Free-Throw Shooting Performance as a Function of Preshot Routines

Abstract

This study assessed the effectiveness of preshot routines on free-throw shooting behaviour of experienced basketball players. 30 male subjects were assigned to one of three conditions, no routine, standardized physical routine, and imagery/ physical routine. Subjects' performance was assessed in four sessions spaced over a six-week period. In between sessions, subjects were given practice with the preshot routine of their condition. In the first session all subjects attempted the throws using their regular preshot routine, whereas in the remaining three sessions they performed as required by their assigned condition. Over-all, the imagery group performed significantly better than the routine group which in turn performed better than the no-routine group. The last test session's performance of the routine and the physical/imagery routine groups but not the no-routine group was similar to players' regular preshot routine performance, suggesting that withdrawal of experienced players' regular preshot activity has a relatively long-lasting detrimental effect on their free-throw shooting performance.