INTRODUCTION

In our project, we want to analyze the differences in shooting (particularly free-throw shooting) with the dominant and non-dominant arm. The importance of the study lies in the final analysis in that if there are differences, proper mechanics can be modified in the non-dominant arm to match those of the dominant arm. Our investigation places emphasis on players who suffer injuries to their dominant arm. A study done by Southard et al (1993) has shown that the behaviors most important to free throw success are those that may be totally controlled by the subject and remain stable with changing conditions. We predict that there will comparable differences in both the dominant and non-dominant arm during the free-throw shooting movements.

The purpose of our study is to reveal that there are differences in each arm and that those possible differences, according to Southard's study, could be controlled to produce a succesful free-throw. The two joints under study are the acromioclavicular joint and the radiohumeral/ ulnahumeral joints. The joint angle under study is the acromioclavicular- radiohumeral -ulnarlunate angle. The body segment under study is the humerus.