Free Throw Percentage Research Articles

Investigation of eye movement characteristics during free throws at varying intensities among basketball players and its correlation with free throw percentage.

Free throws serve as a crucial scoring mechanism in basketball games. As the level of basketball and the intensity of competition continue to improve, the frequency of free throw attempts gradually rises. However, with heightened game intensity, maintaining a consistent free throw success rate becomes increasingly challenging. The aim of this study was to investigate the eye movement characteristics exhibited by basketball players during free throws of varying intensities, as well as explore the relationship between these eye movement characteristics and free throw percentage. Twenty elite female basketball players were recruited to perform free throws at varying exercise intensities (low, moderate, and high) while wearing an eye tracker device. Eye tracking data was collected using the Tobii Glasses 3 eye tracker. Additionally, the Polar team pro, a heart rate monitoring system manufactured in Finland, was utilized to monitor participants' heart rates during different exercise intensities. The average number of fixations on the hoop and net during free throws of varying intensities exhibited statistically significant differences (P < 0.05). The fixation durations of the hoop, backboard, and net exhibited statistically significant differences (P < 0.05). Notably, the hoop accounted for the highest proportion of the overall average fixation duration. high-intensity free throws necessitate lengthier processing durations compared to low-intensity and medium-intensity free throws. Furthermore, for free throws of moderate intensity, there was a significant negative correlation between the number of fixations on the hoop and free throw percentage (P < 0.05). Conversely, for high intensity free throws, there was a significant positive correlation between the fixation duration on the hoop and free throw percentage (P < 0.05). Under the three kinds of sports intensity, the players mainly focus on the hoop position, the moderate intensity free throw has the best stability, and the information search strategy and information processing efficiency are the highest. In high intensity free throws, the longer the fixation duration at the hoop, the higher the free throw percentage; The higher the number of fixations at the hoop, the lower the percentage of free throws.

Empirical study on visual attention characteristics of basketball players of different levels during free-throw shooting

Background Visual attention is very important in basketball shooting, which is a prerequisite for forming good muscle proprioception and improving the shooting rate. The ability of visual instant searching information in the process of free throw plays an important role in the mobilization of free throw percentage. The aim of this study is to explore the fixation characteristics of athletes at different levels in the process of free throw shooting and to provide scientific basis for improving the free throw training of basketball players. Methods A total of 20 expert basketball players, 20 general basketball players and 20 novice basketball players participated in the experiment. Participants in the three groups wore eye tracker to make free throws, and analyzed the difference of visual attention among the three groups. Results The expert group had fewer number of fixations on the front, bottom, top-right, and top-right areas of the basket than the general and novice groups. The expert group also had smaller saccadic amplitudes than the other two groups. In terms of fixation duration, the expert group had longer fixation duration on the front and top areas of the basket than the other two groups, while in the top-right and bottom-right areas, the expert group had shorter fixation durations. The pupil dilation of the expert group was larger than that of the other two groups. Conclusion During the free throw process, the expert group had a clear attentional focus, concentrated fixation points, efficient information search, and precise processing. Profound basketball knowledge, proficient skills, and accumulated experience are the foundation of visual efficient search and precise processing during free throw attempts, and they are also the prerequisite for ensuring a high free throw shooting percentage.

Determining the most important game-related statistics in Euroleague basketball competitions: A five-year follow-up

The purpose of this study was to investigate the game-related statistics in the Play-Off and Final Four rounds of the Euroleague basketball competitions held between 2014 and 2018. In the study, the game-related statistics of 60 teams that participated in the Euroleague Play-Off and Final Four rounds between 2014 and 2018 were evaluated. The independent samples t-test was used to compare the game-related statistics of the two groups. The linear discriminant analysis was used to determine the important game-related statistics between the teams that qualified and those that were eliminated. The results of the study showed that there was a statistically significant difference between the game-related statistics of the two groups in the Play-Off competitions. This difference was seen in the free throw percentage, fouls committed, and performance efficiency scores. As a result of the discriminant analysis, it was found that foul, three-point field-goal percentage, performance efficiency score, turnover, free-throw percentage, and two-point field-goal percentage are important game-related statistics in qualifying the Play-Off round. When the game-related statistics of the two groups in the Final Four were compared, it was seen that only three-point field-goal percentage was an effective variable in becoming the champion. According to the results of the discriminant analysis, turnover, defensive rebound, and total rebound are important game-related statistics to being an Euroleague champion. In conclusion, it is thought that being the Euroleague champion in the Euroleague, it is necessary to have a lower number of turnovers and a defensive game.

