ArticlePDF Available

Abstract

Based on the biomechanics research on shooting a basketball, six key teaching points for mid-range to long-range jump shots are proposed. These concepts should be evaluated and translated into appropriate cue words for feedback to performers.
... As the shooting distance task increases, players are able to increase the release speed by using a greater range of arm joint motion [15]. Release the ball earlier than the peak height of the jump, using more energy from the jump to optimize the impulse to release the ball [16][17][18], Individual differences can also affect shooting motions, and Miller and Bartlett [19] found that guards demonstrate more consistent kinematic adaptations during long-range shooting compared to centers, who exhibit more variability in joint angles and release timing [20]. In contrast, children and female players limit the freedom of movement of their joints, and this uncoordinated organization of movement does not allow the throwing arm joints to exert greater impulse on the ball [16,21,22], Experienced experts have the opposite strategy of motion control [23]. ...
... Based on statistical analysis, we demonstrated that the shooting distance had an effect on the beginning and end joint angle variables of the shooting arm during the shooting phase, with both groups showing a trend of decreasing initial shoulder joint angle with increasing shooting distance, which is consistent with the findings of Okazaki et al. [6], Shooting from a distance requires a large impulse to drive the ball through a long trajectory to the basket [17,19,35]. This suggests that in order to meet the requirements of the task of generating large amounts of energy, both groups reduced the flexion angle of the shoulder joint, which in turn increased the joint motion amplitude. ...
... The unskilled had a smaller initial wrist angle, but the skilled had a greater flexion angle at the end of the shot, and the skilled group had a large wrist flexion angle consistent with the study by Rodacki et al. [36], and the unskilled had a smaller wrist angle at the initial moment, which can be considered to be related to a greater use of muscle energy stored in the wrist joint. The skilled group has a large wrist flexion angle, which is considered to be the active work of the wrist flexors to generate more energy, in order to increase the rotation of the ball thus reducing the release speed of the basketball, increasing the speed of the ball's upward flight, affecting the flight trajectory and thus the angle of the basketball into the basket, which has an impact on the accurate shot [17]. ...
Article
Full-text available
The aim of this study was to elucidate the effect of shooting distance and skill level on the arm movements (kinematics, kinetics and electromyography) during the release phase of basketball shooting. 14 males were student-athletes from local college basketball teams(skilled) and 14 were recreational basketball players from local colleges(unskilled). Each participant completed three successful shots at two distance conditions (5 m, 6.8 m). The energy generated by the joint during the shot and electromyographic variables of the anterior deltoid (AD), triceps brachii (TB), and flexor carpi radialis (FCR) muscles were evaluated. The results showed that S and US groups showed decreases in shooting success with increasing shooting distance (P < 0.001), and increases in muscle activation and joint energy production in shoulder and elbow joints (P < 0.001). During longer distance shooting, S and Us groups showed significant differences in wrist flexion angle (P < 0.001). In addition, S demonstrated more energy production at the shoulder, elbow, and wrist joints (P < 0.01), and greater activation (P < 0.05) in the anterior deltoid (AD), triceps brachii (TB), and flexor carpi radialis (FCR) corresponding to the joints (MVIC%). These results suggest that the skills of shooting arm to produce proper force, and active muscle coupling of joints to produce energy are important for adaptation to different basketball shooting distance.
... Among the various shooting techniques utilized in gameplay [3], the jump shot is particularly prominent, contributing to over 40% of total points in a typical game [4,5]. This technique involves the player propelling upward from the ground and releasing the ball near the peak of their jump, optimizing for both accuracy and range [6][7][8][9]. The jump shot requires a coordinated effort of the legs, core, and arms to generate the necessary force and control to direct the ball's trajectory precisely toward the hoop [7,8,10]. ...
... This technique involves the player propelling upward from the ground and releasing the ball near the peak of their jump, optimizing for both accuracy and range [6][7][8][9]. The jump shot requires a coordinated effort of the legs, core, and arms to generate the necessary force and control to direct the ball's trajectory precisely toward the hoop [7,8,10]. This versatile shot is adaptable, allowing for variations in angle, release timing, and jump height based on the shooter's position on the court and defensive pressures faced [7,8,11,12]. ...
