Practical Findings

    

The hypothesis was supported by the data. Within the group’s hypothesis, it stated that basketball players shooting from extended ranges would require faster ball release speed from the elbow to generate greater angular velocity. The results showed that elbow angular velocity increased, as the shooting distance increased. This indicates that while shooting from further distances such as a 3-point shot in basketball, the players extend their elbow faster. Thus, this supports the idea that greater release speed is needed to generate enough force and ball velocity to cover the required shooting distance. Chen et al (2026), supports the hypothesis identifying that a player’s movement patterns will change due to the situational constraint of the shooting distance, where there will be higher angular velocity. 

Additionally, the data was supported within the trend highlighted from the lower limbs, where angular velocity of the knees also increased with distance. This suggests that while shooting a basketball, the angular velocity of the elbow is not the only movement required, but rather involves a coordinated increase in force production throughout the kinetic chain, with the legs also contributing power to assist with the shot. 

Explanation of findings through biomechanics principles:

Angular Velocity 

The main biomechanical principle used within this investigation was angular velocity. This was critical to investigate as it was discovered that with a greater elbow angular velocity, the extension of the shooting arm was faster, thus increasing the release speed of the ball (Chen et al., 2026). Over further shooting distances, the forearm is rotated faster during the extension phase to ensure there is enough force to reach the basket. The increase in angular velocity is also demonstrated in the legs, demonstrating that as the distance increases, greater force is required for the shot, thus using the legs to generate upward momentum.  

Kinetic chain

The higher angular velocity allows for greater transfer of energy through the kinetic chain, contributing to increased ball velocity. Force in the shot is maximised by the body segments moving faster in sequence through the body to the ball. A basketball shot is an open kinetic chain movement and since the hypothesis supports both elbow and leg angular velocity increase with distance, it suggests that shooting requires the coordinated force transfer from the lower body -> trunk -> arm -> ball (Blazevich, 2017). Within basketball, if force is effectively transferred through the kinetic chain, shot efficiency is improved and will result in reduced fatigue. 

Newton’s Third Law – Action-reaction 

As the use of the legs was discovered as a key element in a successful shot and increased angular velocity, Newton’s third law of action-reaction indicates the introduction of ground reaction forces (Blazevich, 2017). The data demonstrated an increase in the generated force from the ground to contribute to the shot power. When shooting from further distances in basketball, the individual must create a powerful lower-body drive, which according to the law will create an equal and opposite reaction of the force to gain upward momentum. As this force travels upward through the body, the movement velocity of the shot is increased. Without increased ground reaction forces, individuals would struggle to reach the required distance of the shot with just angular velocity through the elbow. 

Levers 

The elbow is a third-class lever. This prioritises speed and range of motion rather than force production, meaning faster elbow extension can create greater distal segment velocity and increase ball release speed (Chen et al., 2026). The legs also act through level systems at the hip, knee, and ankle to generate force during extension. This demonstrates that the faster the distal segment speed at each lever will result in increased angular velocity and ball speed, which is important for each range of shot.  

Projectile Motion

The player individually can change the arc height and release angle of the ball to ensure shooting efficacy during a jump shot (Li et al., 2025). Figures 1 and 2 demonstrate the release angle and trajectory of the shot from under the post and 3-point line. The release angle from under the ring was 56° as the ball required a more upward trajectory to lift the ball to the basket from aa close distance. Comparing this to the 3-point shot, the angle decreased to 46°, which suggests that when shooting from a greater distance this participant utilises a flatter release angle to still release the basketball with speed and enough force to cover the longer horizontal distance.  

Figure 1: Close up shot                                           Figure 2: 3-point shot 

Application of practical findings across different athletes, skill levels or performance contexts:

The findings may vary across different athletes, skill levels or performance contexts as basketball shooting mechanics are influenced by physical characteristics, experience, strength and situational demands.  

The individual’s skill level will influence results, as more skilled players can demonstrate greater competence in efficiency of the kinetic chain. Experienced basketball shooters understand the importance of lower body force production to ensure a smooth transition from the legs through to the wrist, with the upper body movement remaining the same no matter the distance. Compared to less skilled basketballer shooters who may rely on upper body strength, which will vary results in angular velocities. 

Various athlete individual characteristics such as height, limb length, strength and body mass are also key factors that may influence the shot. The angular velocity may change per athlete due to their height, as taller players have a higher release point of the ball, thus using lower release angles and speed to achieve the same shot distance as a shorter player. Individuals with greater strength may generate angular velocity with less effort, whereas weaker individuals may alter technique or movement sequence to gain enough force for the shot. 

The context to which the shot is taken is also another factor. During training conditions, individuals rarely have defensive pressure, fatigue or game time pressures that may alter shooting mechanics. While fronted with different pressures, the individuals may modify their technique by increasing release height or speeding up release to beat defenders. This will change data collected as performance context alters how players move and execute skill.