Athlete External Load Measures Across a Competitive Season in High School Basketball.

Askow, AT, Jennings, W, Jagim, AR, Fields, JB, Beaudoin, RG, Sanchez, GM, Weeks, JE, Oliver, JM, and Jones, MT. Athlete external load measures across a competitive season in high school basketball. J Strength Cond Res 37(11): 2206-2212, 2023-The purpose of this retrospective analysis was to quantify in-season external load and to determine if relationships existed between load metrics and basketball performance. Eleven male high school varsity basketball athletes (n = 11; mass 80.5 ± 9.6 kg, height 190.2 ± 9.4 cm, age 17.6 ± 0.7 years) were monitored across a season. PlayerLoad (PL), PL per minute (PL·min -1 ), total jumps, and explosive movements (EMs) were quantified using a commercially available local positioning unit. Basketball-specific performance metrics, including points scored, points allowed, point differentials, and shooting percentages for each quarter and game, were compiled. Data were analyzed using repeated-measure analysis of variance to evaluate differences in load by starting status, session type, game outcome, and game type. Pearson's correlation coefficients were used to assess relationships between load metrics and basketball performance. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. The mean values across 23 games for PL, PL·min -1 , total jumps, and EMs were 457 ± 104 AU, 10.9 ± 1.6 AU, 42.6 ± 9.6, and 46.7 ± 7.2, respectively. Relationships were observed ( p < 0.05) between PL and points scored ( r = 0.38) and free throw percentage ( r = 0.21). Further relationships were observed between PL·min -1 and free throw shooting percentage ( r = -0.27), and between points scored and total jumps ( r = 0.28), and EMs ( r = 0.26). Notable differences in game demands were observed for playing status. Meaningful differences in measures of external load were observed between each quarter of play, with the highest measures evident in quarters 1 and 3. Guards and forwards experienced minimal differences in external load during gameplay, and game outcome did not result in differences. Higher point totals corresponded with higher PL, total jumps, and EM.

Examining the Impact of Social Media Following on Player Salary in the National Basketball Association: A Multivariate Statistical Analysis

The National Basketball Association (NBA) has the highest average player salary of any professional sports league that exists. In previous studies, it has been found that on-court performance statistics, such as points per game and rebounds per game, are key determinants of NBA players’ salaries. This study contributes to the literature by examining the effects of other on-court performance statistics such as real plus minus, field goal percentage, and free throw percentage. In addition, we test the relationship between NBA players’ social media following and their salaries. The multivariate analyses in our study show that points per game, real plus minus, and social media following are the most essential three factors determining NBA players’ salaries. The implications for NBA research and practice are discussed.

Evaluation of differences in the performance strategies of top and bottom basketball teams utilizing rank-sum ratio comprehensive.

