Let’s hear it for unorthodox delivery! (And I don’t mean water births)

I watched Northwestern almost take down the #1 team in the country Saturday night, without their best 3-point shooter, John Shurna. Ever seen John Shurna shoot a 3-pointer? He shoots with his arms parallel to his shoulders (instead of above them). It looks like he’s trying to release homing pigeons. It’s just not natural. But it’s beautiful. Because it works. He’s 3rd in scoring and 4th in 3-pointers made in the Big Ten.

Check it out, about 2:15 into this video.

Makes me think of Rick Barry. Rick Barry was old school when old school was still new school. Ever see him shoot a free throw? He did it underhand. Like when you were 3 years old. Like the smelly guy in the tank top with the chest fur at the gym who doesn’t know what you’re supposed to do with a basketball.

Don’t believe me? Take a look.

He led the league in free throw shooting percent seven times and had a 90% career average. Not too shabby.

How about Jason Belmonte? Mr. Belmonte’s unorthodox approach to bowling would make Earl Anthony roll over in his grave (with some nice English).

He bowls with two hands.

The 2009 PBA Rookie of the Year (Professional Bowling Association), is a handsome, sunglasses, 25-year old rising star, and drawing new folks to the sport. He’s kinda fun to watch.

Finally, Tim Lincecum. The right-handed pitcher for the San Francisco Giants has a crazy, homemade, ridiculously efficient delivery to the plate. The main difference is in his insanely elongated stride, which helps him propel the ball to the batter. The normal stride for a pitcher is 77-87% of his height; Lincecum’s stride is 129%, some 7 ½ feet. It’s amazing to watch.

Does it work? Hmmm…he won the Cy Young in 2008 and 2009, and last year, pitched 8 innings and won the deciding game of the World Series for the Giants. His unorthodox style—and his goofy hair—makes him a standout in the league.

I could go on. But I think you get the point.

If different is good, unorthodox could be special. Give it a shot sometime.