... The jump shot requires a coordinated effort of the legs, core, and arms to generate the necessary force and control to direct the ball's trajectory precisely toward the hoop [7,8,10]. This versatile shot is adaptable, allowing for variations in angle, release timing, and jump height based on the shooter's position on the court and defensive pressures faced [7,8,11,12]. Similarly, the free throw (FT) also relies on a harmonized movement pattern involving the legs, torso, and arms to deliver both power and accuracy in guiding the ball toward the basket [7,8,13]. ...
Article
Full-text available
Background/Objectives: This study examined the influence of competition level and player position on shooting accuracy and kinematic parameters in U18 male basketball players, focusing on two-point jump shots and free throws. Methods: Thirty-eight higher-level (HL-group) and forty-one lower-level (LL-group) participants, categorized into guard, forward, and center subgroups, completed a two-point basketball shooting test, followed by a free-throw shooting test after a 30 min interval. These tests were administered using a crossover, counterbalanced approach with the Latin square method to ensure effective randomization. Results: The results indicated that the HL group displayed significantly faster (12.5%) shot release times (RTs) and closer-to-optimal 45° (8.1%) ball entry angles (EAs) into the hoop for free throws, as well as superior (24.2%) shot success rates (SSRs) for two-point jump shots compared with the LL group. Across all groups and subgroups, a higher EA was achieved in two-point shots than in free throws, though free throws showed higher SSR. This study found no positional differences in shooting mechanics or performance, suggesting that modern training practices may foster consistency across player roles. Conclusions: These findings emphasize the potential for targeted drills to improve RTs, EAs, and SSRs, especially in LL players. Coaches can apply these insights to enhance shooting mechanics and consistency, thereby elevating performance in young basketball athletes. Future research should investigate the impact of fatigue and defensive pressure on shooting parameters across varied competitive contexts.
... This type of shot involves a coordinated movement of the legs, torso, and arms to generate power and precision in the shot's trajectory [5,6]. It is a versatile technique, with variations in release angles, timing, and elevation depending on the shooter's position and defensive pressure [5,6]. ...
... This type of shot involves a coordinated movement of the legs, torso, and arms to generate power and precision in the shot's trajectory [5,6]. It is a versatile technique, with variations in release angles, timing, and elevation depending on the shooter's position and defensive pressure [5,6]. The angle at which a basketball is released is widely regarded as a crucial determinant for the effectiveness of a jump shot [7][8][9]. ...
... Among various shooting techniques [2] the jump shot stands out, constituting over 40% of total points in a basketball game [3,4]. The jump shot is a fundamental shooting technique where a player propels themselves off the ground (jumping vertically) while simultaneously releasing the ball (near the peak of the jump to maximize accuracy and distance) toward the hoop in an attempt to score points [5,6]. types such as layups, set shots, and jump shots [17]. ...
Article
Full-text available
This study investigated the impact of basketball-induced fatigue on 3-point jump shooting accuracy, the ball’s entry angle (EA) into the hoop, shot release time (RT), their relationship with player positions in high-level basketball, and the correlation between cardiorespiratory fitness markers and potential shooting performance changes. Guards (n = 13), forwards (n = 13), and centers (n = 12) underwent physiological assessments. Sequentially, they performed 15 jump shots (PRE), a basketball exercise simulation (BEST) involving 24 × 30 s circuit activities, and a repeated shooting test (POST). The study design was double-blind. The results revealed significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) in RT, EA, and successful shots (SSs) between PRE and POST in each group. The percentage changes from PRE to POST conditions across guards, forwards, and centers were for RT: 25.34% [95%CI: 1.7–48.98], 19.73% [95%CI: −1.9–41.36], 14.95% [95%CI: −5.23–35.13]; for EA: −3.89% [95%CI: −14.82–7.04], −3.13% [95%CI: −12.9–6.64], −3.47% [95%CI: −14.19–7.25]; and for SS: −14.42% [95%CI: −36.5–7.66], −16.76% [95%CI: −40.81–7.29], −19.44% [95%CI: −46.7–7.82], respectively. Post-test differences (p ≤ 0.05) highlighted greater fatigue impact on RT, EA, and SS from guards to centers. Additionally, significant correlations (p ≤ 0.05) were found between the ventilatory threshold, mean HR during BEST, and changes in RT, EA, and SS. This study highlights the substantial impact of basketball-induced fatigue on 3-point shooting parameters across player positions and the interplay with cardiorespiratory factors post-fatigue. Tailored training, considering heart rate, is crucial to optimizing shooting performance.