This study aimed to explore common characteristics among top basketball teams, differentiate attacking and defensive performance between top and bottom teams, and correlate attacking and defensive performance with final competition rankings during the 2019 Men's Basketball World Cup, as well as to determine the relationship between performance indicators and the attacking and defensive performance. In addition, the study aimed to determine the attacking and defensive level of the top and bottom eight teams and find their existing problems and shortcomings, to further improve their competitive basketball strength, and also provided valid and reliable information for coaches to conduct targeted training in the future. The rank-sum ratio (RSR) was employed to evaluate the attack, defense, and overall attacking and defensive performance between the top and bottom teams during the 2019 Men's Basketball World Cup. Additionally, an independent sample T-test was conducted to test the difference in performance indicators of attack and defense between the top eight and bottom eight teams. Spearman Rho Correlation was conducted to determine the relationship between the attacking and defensive RSR value and the final competition ranking at the 0.05 confidence level. Pearson Correlation was employed to test the relationship between the performance indicators and the attacking and defensive RSR value at the 0.05 confidence level. According to Spearman and Pearson Correlation, the indicators which contributed most to the attacking and defensive performance, as well as the correlation between attack and defense and the final ranking, can thus be determined. The results showed that the attacking performance of the top eight teams was far better than the bottom eight teams in terms of average points (p = 0.000), 2-point shoot percentage (p = 0.001), 3-point shoot percentage (p = 0.003), free throw percentage (p = 0.001), turnovers (p = 0.012), and assists (p = 0.000), and there was a significant difference (p < 0.05). However, second attack (p = 0.484), fast-break (p = 0.174), and offensive rebounds (p = 0.261) showed no significant difference between the two cohorts (P > 0.05), and the offensive rebounds of the bottom eight teams were better than the top eight teams. Additionally, there was a large gap between the top eight teams and the bottom eight teams in lost points (p = 0.001) and defensive rebounds (p = 0.000), with a very significant difference (p < 0.01). However, steals (p = 0.760), blocks (p = 0.166), and fouls (p = 0.686) had no significant difference between the two cohorts (P > 0.05). Additionally, there was a very significant difference between attack RSR (p = 0.000), defense RSR (p = 0.006), and the overall attack-defense RSR (p = 0.000) of the top eight and bottom eight teams (p < 0.01), and most top teams focused on developing both attack and defense and paid attention to improve the overall attacking and defensive ability. Moreover, there was a significant relationship between the overall attack-defense performance and assists (p = 0.832), rebounds (p = 0.762), turnovers (p = 0.702), 2-point shoot percentage (p = 0.704), defensive rebounds (p = 0.809), fast-break points (p = 0.577), blocks (p = 0.600), and free throw percentage (p = 0.575). This study showed that the top basketball teams focused on developing both attack and defense, and have the common characteristics of strong attack and defense. Whether it was the attack, defense, or overall attacking and defensive ability, there was a significant relationship with the final ranking. Additionally, this study showed that there were very significant differences in both attacking and defensive abilities between the top eight and bottom eight teams, as well as highlighted their respective advantages and disadvantages in attacking and defensive indicators. Besides that, this study found that performance indicators such as assists, defensive rebounds, 2P%, turnovers, FT%, fast-breaks, and blocks were the main factors that distinguish the top and bottom teams, and they had a significant relationship with overall attacking and defensive performance. The above information allows coaches and players to learn the latest developments in competitive basketball, as well as their advantages and disadvantages, to help them organize targeted training in the future.

Exploring the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Euroleague Basketball.

The aim of this study was to understand how training and playing conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic affected the performance of Euroleague Basketball players. Using a non-participant observation analysis, the study compared the seasons before the lockdown (2018–2019 and 2019–2020; pre-pandemic) with the season after restart (2020–2021; pandemic). Paired t-tests and Wilcoxon tests were applied for variables with normal and non-normal distributions, respectively. The results revealed significant changes (p < 0.05) in several offensive and defensive performance-related variables during pandemic times (without attendance): free throw attempts, free throw percentage, turnovers, three-point attempt rate, fouls (small effect sizes, ESs), points, and possessions (trivial ES). The pre-pandemic HA (70%) significantly decreased after the lockdown, with games played with no crowd (∼51%; p = 0.018, large ES). The one-sample t-test showed that the HA after the COVID-19 interruption was not significantly greater than 50%, indicating that the HA did not endure during the pandemic condition. Although significant differences between home and away teams were found for most performance-related variables (excepting turnovers) in both pre-pandemic and pandemic conditions, variations of the relative HA were only significant for free throw attempts (large ES), points (medium ES), and turnovers (medium ES). The results of this study showed that performance variables were affected by the COVID-19 lockdown. Thus, these findings may help coaches, players, and referees to counteract unwanted competitive events and improve their overall performance, regardless of the contextual/situational circumstances encountered.

