PARAMETERS OF BALL RELEASE IN WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL FREE THROW SHOOTING

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify the relationship between ball release parameters and player classification in wheelchair basketball free throw shooting. Utilizing three-dimensional (3D) video data collected during international competition, parameters of ball release associated with performance of the dean swish were examined. Significant differences were identified between the four player classes. The upper classes (3 & 4) tended to release the ball from a greater height, with less speed and a smaller angle of projection. The lower classes used a technique that demanded greater accuracy, but still managed to achieve free throw shooting percentages similar to the upper classes (3 & 4) who did not appear to utilize their height advantage.