A new study suggests that a simple touch from a teammate can have a big impact on a basketball player's success during free throw attempts, especially after missing the first shot.The research results were published in a magazine Psychology of sport and exercise.
Previous research has widely documented the calming effects of physical touch, such as hugs and pats on the back, which can help individuals feel calmer and reduce stress levels. However, the impact of such physical interactions on performance during stressful tasks remains underexplored. Free throws are a unique blend of skill, concentration, and psychological pressure, as players face not only the physical challenge of the shot, but also the intense scrutiny of a crowd and the weight of their team's expectations.
For their study, researchers analyzed a total of 60 basketball games involving NCAA women's teams. These games were chosen for their availability and the clarity with which player interactions could be observed. The main focus of observation was the time between the two free throws during which teammates could interact with the shooter.
The researchers recorded all instances of physical contact between the shooter and up to four teammates on the court, such as holding hands, tapping on the shoulder, or any other form of gentle contact. For each of the 835 times a player threw two free throws, the researchers recorded the number and type of physical touches the player received from teammates after the first shot and before the second shot. did.
Researchers found that players were more likely to make a second free throw if they received physical touch from a teammate after missing their first free throw. This effect was statistically significant, indicating a clear association between supportive gestures and improved performance under stress.
According to the researchers, this study shows that “physical contact by teammates improves performance in one of the most stressful athletic tasks imaginable: making a missed free throw in basketball.” It is said that it is showing.
“The positive effect of touch is evident even after controlling for various player and game factors known to influence free throw performance. Our findings therefore indicate that all points It speaks to the power of touch to deal with pressure in basketball, a multi-billion dollar business where money is valuable.
“Furthermore, our findings extend previous theory by showing that physical contact actually improves performance under pressure. It can be a powerful antidote to the negative effects of stress on performance in other team endeavors, such as work.”
Although the findings are promising, the researchers acknowledge some limitations. Because the study was observational and focused only on women's basketball, the results may not directly apply to other groups, such as male athletes or professional players, without further research.
This study does not establish a causal relationship between touch and performance. It only identifies associations that may be influenced by other factors, such as team dynamics and individual differences in how players perceive and benefit from physical contact. .
Looking to the future, the researchers suggest expanding this study to investigate whether the observed effects hold in different settings, such as during practice or in less competitive settings. We also recommend investigating the role of sincerity and the intentions behind touch, which may influence the effectiveness of the support provided.
Additionally, expanding the demographics to include male athletes and professional athletes may provide a more comprehensive understanding of how physical contact affects performance in different situations. .
The study, “The Power of Human Touch: Physical Contact Improves Basketball Free Throw Performance,” was authored by Christiane M. Buttner, Christoph Kentemich, and Kipling D. Williams.