Associations of circadian change, travel distance, and their interaction with basketball performance: a retrospective analysis of 2014–2018 National Basketball Association data

ABSTRACT This investigation aimed to clarify the influence of circadian change and travel distance on National Basketball Association (NBA) team performance using a dataset from the 2014–2018 seasons. Data from 9,840 games were acquired from an open-access source. Game point differential and team free-throw percentage served as outcome variables. Time zone change (TZΔ) captured raw circadian delay/advance based on travel for a game and adjusted TZΔ (AdjTZΔ) evolved TZΔ by allowing acclimation to a novel TZ. We also further categorized AdjTZΔ into AdjTZΔ_A, which assumed travel the day before each game and AdjTZΔ_B, which assumed teams spent as many days in their home city as possible. Travel distance for each game was calculated. Linear mixed-effects modeling estimated associations, with games nested within team and year. Adjusted associations accounted for differences in team ability, whether the game was home or away, and whether the game occurred on the second half of a back-to-back game sequence. Greater circadian misalignment, regardless of delay or advance, and increasing travel distance negatively influenced NBA game performance. Yet, results suggest that performance outcomes may be more influenced by travel distance than circadian misalignment. Moreover, circadian misalignment and travel distance interacted to significantly influence game point differential. Furthermore, differences in results across analyses were observed between AdjTZΔ_A and AdjTZΔ_B, which suggests that subtle differences in constructed travel schedules can have notable impact on NBA performance outcomes. Lastly, playing on the second half of a back-to-back sequence emerged as a robust predictor of performance disadvantage, which corroborates the existing literature and provides further support for NBA schedule changes purposed to enhance competitive equity by reducing the number of back-to-back games across a season. These findings can help guide NBA teams on key strategies for reducing travel-related disadvantages and inform schedule makers on critical factors to prioritize across future schedules to attenuate competitive inequity from travel. Furthermore, they can help direct teams towards scenarios that are best to target for load management purposes due to the cumulative disadvantage arising from travel-related factors, opponent quality, game location, and game sequence.

Does the ball lie? Testing the Rasheed Wallace hypothesis

Abstract Former NBA all-star forward Rasheed Wallace popularized the catchphrase “Ball Don’t Lie.” Rasheed would often shout this after an opponent missed a free throw. It was used by Rasheed to illustrate the mental impact on a free throw shooter from knowing the foul was questionable and its impact on likelihood of converting the ensuing free throw. The tendency to miss free throws associated with questionable foul calls—or the propensity for the ball to miss—would be followed by Rasheed’s “Ball Don’t Lie!” exclamation. This paper aims to test whether the ball was less likely to go through the hoop during free throws following questionable foul calls. We use a proxy to identify the questionableness of a foul call, one that Rasheed Wallace was very familiar with—whenever the original shooting foul was immediately followed by a technical foul. This proxy is meant to capture player and coach reactions to a shooting foul call. If the call was bad, or questionable, we expect more outrage from the team the foul was called on, which tends to draw technical fouls. Our findings do not support Rasheed’s prediction; the propensity to make a shooting foul free throw does not appear to change after a technical. In fact, using a subset of our data period under which the NBA changed technical foul rules to target complaining about foul calls, we find a small increase in free throw percentage after a technical foul call.

0001 Associations Between Circadian Factors and Travel Distance with Performance: A retrospective analysis of 2014-2018 National Basketball Association Data

Abstract Introduction Frequent travel across time zones and travelling long distances interferes with healthy sleep and disrupts the circadian system, often degrading athletic performance. National Basketball Association (NBA) players face a demanding travel schedule often requiring multiple games per week, with games spanning the continental United States. This investigation aimed to clarify the influence of circadian factors and travel distance on NBA performance using a dataset from the 2014-2018 seasons. Methods NBA (2014-2018) game data were acquired from an open-access source: (https://www.kaggle.com/ionaskel/nba-games-stats-from-2014-to-2018). Circadian variables of time zone change (TZ∆) and adjusted jet lag (AJL) were formulated, with quadratic versions utilized across analyses. TZ∆ captured circadian delay/advance based on travel for a game, with each TZ going eastward and westward reflected by -1 and +1, respectively. AJL advances TZ∆ by allowing acclimation to a novel TZ, with each day resulting in a 1-unit change towards circadian neutral. AJL is a season-long rolling summation, which was computed using two different travel approaches: Approach1 (AJL1) assumes travel the day before each game, whereas Approach2 (AJL2) was designed to prioritize being home. A standardized flight tracker determined travel distance for each game (GameDistance). Team ability differences, characterized as difference in season win percentages (SeasonWinPerDiff), served as an analytic covariate. Game point differential (PointDiff), defined as a team’s score minus their opponent’s score, and a team’s free throw percentage (FreeThrowPer) served as outcome variables. Linear mixed-effects modeling assessed univariate and multivariate associations, with games nested within both team and year. Results AJL2 (β = -0.63; p = .01) and GameDistance (β = -0.73; p&amp;lt;0.0001) significantly associated with PointDiff. TZ∆ (β = -0.002; p = .03), AJL1 (β = -0.002; p =.04) and GameDistance (β = -0.003; p = 0.007) significantly associated with FreeThrowPer. AJL2 and GameDistance maintained significant relationship with PointDiff in fully adjusted model that included AJL2, GameDistance, and SeasonWinPerDiff. Conclusion Results suggest that both circadian delay/advance and greater distance traveled for games negatively influence NBA performance, even when controlling for differences in team ability. Season travel and flight plans could be constructed to reduce the effects of circadian misalignment and travel distance. Support (If Any) None