... In basketball, shooting skills are extremely important and directly impact team winning [12,13]. ...
... Among various shot techniques, jump shots are regarded as the most efficient [13]. The shot motion in basketball involves preparation phase [14]. ...
Preprint
Background: Anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs) play an important role in feedforward control of dynamic movement, such as jump shot performance in basketball. It is known that jump shot performance declines under pressure from a defender (shot blocker). Research question: Does pressure from a shot blocker affect APAs of a jump shot in basketball? Is jump shot performance in basketball associated with APAs? Methods: Fourteen healthy male university basketball players performed jump shots under pressure and non-pressure (free) conditions by a shot blocker. Using a force plate, the APAs were defined as occurring until the point of thrust (TH) phase, and ground reaction force (GRF) and center of pressure (COP) at that moment were assessed. To assess jump shot performance, the maximum GRF during the TH phase (THmax), jumping height, and success score of the shot (accuracy score: AS) were measured by using the vertical component of the force plate. Two-way ANOVA examined the effects of the phase and condition on APA duration. Pairwise t-tests analyzed pressure effects on subjective pressure intensity, AS, and kinetics measures. Relationships between condition changes in AS and COP or GRF variables were assessed via Pearson correlations. Differences between the pressure and free conditions were denoted by delta. Results: The APA duration was shorter under the pressure condition compared to the free condition. The THmax and jump height values were greater under the pressure condition relative to the free condition. Across conditions, changes in COP variables were significantly and negatively correlated with AS. Significance: The results of this study suggest that pressure from a shot blocker shortens APA duration and decreases jump shot performance. Additionally, by measuring players' APAs and evaluating relationships with jump shooting proficiency, APA variables could potentially serve as indicators of skill expertise.
... This suggests that long distance shooting necessitates activation of both upper and lower extremity as well as core muscles during the release stage of the shooting phase. Moreover, it has been proposed that some of the energy generated from the jump can be utilized to optimize ball release during the release stage of long distance shooting (Knudson, 1993). Increased activation of lower limb muscles alongside upper limb muscles during ball release may aim to maximize the utilization of energy generated from the jump. ...
Article
Basketball victory relies on an athlete’s skill to make precise shots at different distances. While extensive research has explored the kinematics and dynamics of different shooting distances, the specific neuromuscular control strategies involved remain elusive. This study aimed to compare the differences in muscle synergies during basketball shooting at different distances, offering insights into neuromuscular control strategies and guiding athletes’ training. Ten skilled shooting right-handed male basketball players participated as subjects in this experiment. Electromyographic (EMG) data for full-phase shooting were acquired at short (3.2 m), middle (5.0 m), and long (6.8 m) distances. Non-negative matrix decomposition extracted muscle synergies (motor modules and motor primitives) during shooting. The results of this study show that all three distance shooting can be broken down into three synergies and that there were differences in the synergies between short and long distances, with differences in motor primitive 1 and motor primitive 2 at the phase of 45% - 59% (p < 0.001, t* = 4.418), and 78% - 88% (p < 0.01, t* = 4.579), respectively, and differences in the motor module 3 found in the differences in muscle weights for rectus femoris (RF) (p = 0.001, d = -2.094), and gastrocnemius lateral (GL) (p = 0.001, d = -2.083). Shooting distance doesn't affect the number of muscle synergies in basketball shooting but alters synergy patterns. During long distance shooting training, basketball players should place more emphasis on the timing and synergistic activation of upper and lower limbs, as well as core muscles.
... As already mentioned, in the shot with one hand from the spot there is a much more pronounced forward movement of the body at the moment of shooting. This is confirmed by all relevant sources [15,27,28], including our research. The reason for this is the body position, ball holding, and the reduced ability of younger and undeveloped players who, extend their bodies toward the basket. ...
