Basketball free-throw training with augmented reality-based optimal shot trajectory for novice shooters

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Motor Learning

Background:

• Basketball free-throw performance relies on consistent technique and visual focus.
• Traditional training methods may not effectively address the complex motor skills and visual strategies involved.
• Augmented reality (AR) offers a novel approach to provide real-time feedback and guidance for skill acquisition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate an AR-based training system for improving basketball free-throw accuracy.
• To investigate the impact of AR-guided optimal trajectory projection on novice shooters' performance.
• To assess changes in eye-gaze behavior, specifically quiet eye (QE) duration, as an indicator of improved motor control.

Main Methods:

• An AR system projected optimal free-throw trajectories via a head-mounted display, adjusted for the shooter's release point.
• Novice shooters were divided into an AR-training group and a control-training group.
• Success rates and quiet eye duration (QED) were measured before, during, and after the training interventions.

Main Results:

• The AR-training group did not show immediate improvement during AR guidance but exhibited increased success rates post-training.
• AR training significantly increased quiet eye duration (QED) compared to pre- and post-training baseline measurements.
• The control group demonstrated no significant changes in success rate or QED.

Conclusions:

• The AR training system effectively influenced quiet eye behavior in novice basketball players.
• The system demonstrated potential for enhancing free-throwing shooting performance after the training period.
• AR technology presents a promising tool for sports skill acquisition and performance improvement.