Modeling the Keys to Team's Success in the Women's Chinese Basketball Association.

The technical characteristics of women’s basketball may differ from men’s basketball, and there is a need to identify the key performance indicators (KPIs) that contribute to the success of women’s teams. The aim of the current study was to examine and quantify the relationships between technical performance indicators and match outcome in elite women’s basketball using both linear and non-linear statistical methods, the effectiveness of the two methods was compared as well. A total of 136 matches (n = 272 teams’ observations) in the regular season of Women’s Chinese Basketball Association (WCBA; season 2020–2021) were analyzed using multiple linear regression (MLR) and quantile regression (QR). Results showed that two-point percentage, offensive rebounds, assists and turnovers had significant effects on the match outcome for both MLR and QR analysis. No significant relationships were observed between match outcome and three-point percentage, steals, and fouls. The results between MLR and QR analysis were different in free-throw percentage, defensive rebounds and blocks. Current results highlighted QR analysis is an advanced statistical model more powerful than the traditional linear method for the identification of KPIs. The identified KPIs may help coaches to develop more specific training interventions and match strategies during match play.

Hybrid Basketball Game Outcome Prediction Model by Integrating Data Mining Methods for the National Basketball Association

The sports market has grown rapidly over the last several decades. Sports outcomes prediction is an attractive sports analytic challenge as it provides useful information for operations in the sports market. In this study, a hybrid basketball game outcomes prediction scheme is developed for predicting the final score of the National Basketball Association (NBA) games by integrating five data mining techniques, including extreme learning machine, multivariate adaptive regression splines, k-nearest neighbors, eXtreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), and stochastic gradient boosting. Designed features are generated by merging different game-lags information from fundamental basketball statistics and used in the proposed scheme. This study collected data from all the games of the NBA 2018–2019 seasons. There are 30 teams in the NBA and each team play 82 games per season. A total of 2460 NBA game data points were collected. Empirical results illustrated that the proposed hybrid basketball game prediction scheme achieves high prediction performance and identifies suitable game-lag information and relevant game features (statistics). Our findings suggested that a two-stage XGBoost model using four pieces of game-lags information achieves the best prediction performance among all competing models. The six designed features, including averaged defensive rebounds, averaged two-point field goal percentage, averaged free throw percentage, averaged offensive rebounds, averaged assists, and averaged three-point field goal attempts, from four game-lags have a greater effect on the prediction of final scores of NBA games than other game-lags. The findings of this study provide relevant insights and guidance for other team or individual sports outcomes prediction research.

The effects of a brief mindfulness intervention on basketball free-throw shooting performance under pressure

