Influence of Pre-Shooting Activity on Three-Points Jump Shot Parameters Between Junior and Senior Regional Level Basketball Players

Abstract

The aims of this study were: 1. to investigate the influence of pre-shooting activity on the three-point jump shot entry angle and release time in regional level basketball players; 2. to examine age related differences in these parameters between juniors and seniors. Thirty three perimeter players , were assigned to juniors (n=16, age=17.34±0.54 years; height=191.3±8.18 cm; weight= 77.08±7.41 training experience=6.75±2.30 years) and seniors (n=17, age=22.79±4.47 years; height =194.4±7.47 cm; weight= 80.42±7.45d; training experience= 12.18±3.17 years) had three sets of 5 shots, with a different preparatory phase for every set: 1. spot shot, 2. after two forward steps, or 3. after one dribble. Only successful shots (n= 233) were analyzed. The difference between groups was determined with ANOVA, while the differences in shot accuracy were determined by the chi-square test. Study results reported no statistically significant differences in entry angle and release time for 3 different pre-shooting patterns. Seniors had significantly higher shooting accuracy (X2=3.097; p=0.048, φ=-0.089) higher entry angle (p < 0.001) and lower release time (p < 0.001) than juniors for all successful shots combined, and significantly higher (p < 0.001) entry angle for every set independently. Significant difference in shooting accuracy with medium effect size (X2= 6.645; p=0.010, φ=-0.20) was observed in shots after movement. Seniors had statistically lower release time for set 1 (p=0.004) and 2 (p=0.002) independently. Age-related group differences in shooting parameters should be considered to optimize training prescription for basketball players.