Article
Full-text available
For basketball technique elements to become stable and automated, the technique must be executed correctly from the initial stages of the learning process. The jump shot is considered the most crucial shooting action, equally effective in various on-court situations. Ideal techniques may not unconditionally be the best for every player because they differ in motor and morphological characteristics. One of the shooting methods is shot with one hand from the spot, which, in terms of complexity and required motor abilities, is at a lower level of demand when compared to the jump shot. The first aim of this research is to define the kinematic pattern of the jump shot and the shot with one hand from the spot and determine if there are differences between them. The second aim is to establish whether there is a significant difference in the level of motor skills between the two groups. The participant sample consists of 29 junior basketball players. They were divided into two groups: G1 = players who perform the shot with one hand from the spot (N = 14); G2 = players who execute the jump shot (N = 15). MANOVA was used to determine the differences in observed kinematic parameters between the group and in the measured tests assessing motor abilities. The kinematic parameters of the upper extremities, the parameters of the basketball player’s take-off, and the angle of the ball’s impact were analyzed. It was determined that the kinematic pattern of these two shooting techniques significantly differs (F = 12.86, p = 0.00). There was a statistically significant difference between the group of participants performing the jump shot and the group performing the one-handed chest shot from the spot (F = 5.51, p = 0.00) in motor ability tests. The group that performed the jump shot showed significantly better results in three of the five measured tests (PLANK, MED_THR, POL_BACK). Shooting with one hand from the spot is a technically correct shooting method recommended to be performed until the player possesses a certain level of motor skills that enables proper execution of the jump shot.
... Shooting, as an effective scoring method in basketball, is considered the most critical and commonly used skill (2,3). Among all shooting techniques, the jump shot stands out as the most effective (4) and is the most widely applied technique in games (5). Studies show that nearly half of the points scored in a game come from jump shots (6,7), making it an indispensable scoring method in matches. ...
Article
Basketball, as one of the most popular sports worldwide, has attracted approximately 450 million participants. Studies show that nearly half of the points scored in a game come from jump shots, making it an indispensable scoring method in matches. The present study aimed to evaluate the shooting distance and its relationships to shooting release angle of basketball athletes. 10 basketball athletes participated in the study. Ball kinematics shooting from 5 and 6.8m was evaluated. Shooting distance did not significantly affect the release angle.
Article
In basketball, shooting stands out as a vital technique, directly affecting the game results. Identifying shooting mechanics early in a basketball player's career can significantly develop shooting performance in subsequent years. This study aims to explore shooting percentages based on angular positions of joint parts in the shooting techniques of youth basketball players. Fifteen male participants (average age: 14.1±0.7 years, height: 180.7±7.9 cm, body weight: 65.4±10.0 kg, sports experience: 4.7±0.4 years) voluntarily participated in the study. They were divided into high shooting rate (n:7) and low shooting rate (n:8) groups. Both groups attempted 60 shots from the free throw line (20 shots), right forward position (20 shots), and left forward position (20 shots). Joint angle values during the initial and final shooting phases were compared between groups using Independent t-tests. Significant differences were found between groups in the shoulder part during the beginning phase and the wrist part during the final shooting phase (p
Article
Does a knowledge of physics help to improve one's basketball skills? Several applications of physical principles to the game of basketball are examined. The kinematics of a basketball shot is studied, and criteria are established for determining the best shooting angle at any given distance from the basket. It is found that there is an optimum shooting angle which requires the smallest launching force and provides the greatest margin for error. Some simple classroom illustrations of Newtonian mechanics based on basketball are also suggested.
The application of biomechanics to basketball skills
  • M Alexander
Alexander, M. (1990). The application of biomechanics to basketball skills. CAHPERJoumal, 56(3), 4-10.
The tlwmy and science of basketball
  • J M Cooper
  • D Siedentop
Cooper,J.M., & Siedentop, D. (1969). The tlwmy and science of basketball. Philadel-phia: Lea & Febiger.
Basketball concepts and techniques
  • B Cousy
  • F Power
Cousy, B., & Power, F. (1970). Basketball concepts and techniques. Boston: Allyn &