World Trick Shot Day is held on the first Tuesday in December every year and this year we celebrate it on December 7. Trick shots are not only entertaining, but they’re also inspiring. Gravity-defying feats of physics take trick shots to the next level and prove to us that the only limits we have are the ones we place on ourselves.
History of World Trick Shot Day
A trick shot is a seemingly unlikely or impossible shot, or one that requires great skill to make. World Trick Shot Day was created by the Harlem Globetrotters to allow fans around the world to demonstrate what they can do with some imagination, creativity, a basketball, and a hoop.The Harlem Globetrotters, founded by Abe Saperstein, played their first basketball game and made their first shot in 1926, and have been making waves in the world of sports and entertainment ever since. They gained popularity with their antics and amazing abilities on the basketball court. Today, they hold numerous world records for their feats and continue to push the limits of the game.They also invite and engage fans all over the world by encouraging them to make trick shot videos and share them. Popular Globetrotter Hammer Harrison is reported to have said, “We practice them because it’s such a thrill for us, and our fans. Our fans give us great feedback when we post them. We love getting the chance to see what they can do, too.”The Globetrotters are proud inductees of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and have entertained hundreds of millions of fans, including presidents, popes, kings, and queens over nine thrilling decades. All these make the day a remarkable one to show that we humans have no limits to what we can do.
World Trick Shot Day timeline
Harlem Globetrotters play their first-ever road game, in Hinckley, Illinois.
World Trick Shot Day is established in November 2016 and has been celebrated ever since.
Globetrotter Hammer Harrison skydives from a plane that is 13,000 feet in the air and, as he floats in on his parachute, slams home a dunk just before landing.
The Globetrotters embark on their Pushing the Limits World Tour, marking 94 years of touring.
World Trick Shot Day FAQs
Are trick shots only performed in basketball?
A trick shot is primarily about performing extraordinary feats with a basketball and a hoop. However, the word is used to describe a ‘shot’ – balls organized in ways that are unlikely or impossible to appear in normal play – played on a billiards table, pool table, or snooker table.
Have the Globetrotters ever lost a game?
Yes. The Globetrotters have lost 345 games over nine decades. However, they have had 27,000 wins, which has more than made up for its losses.
Do the Globetrotters have a female member?
Yes, TNT Lister became the first woman to join, and since then other female players have joined the team.
How To Celebrate World Trick Shot Day
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Perform your trick shots and share
This is a great day to demonstrate every twist, jump, and flip you know. After performing and recording your awesome moves, you can use the #WorldTrickShotDay to post them on social media.
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Support someone participating
Trick shots are really hard to do and require lots of skill. Encourage and cheer someone who is trying their best to perform some trick shots.
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Learn a new trick shot
This is a perfect day to do something different. Add another trick shot skill to the ones you already know how to perform.
5 Facts About The Harlem Globetrotters That Will Blow Your Mind
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They had a different name at the beginning
They were called the Savoy Big Five when they were formed in 1926 and were renamed the Harlem Globetrotters in 1929.
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They are global
They have performed in over 120 countries and territories across six countries since inception.
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Pioneer in black basketball history
The first African American player to play for the NBA was a Harlem Globetrotter.
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Record holders
They currently own 22 Guinness World Records.
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They are well honored
They have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for their incredible off-court entertainment.
Why We Love World Trick Shot Day
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It takes us beyond our perceived limits
With the extraordinary skills displayed on this day, we learn to push beyond the things we thought we couldn’t do. This day does a great job of inspiring us.
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It helps us have loads of fun
Who doesn’t appreciate some time off to have fun? This day makes this possible and provides fun at its peak!
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It unites people across the world
This day is celebrated all over the world in different countries and enables diverse people to relate and interact with one another. This increases the value of our shared bonds as humans.
World Trick Shot Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | December 6 | Tuesday |
| 2023 | December 5 | Tuesday |
| 2024 | December 3 | Tuesday |
| 2025 | December 2 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | December 1 | Tuesday |
