Imagine you’re standing at the free-throw line in a basketball game, with the score close and the clock ticking down. It’s just you and the hoop, and the pressure is intense.
Now, picture a teammate giving you a quick tap on the shoulder before you take the shot.
Could this simple act make a difference in whether you score? According to a study led by researchers at the University of Basel, it just might.
In the heat of a basketball game, a free throw is a critical moment. This shot, awarded after a foul, can earn valuable points, often determining the game’s outcome.
Christiane Büttner and her research team were curious about the role that physical support, like a shoulder tap or a hand squeeze from teammates, plays in these high-stress situations.
To explore this, they turned to the world of women’s college basketball in the United States. Analyzing video from 60 games in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), they focused on instances where players took two free throws back-to-back.
They observed the interactions between the shooter and her teammates, particularly looking for moments of physical contact before the shots.
The findings were intriguing. They discovered that players were more likely to make a successful shot after receiving some form of touch from their teammates, especially if they had missed the first shot.
It seems that a gesture of support can provide a psychological boost just when it’s needed most—after a setback.
This study suggests something bigger than just a basketball strategy. It points to the importance of physical support in managing stress and improving performance, not just in sports but potentially in other team-based activities.
A pat on the back or a supportive squeeze could be a simple yet powerful way to help each other through stressful times.
Christiane Büttner’s research provides valuable insight into the small, human interactions that can make a big difference in performance under pressure. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best support comes from just knowing your team has your back, in sports and in life.
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The research findings can be found in Psychology of Sport and Exercise.
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