Sundays, at the Rossmoor Athletic Club in Seal Beach.
The Method Behind the Accuracy
Amberry developed a precise, repeatable routine. He would stand with feet parallel, shoulders square, bounce the ball three times, and take exactly six seconds per shot.
He emphasized tucking his elbow and eliminating distraction. He studied medical literature and worked with sports psychologists to refine his technique. According to his records, he made 500 consecutive free throws on 473 separate days.
From Retirement to Recognition
After his 2,750-shot streak, Amberry became a media fixture. He appeared on “The Late Show with David Letterman,” published a book titled Free Throw: 7 Steps to Success at the Free Throw Line, and advised basketball teams. Jerry Tarkanian of UNLV was among the coaches who sought him out.
The Los Angeles Lakers reportedly gave a copy of his book to Shaquille O’Neal. Amberry continued shooting into his 90s. He died on March 18, 2017, at age 94 in Long Beach. He was survived by three sons, 12 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.
In 1993, 71-year-old Tom Amberry, a retired podiatrist, made 2,750 consecutive free throws in a gym in California.
It took 12 hours, witnessed by 10 people.
He only stopped because the janitor locked up. Guinness recognized it as a world record…🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/wqa7tW1ytF
— Detective Tiger's Stories (@TigerDetective) June 27, 2025