| Wheelchair basketball is an exciting, highly competitive sport. To gain the "competitive edge" required for success, there is a need to fully understand and develop the fundamental skills involved. The free throw (FT) is especially important as it provides an opportunity for a team to score free or uncontested points and is often the deciding factor in a close game. Unfortunately, FT success rates in wheelchair basketball tend to be quite low.; Using data collected at the 6th Men's Gold Cup World Wheelchair Basketball Championship, an in-depth, three-part investigation of the FT was conducted. Issues related to outcome characteristics, segment coordination, and shooting mechanics in performance of the FT by wheelchair basketball players were examined.; A review of game statistics confirmed the low FT shooting percentages and importance of successful FT shooting to overall success. Schematic diagrams, which recorded the systematic nature of ball action at the basket, indicated that short shots comprise the most prominent free throw error.; Utilizing 3-D video data collected at the tournament, segmental coordination of the shooting arm was examined. Variables related to the timing and sequencing of joint motion at the shoulder, elbow and wrist were assessed. It was found that players tended to perform the FT with a combination of sequential and simultaneous segment rotations.; In addition, video data was used to examine the parameters of ball release and joint kinematics associated with performance of the clean swish by each of the classes. Significant differences were identified between the classes in the FT shooting mechanics required for a clean swish. The lower classes (1 & 2) tended to release the ball from a lower height, with greater velocity and angle of projection. In addition, they demonstrated a smaller angle of shoulder flexion at release, and greater maximum angular velocity at the shoulder and elbow.; In conclusion, the results indicate the need for specific coaching and training techniques and provide direction for such interventions. Preliminary guidelines for identifying individual outcome errors have been provided, as well as information as to the mechanics used for successful FT shooting by players in each of the classes. |