Brief mindfulness training can improve cognitive performance under pressure; however, no studies have examined the effects of mindfulness on athletic performance under pressure. Participants in the current study were 32 young-adult, male basketball players who shot free-throws in a low-pressure phase, then were pair-matched and randomly assigned to mindfulness (n = 16) or control (n = 16) conditions. Participants listened to a 15 min mindfulness or history recording before pressure was induced. Then, free-throws made and shot quality was recorded for 20 free-throws. A mixed ANOVA revealed that during the high-pressure phase, the mindfulness groups’ shooting average (M = 70.7%) was not statistically different from the control’s (M = 61.6%), nor was shot quality rating different between the mindfulness group (M = 73.44) and controls (M = 67.38). A chi-square indicated no statistically significant relationship between group assignment and number of free-throws made on the first attempt under pressure (mindfulness = 12, control = 7), though there was a medium effect size (χ 2 = 3.24, p = .07, φ = .32). During the pressure phase, mindfulness participants reported lower cognitive anxiety with a medium effect size (p = .048, d = .73) and lower somatic anxiety, with a large effect size, (p = .014, d = .94) than controls. Although the intervention did not have a statistically significant effect on performance, findings are discussed in terms of practical significance. Additionally, the treatment group’s lower anxiety indicates that brief mindfulness training influences athletes’ mental states under pressure. Lay Summary: A brief mindfulness training did not statistically improve free-throw percentage under pressure compared to controls; however, there were medium-sized effects in group differences in performance on the first free-throw under pressure. Mindfulness participants also reported lower anxiety than controls, suggesting that a brief mindfulness training influences mental states prior to athletic performance. Implications for Practice A 15 min mindfulness intervention appears to have some effects on participants’ first basketball free-throw shot and state anxiety when performing under pressure, though more research is needed before a clear recommendation can be made about the intervention.

Searching for momentum in NBA triplets of free throws

ABSTRACTThe literature on momentum is still undecided, with mixed results whether momentum exists or is only perceived to exist (“hot hand fallacy”). We explore whether momentum exists by looking at cases in which a basketball player has three consecutive free throws. A free throw is a well-defined task executed in a stable environment, allegedly giving momentum optimal chances to occur. Taking 14 NBA seasons we collected over 4500 three-free-throw sets (triplets). We obtained the outcomes of the shots as well as some additional variables about the player and the game: the player’s average free-throw percentage, home or away, and the game score and the quarter when the free throws were attempted. We first analyse the hit rates in the three shots and then proceed to regression analysis that also controls for the abovementioned variables. We address several concerns raised in the literature. All comparisons and analyses yield the same conclusion that there is no evidence for momentum in the data.

Aerobic Training does Not Improve Competitive Performance in Young Elite Basketball Players

Research background and hypothesis. While for some authors team sport players should have a high VO 2 max, we hypothesize that there exist a non-linear relationship between VO 2 max and basketball performance. Research aims. Research aims were to study the correlation between basketball performance and VO 2 max in young elite basketball players and the effects of VO 2 max training on performance.Research methods. In the fi rst study, 67 high-level young basketball players performed a shuttle-run test (SRT) to measure their VO 2 max. Competition performance assessed through statistics ratings of 5 matches was determined for all players. The correlation between VO 2 max and performance was calculated. In the second study, the VO 2 max and the competition performance of 34 high-level young male players was assessed as in the fi rst study. The sample was divided into control and experimental groups, which trained their VO 2 max. At the end of the training period all participants repeated the SRT. The results of 4 games played before the fi rst test and 4 games played after the second test (against the same opponents) were compared in both groups.Research results. In the fi rst study we found a correlation of VO 2 max with steals in both groups. In the second study, the experimental group increased their VO 2 max and steals per game, but they decreased free throw per game and free throw percentage. Discussion and conclusions. No correlation was found between VO 2 max and competitive performance in this study, and increased VO 2 max had no effect on most of the studied variables. The data therefore suggest a non-linear relationship between VO 2 max and basketball performance.Keywords: aerobic capacity, basketball performance, non-linear relationship.

The Investigation of the Effects of Some Variables in the Playoff Games Played in Turkey Women’s Basketball Super League between 2013-2017 on Winning and Losing

Purpose: The aim of this research was to reveal positive and negative effects of the parameters causing to win or lose the game by investigating playoff series games played in Turkey Women’s Basketball Super League between 2013-2017. Material: The data used in the research was obtained from end of game statistics given by Turkish Basketball Federation (TBF). The variables measured (2-point field-goals percentage, 3-point field-goals percentage, free throw percentage, offensive rebound, defensive rebound, assist, steal, turnover, block, and free throws) were analyzed by Logistic Regression Analysis test method according to the winner and loser teams (P<0.05), and the goodness of fit of the test model was measured by Hosmer and Lemeshow Test (Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness of fit test). Results: Hosmer and Lemeshow goodness of fit test result was found 0.724. The model was seen to be relatively small model (-2 Log likelihood, 139.731) Cox & Snell R Square showed that it explained 47% of the variance, and Nagelkerke R Square showed that it explained 63% of the variance. Conclusions: According to the results of the research, it was found that a one-unit increase in 2-point field-goals percentage, 3-point field-goals percentage, offensive rebound, defensive rebound, steal and turnover variables had significant effects of winning and losing the game.

