# Effects of playing experience on joint kinetics and ball-release velocity in mid- and long-range basketball jump shots

## TL;DR

This study shows that experienced basketball players generate more joint power and velocity during jump shots compared to novices, especially at longer distances.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific joint kinetics and velocity differences between experienced and novice basketball players during jump shots.

## Key findings

- Experienced players showed greater wrist, elbow, and knee joint kinetics and higher vertical release velocity.
- Longer shooting distances increased shoulder peak power and horizontal release velocity.
- Training recommendations for novices include wrist endurance, explosive power, and velocity drills.

## Abstract

This study investigated how playing experience influences joint kinetics and ball-release velocity during mid- and long-range jump shots. Wrist, elbow, shoulder and knee rate of torque development (RTD), peak power (Ppeak), and angular impulse (AI) were quantified, along with vertical release velocity (VV) and horizontal release velocity (HV) at release.

In a cross-sectional design, 15 experienced and 15 novice male collegiate basketball players each performed three made jump shots from 4.8 m and 6.75 m. A 3-D motion-capture system synchronised with force plates provided the data used to compute RTD, Ppeak, AI, VV and HV. Outcomes were compared with a two-way mixed ANOVA.

Experienced players exhibited greater wrist AI (p < 0.001), elbow RTD (p = 0.002), Ppeak (p = 0.045) and AI (p < 0.001), knee Ppeak (p = 0.002) and VV (p < 0.001). Longer shooting distance increased shoulder Ppeak (p = 0.036) and HV (p = 0.018).

Collectively, these results show that experience enhances joint kinetic output, providing the mechanical foundation for more efficient and dependable shooting. For novice players, emphasising wrist-endurance work, explosive-power training for the elbow and knee, and targeted drills to raise VV is recommended to improve overall on-court shooting performance.