A kinematic analysis of the basketball shot performance: impact of distance variation to the basket

Purpose: The aim of the current study was to examine the variation on the kinematic parameters in the basketball shot associated with the shooting distance. Methods: Twenty-seven female adolescent basketball players aged 12.1 ± 0.9 years completed 10 BS trials from a frontal position of 4.75 m and 5.75 m from the basket. Nine anatomical markers were placed on the participants’ dominant side to assess the kinematic variables. The following variables were analyzed: angle, velocity, and height at ball release; centre of mass horizontal displacement and maximum height attained; maximum hip height and hip height at release; shoulder, elbow, and knee angular position and velocity at ball release; deepest knee flexion during the preparatory phase; the peak of the angular velocity of the shoulder, elbow, and knee joints. Results: At release, the angle decreased while velocity increased significantly at 5.75 m. During the release, greater shoulder flexion and increased joint (shoulder and knee) angular velocity were observed. The deepest knee flexion and the centre of mass horizontal displacement were accentuated at 5.75 m. The ball release occurred before the peak of the jump phase. Conclusions: To compensate for the long ball trajectory to the basket, participants perform a set of adjustments in the body segmental organization to increase the ball velocity at release. The coaches’ feedback should focus on the shooting arm’s positioning and in the jump phase (to jump as close to vertical as possible). Also, a consistent shooting technique should be acquired close to the basket before expanding the shooting range.