INTRODUCTION

Many factors influence the form of a basketball free throw. One important example is the mechanics of the shooting form such as shoulder flexion, elbow angle, wrist extension, follow through, and knee flexion and extension. In addition, the amount of experience the player possesses will influence whether the shot is smooth, fluid, and consistent versus the shot being jerky or inconsistent. According to Southard and Miracle, "many performers develop consistent patterns of performance with subconscious, albeit persistent, rhythmic patterns." These factors are important contributors to a basketball player's success with free throws.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the shooting form used by experienced basketball players versus non-experienced players. This was accomplished through the comparison of a free throw shot by a collegiate female varsity basketball player and a collegiate female inexperienced player. This kinematic study analyzed the form of each player through joint movements at the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, and ankle. The focus was to discover differences in the mechanics of the shot between the two subjects.