Thinking Regulation Characteristics of Basketball Free-throw Based on Event-Related Potential Analysis

To design the basketball free-throw situation, observe the eye movements and Event-Related Potential (ERP) indexes and analyze the thinking regulation characteristics of basketball players at free throw. A total of 30 male colleges students of basketball major in physical education (training group) and 30 non basketball major male college students in physical education (sports education group) were selected randomly. The gazing duration, saccade distance, pupil change amplitude and the percentage index of ERP I¸ and I² frequency band power during the free-throw process. In the absence of special free-throw gaze training, athletes have differences in their action details; the simplistic, programmed and standardized gazing training can effectively reduce individual differences and improve the free-throw percentage. The subjects tend to have multiple sensory association at free throw and the attention of the expert athletes tends to focus on the vision and right limbs. The mental energy consumption of the expert athletes in the mind regulation process is more economical and the task load is lower.

Shaq is not Alone: Free-Throws in the Final Moments of a Basketball Game.

It has been previously observed that basketball free-throw (FT) shooting efficiency decreases towards the end of the game. The aim of the current study was to explore possible determinants for this distinctive pattern during close games (point differential of equal or under 2 points during the final minute of the game). A sample of shots attempted by 92 players in the Spanish professional basketball league (ACB) was collected. Several personal (age, experience, playing position and career FT percentage) and contextual (team ability, competition stage, game location, seconds remaining and score differential) variables were considered for the analysis of the data. The effects of the predictor variables on the players’ performance were analyzed according to two game contexts (FT attempted during the final minute or the last pair of FTs) using binomial logistic regression analysis. The results showed that during the final minute the only statistically significant variable was being in the center playing position (OR = 1.58), which decreased the FT shooting percentage compared to forwards and guards. In addition, the results during the last pair of FTs showed that the playing position of guards (OR = 1.70) and centers (OR = 2.22) was significant (a decrease in their FT percentage). Conversely, the score differential when tied (OR = -1.17) or losing (OR = -2.43) was significant, reflecting a lower probability of missing the shot. The results were interpreted and discussed from the viewpoints of crisis theory and the literature on choking in athletic performance.

Analysis of the Characteristics of Thinking Control during Basketball Free Throw Based on Electroencephalogram

There are important features about the simultaneous exchange of information among different regions of the brain. Synchronization of Electroencephalogram (EEG) signals in different frequency bands is one of the important means to understand the brain. EEG can help discover many unknown details and explain some human behaviours. In addition, it can provide help and theoretical basis for other information research. In order to explore what affects the basketball players’ free-throw percentage, this paper conducts a statistical survey of the free throws by college basketball players. By observing the brain waves which reflect the happy and sad moods of the test subjects in the cerebral cortex, this paper analyses the relationship between brain waves and free throw performance. It discusses the factors that affect the psychological changes of basketball players and the general psychological training methods for them. By learning about the psychological characteristics of basketball players, it analyses the psychological adjustment methods for basketball players in various movements. In summary, this paper analyses the factors that affect the free throw percentage from the psychological, physical and technical perspectives, which provides a better reference for future scientific training.

The prediction of the Korean Basketball League (KBL) winning percentage: Applying the possession concept

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to predict winning percentage in the Korean Basketball League(KBL) by applying the possession concept. [Methods] The model to estimate possession was utilized by formula used in NBA(National Basketball Association). Data consist of 20 seasons of the KBL (1997-2017). For data analysis, multiple regression analysis, Fisher’s Z transformation and stepwise multiple regression analysis were performed using SPSS 22.0. [Results] The result indicated that average team stats per possession had more explanatory power in predicting the KBL teams’ winning percentage than average team stats per game. The most important factor for winning in the KBL was defensive rebounds and followed by 2-point field goal percentage, steals, 3-point field goal percentage, free throw attempts, turnovers, offensive rebounds, blocked shots, free throw percentage, and assists. The results of this study provided fundamental information for the data analysis of Korean basketball games. It might be useful for basketball coaches to manage and instruct their teams. [Conclusion] Practical implications and future research direction were also suggested.